Senate Resolution No. 2830

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Guyana Unity Movement Inc. upon the
occasion of hosting its Unity & Soul Black Tie Gala
on June 9, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Guyana Unity Movement Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its
Unity & Soul Black Tie Gala on Friday, June 9, 2017, at Antun's Banquet
Hall in Queens Village, New York; and

WHEREAS, In May of 2015, two Guyanese women from the Village of
Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, Sherif Barker Fraser and Doris Rodney
decided it was important to celebrate the newly elected government;
after much discussion, both agreed a march on Church Avenue in Brooklyn,
New York, would be reflective of the unity demonstrated during the
election process in Guyana; and

WHEREAS, Through their tireless efforts, the day had finally arrived
for Guyanese citizens living in New York State and around the world, to
unite as One People, One Nation, One Destiny; and

WHEREAS, On Sunday, June 14, 2015, approximately 15,000 Guyanese
individuals gathered to display their pledge of unity; dressed in their
cultural colors, some waving their golden Arrowhead flag, while others
joined hands in harmony, the proud Guyanese people and their friends
marched down Church Avenue, from Bedford Avenue to Schenectady Avenue,
while hundreds of supporters stood on the sideline cheering the crowd on
as they marched in joy and unity; and

WHEREAS, After the march, a group of Guyanese individuals came
together to discuss the activities and its impact on the Guyanese
diaspora; those in attendance decided to form an organization which
focused on uniting Guyanese people while simultaneously providing a
mechanism through which they could voluntarily assist their communities
and peoples through programs and services culturally unique to their
needs; and

WHEREAS, While structuring the organization, the group participated
in a number of volunteer activities aligned with their vision and
mission; with much planning and fanfare, the Guyana Unity Movement Inc.
was officially launched on September 4, 2016; and

WHEREAS, What started as a vision to unite Guyanese to march in
unity for one day has evolved into a fast-growing non-profit
organization committed to fostering growth and development in Guyana,
and the betterment of Guyanese irrespective of their residence; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Guyana Unity Movement Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its
Unity & Soul Black Tie Gala on June 9, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Guyana Unity Movement Inc.