Senate Resolution No. 4479

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

COMMENDING The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke upon the
occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Education Leadership Award by the Community Council
for Medgar Evers College, Inc. on April 21, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Education Leadership Award by the
Community Council for Medgar Evers College, Inc. to be celebrated at its
Annual Spring Scholarship and Leadership Awards Luncheon on Saturday,
April 21, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1972, The Community Council for Medgar Evers
College, Inc. includes residents, organizations, faculty, students and
all elected officials of the Central Brooklyn community who support the
mission of the College and, since 1980, has provided more than 220,000
dollars in scholarships to deserving students through fundraising
events, outside grants and contributions; and

WHEREAS, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke earned her Bachelor of
Science degree from Long Island University, and a Master of Education
degree from New York University; she also completed additional
post-graduate studies at both Teachers College and the School of
Business at Columbia University; and

WHEREAS, In November of 2005, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke
received the Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of
Technology in Jamaica, where she also serves as a member of its Board's
Standing Committee on Fiscal Affairs, and its Subcommittee on
Investment; and

WHEREAS, In 1991, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke was the first
Caribbean-born woman to be elected to the New York City Council, proudly
representing Brooklyn's 40th Council District; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her 10-year tenure, The Honorable Una S. T.
Clarke worked on important issues such as child welfare, education,
health and mental health, economic development, public safety and
transportation; and

WHEREAS, This dynamic woman was also an active member of the
Council's Black and Hispanic Caucus, and was instrumental in rebuilding
Kings County Hospital; and

WHEREAS, An educator by profession, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke's
work resulted in upgrades to schools in her district, rebuild parks and

playgrounds, and increase quality childcare programs; she also led many
campaigns to encourage citizenship and voter registration; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke was appointed by
Governor George Pataki to serve as Director of the Empire State
Development Corporation for the Borough of Brooklyn, and was named to
the Board of Trustees for Nazareth Regional High School after her
successful efforts to save the school from closure; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke is a member of the
Diocesan Council for the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, and was
appointed a Trustee of the Brooklyn Children's Museum by New York City
Comptroller Scott Stringer; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke was appointed by
Mayor Bill de Blasio to serve on the Board of Trustees of The City
University of New York; and

WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her
community, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke was the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades including Columbia University's prestigious Charles
H. Revson Fellowship in 1984, and the 2001 Ellis Island Medal of Honor;
in 1999, she received the Commander of the Order of Distinction (C.D.)
from the Government of Jamaica for distinguished service to Jamaicans
and Caribbean nationals in North America; 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 The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Education Leadership Award by the
Community Council for Medgar Evers College, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke.