Senate Resolution No. 497

BY: Senator COMRIE

COMMENDING Queens Library, Briarwood Friends
Chapter as they salute Women's Right to Vote in New
York State on February 11, 2017

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
organizations and 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 Queens Library, Briarwood Friends Chapter as they salute Women's
Right to Vote in New York State, to be celebrated at an event on
Saturday, February 11, 2017; and

WHEREAS, The Briarwood Friends Chapter at Queens Library strives to
enrich community life by fostering a relationship between the library
and its neighbors; the Friends work to increase awareness and library
use, act as liaisons between residents and the library, and sponsor
programs which enhance the cultural life of the residents of Queens; and

WHEREAS, Each year, National African-American History Month is
celebrated in February with a myriad of events reflecting the struggles
and victories of African-Americans throughout our country's history and
to recognize their numerous valuable contributions to the protection of
our democratic society in war and in peace; and

WHEREAS, This year, the Briarwood Friends Chapter will recognize and
remember Charlotte E. Ray, the first female African-American Lawyer; and

WHEREAS, Charlotte E. Ray was born in New York City on January 13,
1850; after graduating from the Howard University School of Law in 1872,
she was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar, becoming the first
female African-American lawyer in the United States; her admission was
seen as a shining beacon for all women who sought admission to the Bar;
and

WHEREAS, Charlotte E. Ray opened her own law office and ran
advertisements in a newspaper run by Frederick Douglass; in the late
1880s, she married, and eventually moved to Woodside, Queens where she
became a teacher in Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, Seen as a role model for many, Charlotte E. Ray was active
in the African-American Women's Suffrage Movement and attended its New
York convention in 1876; she was also a vital member of the National
Association of Colored Women where she promoted self-help among women;
and

WHEREAS, Remembered for her legal knowledge and corporate law
expertise, as well as her steadfast and unremitting commitment to
African-American women, Charlotte E. Ray holds her just spot in history
as the first female African-American lawyer; through her selfless

commitment and dedication, she devoted her life and career to the
service of others; and

WHEREAS, A singular asset to all of the citizens she has served in
the community of the State of New York, Charlotte E. Ray's life and
career are a portrait of preeminence in public service, and present a
role model for all who aspire to a career in public service; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Queens Library, Briarwood Friends Chapter as they salute Women's
Right to Vote in New York State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Queens Library, Briarwood Friends Chapter.