Senate Resolution No. 278 BY: Senator MAYER COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the New Rochelle NAACP on January 29, 2023 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those enduring organizations which devote their purposeful energies to improving the quality and dignity of life of those they serve, to preserving their heritage, and to fostering pride among them; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the New Rochelle NAACP to be celebrated at its Platinum Jubilee on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at the Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle; and WHEREAS, During this momentous occasion, Keynote Speaker and Senior Pastor of the Bethesda Baptist Church, Reverend Dr. Allen Paul Weaver, Jr. will speak about this year's theme, "Resilience Anchored by Faith"; and WHEREAS, The oldest and largest civil rights organization, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in 1909, in New York City by a group of citizens committed to ensuring a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race; and WHEREAS, The New Rochelle Branch of the NAACP was organized in 1923, in the Bethesda Baptist Church, largely through the efforts of Annie Lucille Alleyne and Walter White just 14 years after the National Association was founded; Annie proudly served as the newly founded organization's temporary chairperson; and WHEREAS, As it was in the beginning and today, the New Rochelle NAACP and its members focus their efforts on specific community needs, education, political leadership, membership, technology, and housing; and WHEREAS, Through its due diligence, several members of the New Rochelle NAACP represented by attorney Paul Zuber, successfully challenged the Lincoln School boundaries; this landmark desegregation case has truly paved a path for all children to receive a proper and well-rounded education in a safe and healthy environment; and WHEREAS, Today under the luminous leadership of President, Minister Mark McLean; 1st Vice President, Aisha Cook; 2nd Vice President, Judith Henry; 3rd Vice President, Dr. Jonathan Williams M.D.; Secretary, Denise Ford; Assistant Secretary, Carol Bracey; Treasurer, Gayla Marsh; and its executive committee, the New Rochelle NAACP continues to work with the State and National Office of the NAACP to support its mission to realize justice for all people with a focus on the historically disenfranchised and underrepresented; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, the organization continues to fight against injustices in the local community, targeting its programming on economic development and empowerment, engagement with local youth, educational policy, civic engagement and participation, while maintaining a large membership with the national office; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the New Rochelle NAACP, recognizing its steadfast and unwavering commitment to Westchester County, and to the advancement of the mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Minister Mark McLean, President, New Rochelle NAACP.