Senate Resolution No. 1509 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Evon Ervin upon the occasion of her induction into the 2023 Oneida County History Center's Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched by the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have helped shape the history of their area; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Evon Ervin upon the occasion of her induction into the 2023 Oneida County History Center's Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame, to be honored at the annual Historical Hall of Fame and Living Legends Awards Celebration at the Irish Cultural Center in Utica, New York on Thursday, October 19, 2023; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1946, the Historical Hall of Fame honors individuals from Oneida County who have made an impact on the community and the world; its goal is to ensure that noteworthy people in the Oneida community and their achievements are recorded in local history; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Utica, New York, Evon Ervin continuously advocates for change and unity through her service and leadership in the community; she graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, specializing in child life and development; and WHEREAS, Having served people living in poverty in the Oneida and Herkimer Counties, Evon Ervin recently retired as Deputy Director for Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency Inc.; she is a licensed Evangelist, President of St. Matthew's Temple Missionary Board, and Certified Community Action Professional; and WHEREAS, Elected as Oneida County's first female African-American legislator in 2020, Evon Ervin continues to represent Oneida County Legislator District No. 20 and serves on the Health & Human Service, Economic Development, and Public Safety committees; and WHEREAS, Devoted to helping others, Evon Ervin has shared her time and expertise with countless community organizations, such as Communities That Care, NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center, Utica Safe Schools, Utica City School District Board of Education, Utica School District Policy Committee, and BOCES School Board Institute Executive Committee; Evon Ervin is currently involved with The ARC, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, Oneida County NAACP, Black Leadership Coalition, MVCAA Board Member, Utica Public Library, and MVCC Alumni Committee; and WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her beloved spouse for over 43 years, Venice Ervin, who has been privileged to be a part of her life and rejoices in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, With a tireless and unwavering commitment to Central New York and beyond, Evon Ervin devoted her entire life to making communities a better place for its citizens to live, work, and play; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman has an immensely beautiful life built on compassion, kindness, and respect for others; she is one of the most significant and enduring civic and political leaders in the county of Oneida, and her insight and strength will forever serve the countless people she has touched; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Evon Ervin upon the occasion of her induction into the 2023 Oneida County History Center's Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Evon Ervin.