Senate Resolution No. 2036 BY: Senator PARKER COMMENDING Abu Bekr Temple No. 91 Oasis of Brooklyn Desert of New York upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Potentates Ball WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 Abu Bekr Temple No. 91 Oasis of Brooklyn Desert of New York upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Potentates Ball, honoring Troy "TJ" Jackson at the Sonesta in White Plains, New York from March 31 - April 2, 2024; and WHEREAS, Abu Bekr Temple No. 91 Oasis of Brooklyn, Desert of New York was chartered August 20, 1949, and resides at 70 Pennsylvania Avenue Brooklyn, New York; the temple was incorporated in 1975; and WHEREAS, The Annual Potentates Ball is an event to honor the current Illustrious Potentate and the members of Abu Bekr Temple No. 91 for all the charity work done throughout the year, ranging from voter registration programs to their back-to-school program to community feeding initiatives, among many other endeavors; and WHEREAS, In 1972, Past Potentate John W. Edgehill of Abu Bekr Temple No. 91 served as the Imperial Potentate of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdiction's, Inc.; and WHEREAS, Temple units such as the Temple Mounted Unit and the Temple Marching Unit, while attending the various Imperial Sessions around the Nation for the past 25 years have won many awards, the most recent being First Place in 2022 while attending Imperial Session in St. Louis Missouri; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals and institutions 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 Abu Bekr Temple No. 91 Oasis of Brooklyn Desert of New York upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Potentates Ball; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Troy Jackson, and the Abu Bekr Temple.