Senate Resolution No. 269 BY: Senator PARKER LEGISLATIVE RESOLULTION recognizing and celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Inc., and paying tribute to this year's honorees for their remarkable achievements and contributions to their industries and communities WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor 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 recognize and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Inc., and to pay tribute to this year's distinguished honorees, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Terrace on the Park, Queens, New York; and WHEREAS, The Young, Gifted, & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial Awards were established in 2006 by Carl Gray as a platform to spotlight and celebrate everyday individuals who serve as positive role models, inspiring their peers through their accomplishments, perseverance, and contributions; and WHEREAS, The YGB Entrepreneurial Awards originated as a marketing initiative to support the Blue Mahoe Restaurant in New York City, growing into an enduring program that has honored over 300 entrepreneurial recipients while fostering inspiration and motivation for countless others; and WHEREAS, The YGB Entrepreneurial Awards have expanded their mission to include tributes during Black History Month to luminaries such as Robert Nesta Marley, Coretta Scott King, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and everyday individuals whose entrepreneurial efforts make a significant impact on their communities; and WHEREAS, Carl Gray's vision for the YGB Entrepreneurial Awards has remained steadfast in ensuring recognition is given to those whose contributions, though not always highlighted in mainstream media, have a profound and lasting influence within their fields and society; and WHEREAS, The year 2025 marks the 20th Anniversary Celebration of this extraordinary program, which continues to honor excellence and innovation across diverse industries; and WHEREAS, The YGB Entrepreneurial Awards 2025 Gala will celebrate the following distinguished honorees whose achievements exemplify the ideals of dedication, leadership, and service: Nathaniel Boothe El (Cozmo El), Keynote Speaker and National Grand Sheik of the United Moorish Science Temple of America, recognized for leadership in Millennium Business; Dr. Bob Lee, Lifetime Achievement Award in Radio Broadcasting and Community Affairs, Hall of Fame Inductee, WBLS 107.5 FM; Boddhi Satva, Cultural Ambassador and Afro DJ/Producer, honored for Music Entertainment & Production Management; Karen Mitchell, Founder of True Hair Company, awarded for Strategic Brand Management in Cosmetology; Khari Edwards, Head of Corporate and Social Responsibility at AYR Wellness, recognized for Community Empowerment; Regina Wilson, FDNY Firefighter and Vulcan Society President, awarded the P.O.W.E.R-N-M.O.T.I.O.N. Mission Award; Amber Lee Forrester, Founder of Quartz Wellness Collective, honored for Strategic Vision in Holistic Health and Wellness; Bill Sellanga, "Blinky Bill," African musician, recognized for the Nina Simone Artistic Excellence Award in Afro Beats Entertainment; Bryant Postell, Co-owner of Prime 39 Steakhouse, honored as Businessman of the Year in Hospitality Services; Judith Roberts, Founder of J.S. Delights, awarded for Strategic Vision in Small Development; Kenneth Reece, Founder of BloXx Financial, recognized for Strategic Innovation in Business Development and Technology; Michael Robinson, Saint Lucian musician, awarded for Nina Simone Artistic Excellence in R&B Fusion and Caribbean Soul Music; Dr. Michelle R. Ewart, MD, honored for Medical Excellence in Anatomic Pathology at Montefiore Medical Center; Nicola Madden-Greig, Group Director of The Courtleigh Hospitality Group, recognized as Businesswoman of the Year in Sales & Marketing; Nikki Kimbrough, CEO of Get Fit with Nik, Inc., honored for Strategic Vision in Health and Instructional Fitness; Randolph (Ron) Robinson, UPS Store owner, recognized for Strategic Leadership and Business Development; Tammeca Rochester, founder of holistic wellness initiatives, honored for Strategic Innovation in Holistic Health and Wellness; Tanya Barros, MA, LHMC, Founder of Barros Counseling Center, awarded for Business Development in Mental Health and Emotional Wellness; and Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins, Funeral Director, recognized for Civic Leadership and Community Service; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those organizations that give positive definition to the profile and disposition of the communities of the State of New York, do so profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to the exercise of freedom; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Inc., and to pay tribute to this year's distinguished honorees; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Carl Gray, President and CEO of The NetLinkz Group, Inc., and the aforementioned honorees.