Honor Mark Emanatian Award

Senate Resolution No. 114 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Mark Emanatian upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District Citizen Action on October 20, 2016 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mark Emanatian upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District Citizen Action to be celebrated at its 24th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 20,

2016, at the Desmond Hotel, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, The Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Awards are named in honor of Jim Perry, a founding member of Capital District Citizen Action; it is with the memories of his actions and words that this vital organization recognizes those who have demonstrated a commitment to community activism and leadership; and WHEREAS, Mark Emanatian is being honored with this auspicious award for his role as one of the area's most dedicated, inspiring activists and leaders who has spent countless hours working to make his community a stronger, more just place to live; and WHEREAS, Mark Emanatian comes from a working class town and a working class family; for decades, he has been active in union organizing and strike support, anti-war and peace groups, anti-racist and anti-apartheid movements, defense of women's rights and equality, the fight for jobs and socialism, climate change and environmental causes and the struggle for civil liberties and democracy; and WHEREAS, An organizer, teacher, garment worker and musician, Mark Emanatian has lived and worked in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Louisville, Boston and the Capital District; and WHEREAS, Mark Emanatian currently serves as the Senior Field Coordinator for the Capital District Area Labor Federation, prior to which, he spent five years as the Capital District Organizer at Citizen Action of New York; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Mark Emanatian has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals 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 honor Mark Emanatian upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District Citizen Action on October 20, 2016; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mark Emanatian.