Honor Black Angels Nurses

Senate Resolution No. 1237 BY: Senator SAVINO MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2017, as Black Angels Month in the State of New York, recognizing the courage and dedication of the "Black Angels" who answered the call of nursing duty 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2017, as Black Angels Month in the State of New York, recognizing the courage and dedication of the "Black Angels" who answered the call of nursing duty; and WHEREAS, The Black Angels were so named due to their bold willingness to provide desperately needed care to tuberculosis patients; and WHEREAS, The Black Angels and their families became active members of the NAACP, neighborhood churches, and community groups; they became founding members of the Lincoln Hospital Alumni Association, the Urban League Guild and the Women's Civic and Political Union; and WHEREAS, The Black Angels are comprised of approximately 300 nurses, including Stiversa A. Bethel, Martha Lyles, Jane Price, Mamie Shumate, Flossie Evans, Georgia Hayden, Annie Bostick, Kate Gillespie, Edna Sutton Ballard, Americus Sutton, Virginia Allen, Viola Anderson, and Annie B. Smith; and WHEREAS, In 1984, the first health care museum in New York State was named for Black Angel, Stiversa A. Bethel; and WHEREAS, The Black Angels have played a significant role in the development of new drugs called isoniazids, which aid in the arrest of tuberculosis and in subsequent recovery; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2017, as Black Angels Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.