Honor Alivia Latham Award

Senate Resolution No. 1425 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY HONORING Alivia Latham upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Harambee Achievement Award by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. on April 8, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role models for their peers; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor Alivia Latham upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Harambee Achievement Award by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., to be feted at its 32nd Annual Harambee Celebration on Saturday,

April 8, 2017, at the Medgar Evers College Cafeteria, in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is a body of national African American women's organizations and community based sections; founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, the NCNW strives to lead, develop, and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities through research, and national and community-based services and programs on health, education, and economic empowerment issues in both the United States and Africa; and WHEREAS, Through 39 national affiliates and more than 240 sections, NCNW has reached and supported nearly four million women; and WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. was organized on January 22, 1962, at the Bedford YMCA by Odessa L. Skeene, and received its Charter on March 12, 1962; and WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Section maintains a strong commitment to its young people through education, outreach programs, counseling and recognition; it sponsors community ventures to enhance the health and social services of residents through seminars, health fairs and voter registration campaigns for self-empowerment; and WHEREAS, Alivia Latham is receiving this prestigious award for her exemplary academic accomplishments, community service and church activities; and WHEREAS, Alivia Latham was the first baby born at Maimonides Medical Center on January 1, 2003; her parents knew from that moment that she was going to be special and change the world; and WHEREAS, A truly spiritual young lady, Alivia Latham is a vital member of the Greater Eternal Light Church, where she faithfully attends services with her family on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays; she actively participates in youth meetings, praise dances, and is always willing to assist the financial committee; and WHEREAS, Under the guidance of Overseer, Violet Moe, Alivia has received foundational teaching which has given her guidance on her relationship with God, her African American heritage and her community; and WHEREAS, Alivia Latham is an exceptional student at Shell Bank Jr. High School, and will be graduating in June of 2017; after graduation, she is leaning towards a career in the hospitality industry and possibly sales; and WHEREAS, In addition to excelling in academics, Alivia Latham has been playing basketball since the young age of nine; while playing on several teams, she was instrumental in helping the Saint Mark Basketball Team make the playoffs for two consecutive years; and WHEREAS, Today, Alivia Latham serves as the center for her school team the Lady Seahawks; through her coaches, Rochelle Murphy and Mr. McKinney's invaluable tutelage, and her hard work, she hopes to play professional basketball for the WNBA; and WHEREAS, When she is not at school, church, or playing basketball, Alivia Latham enjoys spending time with her family, and exploring foreign countries like Italy; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her parents, Debra Crowe and Berisford Latham; her uncle, Keith Crowe; and her aunt, Tracy Crowe; all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by her teachers, minister, and family; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Alivia Latham upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Harambee Achievement Award by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Alivia Latham.