Honor Nija Clarke Award

Senate Resolution No. 1428 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY HONORING Nija Clarke 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 Nija Clarke 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, Nija Clarke is receiving this prestigious award for her exemplary academic accomplishments, community service and church activities; and WHEREAS, Nija Clarke was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 26,

2000; ever since her birth, she has always been a confident, captivating and jubilant child; as a youngster she won the hearts of her teachers as a fast learner and team player; and WHEREAS, An exceptional student, Nija Clarke attended P.S. 208 (Elsa Ebeling School); she then graduated with honors from M. S. 354; today, she attends John Dewey High School, where she maintains a strong 85% average; and WHEREAS, Currently, Nija Clarke is enrolled in the pre-med health house with plans on going to medical school; in the summer of 2016, she served as a recreational aide at the Auburn Assessment Center; and WHEREAS, Nija Clarke is a faithful member of St. Leonard's Church, where she is a vital and dedicated participant of the Usher's Guild, the young adult ministry, and Sunday school; she also enjoys serving as a liturgical reader; 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 Nija Clarke 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 Nija Clarke.