Honoring Nikita McKenzie Robinson as recipient of the Harambee Achievement Award by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

Senate Resolution No. 1429 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY HONORING Nikita McKenzie Robinson 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 Nikita McKenzie Robinson 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, Nikita McKenzie Robinson is receiving this prestigious award for her exemplary academic accomplishments, community service and church activities; and WHEREAS, Nikita McKenzie Robinson was born on December 8, 2004, in Brooklyn, New York; currently, she attends P.S. 181 John L. Steptoe Elementary School; and WHEREAS, At the young age of four, Nikita McKenzie Robinson read her first book; now at the age of 12, she is one of the top students in her class with an excellent GPA of 94; in January of 2017, she was named the Student of the Month, and in March of 2017 she made Honor Roll; and WHEREAS, Nikita McKenzie Robinson is a faithful member of St. Leonard's Church, and is actively involved in the Sunday School and the Young Adult Ministry; she also serves as a Youth Lay Reader and is always willing to assist when she is called upon; and WHEREAS, When she is not at school or church, Nikita McKenzie Robinson enjoys reading, writing poetry and drawing; she aspires to go to college and become a pediatrician; 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 Nikita McKenzie Robinson 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 Nikita McKenzie Robinson.