Honor Reverend Holman Award

Senate Resolution No. 1946 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY HONORING The Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Ecumenical Award by The Brooklyn Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. on April 29, 2017 WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals and organizations 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 The Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Ecumenical Award by The Brooklyn Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., to be celebrated at its 50th Annual Founders' Day Observance Luncheon on Saturday, April

29, 2017, at Gargiulos Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, The theme for this auspicious occasion is entitled "72 Years of L.E.T.S. - Leaders Exemplary Timeless Service; Marching forward with a purpose"; each year, The Brooklyn Club acknowledges its Founders; "the shoulders on which we stand and the role and responsibility we have to prepare our young people for the future"; and WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Club is a chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC, Inc.), which provides opportunities for women to increase their leadership skills, experience governance and parliamentary procedures, and enhance their educational awareness of issues impacting the black community through volunteerism; and WHEREAS, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman is receiving this prestigious award for her steadfast and unremitting commitment to the religious community in Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman was born to the late Thomas H. and Lorraine LeGall Sr.; as a young child, she realized that she wanted to bring hope and healing to all people; and WHEREAS, After high school, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman attended New York City Community College where she pursued an associate's degree in applied science with an emphasis on nursing; after graduation, she was employed as a Registered Nurse at various New York City hospitals; and WHEREAS, A truly inspiring religious leader, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman has served as prayer partner, encourager, teacher, women's group director, liturgical dancer and ardent worshipper; from subway stations in New York City to vacation bible schools at her own Bethany Baptist Church and abroad at the Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel, in Nassau, Bahamas, her vision and ministry grew; and WHEREAS, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman also conducted Bible studies at a women's transitional housing facility in Brooklyn, where she taught victims of abuse and low self-esteem how to bring love, joy and peace into their lives; and WHEREAS, In 1998, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman was called to preach the gospel; in 2000, she earned a Certificate in Christian Ministry from New York Theological Seminary, and then obtained a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the College of New Rochelle; and WHEREAS, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman furthered her education by receiving her master's degree in Divinity; currently, she is working toward board certification as a Chaplain while she serves as Protestant Chaplain's Assistant at SUNY Downstate; and WHEREAS, After satisfying the standards of an Ordination Council, Shirlene Faith Holman was conferred upon the title of Reverend; she has the distinction of being the first woman minister ordained at Bethany Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, 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 honor The Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Ecumenical Award by The Brooklyn Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman.