Honor Christopher Banks Award

Senate Resolution No. 1947 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY HONORING Christopher Banks upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Man of Distinction 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 Christopher Banks upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Man of Distinction 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, Christopher Banks is receiving this prestigious award for his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his community; and WHEREAS, Born to immigrant parents from Trinidad and Tobago, Christopher Banks witnessed the struggles of disenfranchised individuals in his Brooklyn community, greatly influencing his dedication to public service and advocacy; and WHEREAS, Christopher Banks attended New York City Public High School of Leadership and Public Service; he earned his degree in political science from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and is currently enrolled at Dartmouth University of Massachusetts Extension Degree Program where he is completing his studies; and WHEREAS, Realizing his dream of giving back to his community, Christopher Banks is co-Founder/Executive Director of the East New York United Concerned Citizens, Inc., a social service, non-profit organization which has developed comprehensive programs for the community which combat poverty, increase awareness of important urban issues, generate leadership by distribution of resource materials, and conduct workshops and lectures for residents; and WHEREAS, East New York United Concerned Citizens, Inc. also promotes the well-being and betterment of the community by organizing, funding, sponsoring community events and programs for generations of residents, from young people to seniors meeting in recreational settings to discuss neighborhood concerns and issues; and WHEREAS, Over the past 15 years, Christopher Banks has diligently focused his efforts on several areas including senior, youth, homeowners, tenant rights and providing a host of social services for the East New York Community; and WHEREAS, Christopher Banks has worked in partnership with organizations such as NYC Citizens Committee, ENY Development Corporation, Linden Houses Resident Association, Emerald Green Houses Resident Association, Justice Fund, East New York Council for the Aging, National Action Network, Italian American Civil Rights League, The East New York Coalition, Inc., Brooklyn Rule Breakers, and The National Association of Negro Business, as well as the Professional Women's Brooklyn Club; and WHEREAS, In addition to his valuable work with East New York United Concerned Citizens, Inc., Christopher Banks was appointed to Community Board No. 5, where he served on the Executive Board holding the positions of Sergeant-at-Arms, and co-Chair of the Transportation Committee, Aging Committee, Youth Services Committee and Public Safety Committee; and WHEREAS, Christopher Banks has also held the title of President of the Negro Business Professional Women's Youth Club and was an advisory member of the Pink Houses Cornerstone Program; and WHEREAS, Moreover, Christopher Banks was hired as a consultant by The Italian American Civil Rights League, Inc., as a Community Inclusion Specialist at The Federation of Multicultural Programs, Inc., as an Adolescent Services Coordinator by the Police Athletic League, Inc., as a Cornerstone Center Director for East New York Development Corporation; and WHEREAS, Currently, Christopher Banks works as a consultant for Covenant House, holds the position of Vice-President of the 75th Precinct Community Council, and is the President of United VanSiclen Avenue Block Association, Inc.; and WHEREAS, A faithful member of the Changing Lives Christian Center, this innovative, charismatic and dynamic young man strives to empower and change the dynamics of his community and the world; 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 Christopher Banks upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Man of Distinction 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 Christopher Banks.