Honor Myrtle G. Whitmore

June 25, 2017 WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Commissioner Myrtle G. Whitmore upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Society of Old Brooklynites to be feted at its 137th Anniversary Celebration at Bay Ridge Manor in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, One of four children born in South Carolina to Walley and Janie Browne Greene, Myrtle G. Whitmore and her husband, Quentin Whitmore felt compelled to relocate to the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn to make a difference in their community, New York State, and Nation; and WHEREAS, Myrtle G. Whitmore is the long-time director of both the Society of Old Brooklynites, and New York City's WMCAs; she was a vital member of the board of the New York City Housing Authority, and held the position of President of the Brooklyn Civic Council; and WHEREAS, A hard working, proud woman, Myrtle G. Whitmore is a retired manager for the New York City Housing Authority, and managed the Carver Houses in East Harlem for 10 years; and WHEREAS, Myrtle G. Whitmore was also the host of a religious television show, and served as a substitute for Bob Grant, one of the founders of talk radio; and WHEREAS, A history buff, Myrtle G. Whitmore has served as an advocate for the Revolutionary War patriots, a reason for her membership in the Society of Old Brooklynites, founded by a former Brooklyn mayor, John Ward Hunter; and WHEREAS, Incorporated in 1880, the Society of Old Brooklynites is known for helping build the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Fort Greene Park which stands over a vault containing the remains of thousands of prisoners who died during the Revolutionary War; and WHEREAS, The Society is also known for its annual August tributes at the Monument, and for its monthly small presentations on various facets of Brooklyn's history, culture, and folklore; an active participant in the tributes, Myrtle G. Whitmore held the title of President of the Society, one of three women to hold the distinguished position; and WHEREAS, Myrtle G. Whitmore is an ardent believer in the value of a good education; she truly believes it is more important for educators to focus on excellence; and WHEREAS, A proud American, Myrtle G. Whitmore prominently displays Old Glory from her building; a flag collector, she also hangs the DONT TREAD ON ME, named after American general and politician Christopher Gadsden, and a flag given to her by the daughters of Margaret Skinner, the first woman president of the Society of Old Brooklynites; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence 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 commend Commissioner Myrtle G. Whitmore upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Society of Old Brooklynites on June 25, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Commissioner Myrtle G. Whitmore.