Honor Guyana Unity Gala

Senate Resolution No. 2830 BY: Senator PARKER COMMENDING Guyana Unity Movement Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its Unity & Soul Black Tie Gala on June 9, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Guyana Unity Movement Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its Unity & Soul Black Tie Gala on Friday, June 9, 2017, at Antun's Banquet Hall in Queens Village, New York; and WHEREAS, In May of 2015, two Guyanese women from the Village of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, Sherif Barker Fraser and Doris Rodney decided it was important to celebrate the newly elected government; after much discussion, both agreed a march on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, would be reflective of the unity demonstrated during the election process in Guyana; and WHEREAS, Through their tireless efforts, the day had finally arrived for Guyanese citizens living in New York State and around the world, to unite as One People, One Nation, One Destiny; and WHEREAS, On Sunday, June 14, 2015, approximately 15,000 Guyanese individuals gathered to display their pledge of unity; dressed in their cultural colors, some waving their golden Arrowhead flag, while others joined hands in harmony, the proud Guyanese people and their friends marched down Church Avenue, from Bedford Avenue to Schenectady Avenue, while hundreds of supporters stood on the sideline cheering the crowd on as they marched in joy and unity; and WHEREAS, After the march, a group of Guyanese individuals came together to discuss the activities and its impact on the Guyanese diaspora; those in attendance decided to form an organization which focused on uniting Guyanese people while simultaneously providing a mechanism through which they could voluntarily assist their communities and peoples through programs and services culturally unique to their needs; and WHEREAS, While structuring the organization, the group participated in a number of volunteer activities aligned with their vision and mission; with much planning and fanfare, the Guyana Unity Movement Inc. was officially launched on September 4, 2016; and WHEREAS, What started as a vision to unite Guyanese to march in unity for one day has evolved into a fast-growing non-profit organization committed to fostering growth and development in Guyana, and the betterment of Guyanese irrespective of their residence; 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 Guyana Unity Movement Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its Unity & Soul Black Tie Gala on June 9, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Guyana Unity Movement Inc.