Honor Inez Rodriguez's Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 3690 BY: Senator PERSAUD MOURNING the death of Inez Rodriguez, strong community advocate and devoted member of her community WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the death of those prominent citizens whose lifework and purposeful endeavors have served to enrich and enhance the quality and character of life for others in their community and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Inez Rodriguez, of Brooklyn, New York, a preeminent citizen whose distinguished public service and caring commitment will long serve as a standard to which others might aspire; and WHEREAS, For over three decades, Inez Rodriguez served her Brooklyn community in various capacities including both Tenant Association President and Vice President of Boulevard Houses at the New York City Housing Authority; and WHEREAS, As an active and effective community leader, Inez Rodriguez successfully petitioned for cameras at the housing development, and other important safety initiatives; and WHEREAS, Inez Rodriguez also strived to ensure every tenant understood their rights and responsibilities and had full access to any and all resources; as a result of her hard-work and tenacity, new doors, lighting and cameras were installed at Boulevard Housing; and WHEREAS, Inez Rodriquez also worked with CAMBA to open a Cornerstone Program within Boulevard Houses; the Program provides free after-school activities for elementary and middle school youth, and evening and weekend schedules for teenagers and adults; and WHEREAS, In addition to her role as an Advisory Board Member of Cornerstone Program, Inez Rodriguez was an active Advisory Board Member of the Boulevard Senior Center; and WHEREAS, After graduating from the NYPD Citizens' Police Academy Program, Inez Rodriguez served as an Auxiliary Officer in the 75th Precinct for over 20 years; for her steadfast efforts, she was named the Auxiliary Officer of the Year; and WHEREAS, Inez Rodriguez was also a member of the resident watch program for over 20 years, holding the position of Captain; and WHEREAS, This remarkable woman was a founding member of Grandmothers Love over Violence where a group of primary caregiver grandmothers partnered with Police Commissioner William J. Bratton, Chief of Community Affairs Jonanne Jaffe, and clergy members to make the community safer and a better place to live; and WHEREAS, Inez Rodriquez also informed her community about the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office Begin Again event, an initiative which brought the courtroom to the community; and WHEREAS, In 2016, Inez Rodriquez was honored by the New York State Senate as a New York "Woman of Distinction" from Senate District 19; and WHEREAS, Through love and tenacity, Inez Rodriquez fought to make her community a safer place for all of its residents; through hope and determination, she truly believed anyone could make a difference; and WHEREAS, Over her meritorious life, Inez Rodriquez distinguished herself as a woman of values and commitment and of sincere dedication and substantial contribution; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Inez Rodriguez, to celebrate her life, and to applaud her many accomplishments that future generations may know and appreciate her admirable character and the esteem in which she was held; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Inez Rodriguez.