Honor Dr. Clarke’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 3973 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY COMMENDING Dr. Mildred Clarke upon the occasion of her retirement after 19 years of dedicated service to the Brooklyn Community Services Board of Directors WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed residents of this noble Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dr. Mildred Clarke upon the occasion of her retirement after 19 years of dedicated service to the Brooklyn Community Services Board of Directors, celebrated with a Brunch on Saturday, August 5, 2017, BKW by Brooklyn Winery, Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, Mildred Clarke is a graduate of the New York City public school system; driven by a work ethic she attributes to her working-class parents, she went on to become one of only six women to earn a degree from Howard University Medical School; and WHEREAS, Dr. Mildred Clarke began her pioneering gynecologic practice in 1970, with evening hours to accommodate working women; and WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious four decade medical career, Dr. Mildred Clarke delivered more than 5,000 babies, before retiring in

2001; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman has dedicated her life and purpose to discovering the potential in others, raising consciousness, and mentoring new leaders; in addition to serving the Brooklyn community, she has given tirelessly of her time and energies on countless medical missions around the world; and WHEREAS, In 1999, Dr. Mildred Clarke joined the Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) Board of Directors with the goal of tackling the stubborn issues of poverty in her home community; as an active Board member, she has helped BCS better inform Brooklyn's multiracial professional class of its important mission and work; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast commitment to those who lack the voice to speak, Dr. Mildred Clarke has spent the past three years focused on BCS's shelter for homeless women with mental disorders; furthermore, each February she supports a graduation ceremony for those who transition back to permanent housing; and WHEREAS, Dr. Mildred Clarke has also mentored young women through the American Association of University Women; and WHEREAS, Today, Dr. Mildred Clarke leads her church's medical missions to the Mississippi Delta, where she helps communities address such staggering health issues as chronic obesity and diabetes; and WHEREAS, Dr. Mildred Clarke should be regarded as a true humanitarian; she has continually devoted herself to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication, command the respect and admiration of their community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Dr. Mildred Clarke is one such individual; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demonstrated by Dr. Mildred Clarke over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Dr. Mildred Clarke upon the occasion of her retirement after 19 years of distinguished service to the Brooklyn Community Services Board of Directors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Mildred Clarke.