Honor April Simpson's Service

Senate Resolution No. 4224 BY: Senator PARKER HONORING April Simpson upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Healthfirst, on March 29, 2018, in conjunction with the observance of Women's History Month WHEREAS, The State of New York is home to countless women who have contributed to the advancement of our culture through both their traditional and non-traditional roles in society; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor April Simpson upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Healthfirst, to be observed at its Community Award Celebration at Maestro's Caterers, Bronx, New York, on Thursday, March

29, 2018, in conjunction with the observance of Women's History Month; this year's award celebration theme is "Groundbreakers and Herstory Makers of Today"; and WHEREAS, April Simpson is being recognized for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to being a voice in the community and is focused on issues that are important to its residents; this exceptional woman reflects the fabric of her city and works daily to improve conditions for others; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Queensbridge Houses, April Simpson has served as the President of the Queensbridge Houses Resident Association, Inc., since 2013; she is also the Vice Chair of the Queens District Council of Presidents; and WHEREAS, April Simpson studied social work at York College but, due to a diagnosis of CML, a rare form of Leukemia, and losing part of her vision, she was unable to finish; and WHEREAS, April Simpson decided to focus on working in her community; she brought back an Annual Basketball Tournament for Youth which was absent for 15 years and implemented Inter generational events to bridge the gap between youth and seniors, such as the Annual Family Day; and WHEREAS, Under her skilled leadership, the QB Resident Association was able to assist 60 residents in obtaining OSHA Training for Free, Film and Media, Career Development Workshops, plus collaborate with other community organizations to bring vital resources to the community; and WHEREAS, April Simpson is an active member of several community and civil rights organizations, including the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development Neighborhood Advisory Board, the NAACP, and the Perkins Advisory Board at LaGuardia Community College; and WHEREAS, April Simpson is the proud mother of three children and stepmother of six, and the loving wife of Daniel L. Taylor of almost 21 years, all of whom have showed her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of his 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 honor April Simpson upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Healthfirst, on March 29, 2018, in conjunction with the observance of Women's History Month; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to April Simpson.