Honor Una Clarke's Leadership

Senate Resolution No. 4479 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY COMMENDING The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Education Leadership Award by the Community Council for Medgar Evers College, Inc. on April 21, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Education Leadership Award by the Community Council for Medgar Evers College, Inc. to be celebrated at its Annual Spring Scholarship and Leadership Awards Luncheon on Saturday,

April 21, 2018; and WHEREAS, Established in 1972, The Community Council for Medgar Evers College, Inc. includes residents, organizations, faculty, students and all elected officials of the Central Brooklyn community who support the mission of the College and, since 1980, has provided more than 220,000 dollars in scholarships to deserving students through fundraising events, outside grants and contributions; and WHEREAS, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Long Island University, and a Master of Education degree from New York University; she also completed additional post-graduate studies at both Teachers College and the School of Business at Columbia University; and WHEREAS, In November of 2005, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke received the Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Technology in Jamaica, where she also serves as a member of its Board's Standing Committee on Fiscal Affairs, and its Subcommittee on Investment; and WHEREAS, In 1991, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke was the first Caribbean-born woman to be elected to the New York City Council, proudly representing Brooklyn's 40th Council District; and WHEREAS, Throughout her 10-year tenure, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke worked on important issues such as child welfare, education, health and mental health, economic development, public safety and transportation; and WHEREAS, This dynamic woman was also an active member of the Council's Black and Hispanic Caucus, and was instrumental in rebuilding Kings County Hospital; and WHEREAS, An educator by profession, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke's work resulted in upgrades to schools in her district, rebuild parks and playgrounds, and increase quality childcare programs; she also led many campaigns to encourage citizenship and voter registration; and WHEREAS, In 2001, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke was appointed by Governor George Pataki to serve as Director of the Empire State Development Corporation for the Borough of Brooklyn, and was named to the Board of Trustees for Nazareth Regional High School after her successful efforts to save the school from closure; and WHEREAS, Moreover, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke is a member of the Diocesan Council for the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, and was appointed a Trustee of the Brooklyn Children's Museum by New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer; and WHEREAS, In 2015, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke was appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio to serve on the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York; and WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her community, The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including Columbia University's prestigious Charles H. Revson Fellowship in 1984, and the 2001 Ellis Island Medal of Honor; in 1999, she received the Commander of the Order of Distinction (C.D.) from the Government of Jamaica for distinguished service to Jamaicans and Caribbean nationals in North America; 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 The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Education Leadership Award by the Community Council for Medgar Evers College, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Una S. T. Clarke.