Honor Women’s Voting History

Senate Resolution No. 497 BY: Senator COMRIE COMMENDING Queens Library, Briarwood Friends Chapter as they salute Women's Right to Vote in New York State on February 11, 2017 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 organizations and 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 Queens Library, Briarwood Friends Chapter as they salute Women's Right to Vote in New York State, to be celebrated at an event on Saturday, February 11, 2017; and WHEREAS, The Briarwood Friends Chapter at Queens Library strives to enrich community life by fostering a relationship between the library and its neighbors; the Friends work to increase awareness and library use, act as liaisons between residents and the library, and sponsor programs which enhance the cultural life of the residents of Queens; and WHEREAS, Each year, National African-American History Month is celebrated in February with a myriad of events reflecting the struggles and victories of African-Americans throughout our country's history and to recognize their numerous valuable contributions to the protection of our democratic society in war and in peace; and WHEREAS, This year, the Briarwood Friends Chapter will recognize and remember Charlotte E. Ray, the first female African-American Lawyer; and WHEREAS, Charlotte E. Ray was born in New York City on January 13,

1850; after graduating from the Howard University School of Law in 1872, she was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar, becoming the first female African-American lawyer in the United States; her admission was seen as a shining beacon for all women who sought admission to the Bar; and WHEREAS, Charlotte E. Ray opened her own law office and ran advertisements in a newspaper run by Frederick Douglass; in the late 1880s, she married, and eventually moved to Woodside, Queens where she became a teacher in Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, Seen as a role model for many, Charlotte E. Ray was active in the African-American Women's Suffrage Movement and attended its New York convention in 1876; she was also a vital member of the National Association of Colored Women where she promoted self-help among women; and WHEREAS, Remembered for her legal knowledge and corporate law expertise, as well as her steadfast and unremitting commitment to African-American women, Charlotte E. Ray holds her just spot in history as the first female African-American lawyer; through her selfless commitment and dedication, she devoted her life and career to the service of others; and WHEREAS, A singular asset to all of the citizens she has served in the community of the State of New York, Charlotte E. Ray's life and career are a portrait of preeminence in public service, and present a role model for all who aspire to a career in public service; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Queens Library, Briarwood Friends Chapter as they salute Women's Right to Vote in New York State; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Queens Library, Briarwood Friends Chapter.