Honor Haitian Youth Leaders

May 27, 2018, and paying special tribute to the 2018 Hall of Fame Honorees 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 Making the Impossible Possible, Inc. (MIPO) upon the occasion of hosting its 7th Annual Power of Partnerships, Scholarship and Hall of Fame Gala, to be held Sunday, May 27, 2018, at the BRIC Arts Media, Brooklyn, New York, and to pay special tribute to the 2018 Hall of Fame Honorees; and WHEREAS, This year's Gala will be hosted by G.K. Williams, a SAG-AFTRA actor, voiceover artist, on air personality and live announcer, and entertained by Jules LEGACY Dancers, a non-profit performing arts dance company for young aspiring artists; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion recognizes the achievements of MIPO, Inc. honorees for their contribution and commitment to the communities they serve; the 2018 Hall of Fame Honorees include: Dr. Isabelle Barriere, Professor, Long Island University; Maria Castaneda, Secretary/Treasurer, 1199 SEIU; Dr. Humphrey Cookendale, Dean, Metropolitan College of New York; Donald Etienne, DJ Esalar; Samuel Eugene, Superintendent of Schools, North Haiti; Meishay Gattis, Executive Director, YMCA; Ernest Michel, MD, Internist, Owner of Pure Amanzi; David Morisset, Esq., Chairman of HABNET; Dr. Nelson Moses, Speech Department Chair, Long Island University; Alvin C. Vanessa Ogar, Esq., Administrative Law Judge (ALJ); Dr. Marcelin Watler, Program Director & Training Specialist, Administration for Children's Services; Joel Widmaier, Artist & Composer, Production Director of Radio Metropole, President of Haiti Jazz Foundation; and Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, Assistant Dean for Diversity & Student Life, Director Travelers Summer Research Fellowship Program for Premedical; and WHEREAS, Founded in 2001, MIPO, Inc. is a non-profit membership organization, promoting the quality of life of Haitian youth in the United States and abroad through education, music, character building, medical care, apprenticeship training, family support, and scholarships; and WHEREAS, With a mission to help young men and women transition into adulthood, MIPO, Inc.'s many projects include a mentoring program, annual school supplies distribution, and offering teacher professional development training in schools in Haiti; and WHEREAS, New York State is home to an active Haitian community, particularly in Brooklyn and Queens; Haitian immigrants have emerged as a vibrant part of the local economy as proprietors of a variety of small businesses, including music shops, grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, bars, beauty and barber shops, travel agencies, and shipping companies; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Founder/President Felina Backer, the people of this great Empire State are well served by organizations such as MIPO, Inc., that make supporting our youth, and preparing the next generation of leaders its top priority; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when 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 Making the Impossible Possible, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 7th Annual Power of Partnerships, Scholarship and Hall of Fame Gala, on May 27, 2018, and to pay special tribute to the 2018 Hall of Fame Honorees; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Felina Backer, Founder/President, Making the Impossible Possible, Inc.