Honor Gamma Iota Lambda Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 5789 BY: Senator HAMILTON COMMENDING the Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity upon the occasion of celebrating its 73rd Anniversary WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious organizations within the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity upon the occasion of celebrating its 73rd Anniversary; and WHEREAS, Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was founded May 5, 1945, in New York; with a nation facing the aftermath of World War II and grappling with issues of social and economic equity for all its citizens, 11 dedicated men chartered the club to improve the conditions of the black masses in the borough of Brooklyn; the charter members included: Cecil Foster, Claude Franklin, George Grissom, James Hairston, Joseph Johnson, Frank McCoy, Herbert T. Miller, Judge Myles A. Paige, Sandy Ray, Albert Smith, and Franklin Williams; Brother Miller served as the chapter's first president; and WHEREAS, In the mid-1950s, as some members of the chapter moved to parts of Long Island, Gamma Iota Lambda's commitment to serving those most in need was extended to these areas as well and became incorporated as an integral component of the chapter's mission; and WHEREAS, In this noble effort, Gamma Iota Lambda were joined by the Alpha Wives Club of Brooklyn - Long Island; this valuable partnership has continued to this day, and has been responsible in generating scholarship, educational aid and spiritual uplift for countless young black men and women in the greater New York metropolitan area; and WHEREAS, For over seven decades, Alpha Phi Alpha has strived to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for its communities; to this day, Gamma Iota Lambda remains true to that mission; and WHEREAS, Each and every member of Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is mindful of the legacy afforded to them by their pioneering charter members which continues to this day, and is ever inspired to be "First of all, Servants of all"; and WHEREAS, The success of the Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the fraternity and the population it serves; and WHEREAS, In light of its commitment, dedication, and successful efforts, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its highest commendation to the Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 73rd Anniversary of the Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Gamma Iota Lambda Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.