Honor Helen Marshall's Legacy

September 30, 1929, to Guyanese immigrants; after earning her bachelor's degree in education, she served as an early childhood teacher for eight years; and WHEREAS, A larger-than-life figure in the civic life of Queens, Helen M. Marshall fought to improve schools, addressed numerous quality-of-life issues and was instrumental in securing a fair share of New York City resources for the borough of Queens; and WHEREAS, Helen M. Marshall began her distinguished public service career as an advocate for her East Elmhurst neighborhood where she diligently worked to provide job training programs and stimulate the local economy; and WHEREAS, In 1982, Helen M. Marshall won the first of five terms to the New York State Assembly; in this capacity, she served as a tireless advocate for the needs of children, families and the elderly in her district; and WHEREAS, Well-liked and respected by many, Helen M. Marshall was then elected to the City Council, a position she held for 10 years; and WHEREAS, In 2001, Helen M. Marshall was the first African-American, and the second woman, to be elected to the esteemed position of Queens Borough President, a title she would hold for three consecutive terms until her retirement in 2013; and WHEREAS, Known as a big-hearted fighter, Helen M. Marshall entered office with a detailed list of priorities, which staff members affectionately called the Marshall Plan for Queens; and WHEREAS, Helen M. Marshall championed Queens tourism and new development across the borough, supporting the expansion of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the plan to redevelop the Willets Point industrial area; and WHEREAS, A passionate supporter of Queens culture, Helen M. Marshall thoroughly enjoyed the local art scene, praised famous residents and their accomplishments, honored war heroes, and cheered for the Mets; in

2016, a cultural center built at Queens Borough Hall was dedicated in Helen's name; and WHEREAS, Helen M. Marshall created the Queens General Assembly which promoted cross-cultural exchanges among ethnic groups; she truly believed that people should visit Queens and see the world; and WHEREAS, Known for her firm trust in the power of knowledge, Helen M. Marshall promoted reading as the catalyst for our students' future academic success, their preparation for America's jobs of the future, and their ability to compete in a global economy by procuring significant funds for numerous library projects in Queens; in her role as the first Director of the Langston Hughes Library, she was the recipient of the 2005 Daniel W. Casey Library Advocacy Award; and WHEREAS, Always available to lend a helping hand, Helen M. Marshall relished talking to her constituents, and appreciated their feedback; during the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in October of 2012, she helped people evacuate to safety; and WHEREAS, When she was not working or helping others, Helen M. Marshall enjoyed spending summers with her family in Sag Harbor, New York; after her much deserved retirement, she moved to California; and WHEREAS, Helen M. Marshall is survived by her son, Donald Marshall, Jr.; daughter, Agnes Marie Marshall; two grandchildren, Chandler and Chose; and a sister, Joan Suger; and WHEREAS, A woman of great compassion and sensitivity, Helen M. Marshall's legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments as a successful public servant; her sincere concern for others, her integrity, unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of herself will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to serve in their community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay tribute to the memory of Helen M. Marshall, to celebrate her life, and honor her accomplishments; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Helen M. Marshall.