Honor Haitian Youth Leadership

May 26, 2019 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 8th Annual Power of Partnerships, Scholarship and Hall of Fame Gala, to be held Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the BRIC Arts Media, Brooklyn, New York; 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 a live band; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion recognizes the achievements of MIPO, Inc. honorees for their contribution and commitment to the communities they serve; the 2019 Hall of Fame Honorees include: Kyrie Alleyne, Author, Innovative Thoughts; Gaye H. Anderson, Healthfirst, Manager, Community Engagement; LaTayvia Brown, Founder/President, Professionally Inspired; Mark Cannizzaro, Vice President, CSA; Aldrin Enis, AIPAC, Northern Regional Director; Dr. Fritz Fils-Aime, Founder/President, Haitian American Veterans Association; Shaun D. Francois, President, Local 372; Rose Guerrier, La "V" en Rose; Katia Guillaume, 1199; Dr. Abraham Julius Jules, Senior Pastor, Community Worship Center; Dr. Max Jean Paul, NYC DOE Principal; Nicholson Sony Pierre, President/Founder, Alternative Reaction2Anger; Samuel M. Pierre, Executive Director, Haitian American Caucus; Esther Simon, Educator, NYC DOE; Khalilah A. Webster, Director/co-Founder, Open Door; and Tessa I. Hackett-Vieira, Clinical Social Worker; 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 8th Annual Power of Partnerships, Scholarship and Hall of Fame Gala, on May 26, 2019, and to pay special tribute to the 2019 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.