Recognize W.A.N.T.E.D. Project Event

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 the W.A.N.T.E.D. Project upon the occasion of hosting a community event on Saturday, June 8, 2019; and WHEREAS, The W.A.N.T.E.D. Project was formed to ensure young men of color are Worthy, Accountable, Named, Thankful, Empowered, and Determined through a professionally developed curriculum, expert mentors building community among participants, real conversations about the challenges our youth face, and programs that are delivered domestically and abroad; and WHEREAS, The W.A.N.T.E.D. Project offers the extraordinary experience of hearing from dynamic speakers with backgrounds in social work, education, law enforcement, counseling, politics, and psychology who spend time each week offering practical tools for avoiding and surviving incidences of violence as well as coaching on self-esteem building, clarifying individual identities and purposes, and staying focused and inspired to complete their goals so they in turn can give back to their communities; and WHEREAS, Teenage violence and gang involvement escalated in the 1990s, and has remained high; youth violence can affect anyone, however, some groups are more at risk than others; statistics show youth between the ages of 12 and 24 are the most likely group to be victims of a violent crime, and male teenagers are more likely to get into fights than females, and much more likely to die as a result of violence; and WHEREAS, Among teenagers, homicide is the leading cause of death for African Americans, the second leading cause for Latinos, and the third for Native Americans and Asian/Pacific Islanders; and WHEREAS, It is found that teenagers who have trouble coping with problems in healthy ways are more likely to be involved in youth violence, and those without strong family ties, positive peer influences, or commitment to school are more at risk; and WHEREAS, In an attempt to stop this alarming trend, the W.A.N.T.E.D. Project has diligently worked to equip generations of young men of color to understand they are cared for, valued and have the right to be protected and safe; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when associations 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 the W.A.N.T.E.D. Project upon the occasion of hosting a community event on June 8, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the W.A.N.T.E.D. Project.