Honor Willow Harris Award

Senate Resolution No. 2232 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Willow Harris upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Marsha P. Johnson Award by the Pride Center of the Capital Region WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the profound impact of those exemplary individuals within the great State of New York who proactively work for the enfranchisement of minority communities, and the importance of such work for the benefit of all citizens of this State, and indeed, all citizens of the Nation; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Willow Harris upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Marsha P. Johnson Award by the Pride Center of the Capital Region to be celebrated at its Annual Gala on Friday, November 8, 2019, at Franklin Plaza, Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, This auspicious event benefits the Pride Center of the Capital Region and celebrates the important contributions of individuals who work hard to empower the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community; Willow Harris is one such individual; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Willow Harris became active with the Pride Center of the Capital Region in the early 1990s as a volunteer at the Center Coffee House and attending the Bi Brunches; and WHEREAS, Willow Harris began attending the Center's Trans Pride group in 2017, and one year later became its facilitator; and WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of Willow Harris, the Pride Center's Trans Pride group has grown to become one of the organization's most well attended groups; and WHEREAS, The success of the Pride Center of the Capital Region is in direct correlation to the efforts of volunteers like Willow Harris, 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 organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts of individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life for others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Willow Harris upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Marsha P. Johnson Award by the Pride Center of the Capital Region; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Willow Harris.