What's happening
This resolution honors the life and legacy of Mamie Lang Kirkland, a beloved 111-year-old community pillar and lynching survivor.
Why it matters
Highlights the historical significance of Mamie Lang Kirkland as a living witness to over a century of American history. , including her survival of racial terror and her later recognition at national memorials dedicated to confronting the legacy of lynching.
Underscores the importance of community pillars like Kirkland. , who not only overcame personal adversity but also contributed actively to her community through faith, service, and as a role model for resilience and civic engagement.
Serves as a public acknowledgment of the often-overlooked experiences and triumphs of Black women in American history. , ensuring her story—and by extension, the stories of other survivors—are formally recognized and remembered in the state's official record.
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Honor Mamie Lang Kirkland
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History
- Adopted
- Reported to calendar for consideration
- Referred to finance
Full text
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Senate Resolution No. 2663 BY: Senator KENNEDY CELEBRATING the life of Mamie Lang Kirkland, second oldest person in New York State, beloved mother and grandmother, and pillar in her community WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this… Show allHide
Senate Resolution No. 2663 BY: Senator KENNEDY CELEBRATING the life of Mamie Lang Kirkland, second oldest person in New York State, beloved mother and grandmother, and pillar in her community WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Mamie Lang Kirkland, an extraordinary woman of indomitable faith and dedication whose purposeful life will long serve as a standard to which others might aspire; and WHEREAS, Mamie Lang Kirkland of Buffalo, New York, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2019, at the age of 111 years and 116 days; and WHEREAS, Mamie Lang was born on September 3, 1908, to Edward and Rochelle Lang in Ellisville, Mississippi; after much adversity, the family moved to East St. Louis, Missouri, and then Alliance, Ohio, where her parents ran a boarding house; and WHEREAS, She married one of the boarders, Albert Kirkland, and together, they moved to Buffalo in 1924, and raised nine children; after his death in 1959, she became a sales representative for Avon, a position she continued to hold at the age of 107; and WHEREAS, In 2015, Mamie Lang Kirkland returned to her birthplace after her son made a documentary film, "100 Years from Mississippi," which described his mother's family's flight from post-Civil War Mississippi; in 2016, she proudly proclaimed she was no longer a scared little girl as she received the Lynching Legacy Award by the Equal Justice Initiative; and WHEREAS, Three years later, this brave and strong woman was recognized as the oldest lynching survivor at the opening of the Legacy Museum and the Peace and Justice memorial in Montgomery, Alabama; today, individuals can learn about her family's strength and endurance through photographs and an oral history; and WHEREAS, Proud of being an American, Mamie Lang Kirkland has always appreciated her right to vote, and throughout her 111 years, she has seen democracy in action as 20 different citizens have held the country's highest office of President; and WHEREAS, Mamie Lang Kirkland was an active and treasured member of her community where she was a faithful congregant of First Shiloh Baptist Church for more than 85 years; this devout Christian always showed great strength and selflessness, and spent countless hours offering her love, support and guidance to the children and people in her life, acting as a role model and inspiring them to develop to their fullest potential; and WHEREAS, Mamie Lang Kirkland loved the color purple and jewelry, and lit up the room when she walked in; with her bright and warm smile, and her contagious laughter, she instantly made everyone around her feel welcome and comfortable; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, Mamie Lang Kirkland is survived by her four daughters, Juanita Hunter, Beatrice Kirkland, Margaret Kirkland, and Jeanette Clinton; one son, Tarabu Betserai Kirkland; and
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous friends
and neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Through her boundless love and profound words of wisdom,
Mamie Lang Kirkland's legacy of true grace and luminous beauty, inside
and out, will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories;
her shining light and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love
and hope for all who were privileged to have known and loved such an
amazing and dynamic woman; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life of Mamie Lang Kirkland, second oldest person in New
York State, beloved mother and grandmother, and pillar in her community;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Mamie Lang Kirkland.
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