Honor Jonathan Adewumi's Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 3142 BY: Senator PARKER MOURNING the death of Jonathan Adewumi, New York-based restaurateur, businessman and distinguished member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi, one of Brooklyn's staunchest advocates for African culture and cooking, has died at the age of 57, due to complications related to the novel coronavirus; and WHEREAS, Born in Nigeria, Jonathan Adewumi moved to the United States as a child; and WHEREAS, He was an alumnus of Utica College, Class of 1986, and a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity; furthermore, he was a cherished member of New York's African community, dedicated to advancing its culture and providing mentorship to young people following in his footsteps, many of whom affectionately referred to him as Uncle Jonathan; and WHEREAS, A humble legend, Jonathan Abewumi's ability to pivot not only gave him the wisdom he was able to share with younger Africans, but his consistency, compassion and humor made it easy to be around him; and WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi was a partner in the family-owned Nigerian restaurant, Amarachi Restaurant and Bar, located in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary man helped create a unique space for people to congregate while enjoying good food and hospitality; and WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi was involved in everything from an African Film Festival to bringing traditional African clothing to the forefront of fashion before it became a thing; and WHEREAS, Although he was a local leader, Jonathan Adewumi was also involved in connecting the diaspora globally; he founded the travel company Homeland Travels and Tours, which is described as a gateway to guided tours of Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya; and WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi is survived by his son, Jonathan Adewumi Jr.; two sisters, Elizabeth Body-Lawson and Chief Joyce Adewumi; two brothers, Samuel Adewumi and Joseph "Bub" (Maxine) Adewumi; and five nieces, Angelica and Isis Body-Lawson, Shola Adewumi, Rhema Adewumi and Sade Adewumi; as well as one nephew, Joseph Adewumi Jr.; and WHEREAS, He will be remembered for his commitment to community and culture; he was always serving a community, whether it was Brooklyn, Africans or Kappas, he always offered a sanctuary for gathering and fellowship; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Jonathan Adewumi leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Jonathan Adewumi, and to express its deepest condolences to the family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Jonathan Adewumi.