Honor Ravi Ragbir Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 413 BY: Senator HOYLMAN COMMENDING Ravi Ragbir upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those individuals within the Empire State who have made strong contributions to their communities and who inspire others through their model citizenry; and WHEREAS, Ravi Ragbir has given not only of his time and energies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has been designated for special honor; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Ravi Ragbir upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, In February of 1991, Ravi Ragbir immigrated to the United States from Trinidad on a visitor's visa; three years later, he received his green card, becoming a lawful permanent resident; and WHEREAS, As a vital part of the Trinidadian and Indian diaspora, Ravi Ragbir has devoted much of his life serving as an advocate for his fellow immigrants; he has volunteered his time and energy training community organizers and elected officials and speaking to various places of worship about serious immigration issues such as deportation; and WHEREAS, Ravi Ragbir served as Chair of the Board of Directors for Families for Freedom, and in 2010, he became a full-time organizer for the New Sanctuary Coalition, an immigrant's rights organization based in New York City; an interfaith network of congregations, organizations, and individuals, it stands publicly in solidarity with families and communities resisting detention and deportation; and WHEREAS, In addition, this nationally recognized leader in immigration rights has met with Congress and testified in front of the New York City Council to discuss deportation and detention policy; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Ravi Ragbir has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals 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 Ravi Ragbir upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Ravi Ragbir.