Honor Black Leadership Gala

February 21, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York, upon the occasion of hosting its 39th Annual Benefit Gala, and to pay tribute to this year's honorees on Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Sheraton Times Square Hotel in New York, New York; and WHEREAS, This year's distinguished honorees include, Andre Branch, SVP of Digital and Ecommerce Operations at L'Oreal; Mount Sinai Health System; Nilka Thomas, VP of Talent & Inclusion for Lyft; and Benjamin Tucker, Deputy Commissioner of NYPD, each of whom exemplifies the Gala's

2019 theme, "The Power of Unity Builds Brighter Futures"; and WHEREAS, One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York began in New York City in 1963 as an organization of like-minded business, political and community leaders which convened to capitalize on the collective power of the community to address issues of concern, inequities, and choosing to empower African Americans to be agents of change in their own communities; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York plays an active role in the African American community by providing scholarships, educational support, economic empowerment, mentoring, and health and wellness initiatives; and WHEREAS, One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York also seeks to provide leadership in the African American community through engaged partnerships, educational institutions, and philanthropy; and WHEREAS, Having founded the first Eagle Academy for young men in the Bronx, One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York has mentored thousands of young people throughout New York City; this vital organization has also provided more than one million dollars in scholarships and has saved countless lives by removing guns from the streets; and WHEREAS, Most recently, One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York and its corporate partners, including Walmart, Macy's, Mount Sinai and Lyft, provided nutritious meals to 8,000 people through its 6th Annual Citywide Hunger Relief Program; and WHEREAS, The success of the One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members, 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, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor those organizations and individuals of significance who add strength, vigor, and inspiration to the ethnic diversity and quality of life in the communities of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York upon the occasion of hosting its 39th Annual Benefit Gala, and to pay tribute to this year's honorees on February 21, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York.