Honoring American Women of African Heritage, Inc. for special recognition at the 3rd Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Senate Resolution No. 739 BY: Senator MAYER HONORING American Women of African Heritage, Inc. upon the occasion of its designation for special recognition at the 3rd Annual Women's History Month Celebration on March 23, 2019 WHEREAS, Women's History Month, celebrated each year in March, is a time to reflect upon and pay tribute to the women of our State and Nation for their contributions to their communities and their professions; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those women's organizations which have made significant contributions to the community and to the State of New York, and to publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor American Women of African Heritage, Inc. upon the occasion of its designation for special recognition at the 3rd Annual Women's History Month Celebration on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at The Rye Arts Center, Rye, New York; and WHEREAS, Incorporated in 2001, American Women of African Heritage, Inc. (AWAH) believes all people deserve a place to congregate with peers to nourish the soul, build character, teach new skills, celebrate culture, and remember and honor the achievements of pioneering women in the community; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President, Francine T. Shorts, American Women of African Heritage, Inc. empowers women and girls of African ancestry, enriching their lives and the lives of others within the African American community of Westchester County; and WHEREAS, Through mentoring programs, advocacy work and outreach projects, American Women of African Heritage, Inc. seeks to: nurture and enrich the lives of women and girls; encourage social, cultural and educational exchange within the community; facilitate intergenerational dialogue; promote unity among women, celebrate and preserve the legacy of pioneering women; strengthen the bond of cooperation within the community; and support positive change through civic involvement; and WHEREAS, In partnership with Westchester Community College, American Women of African Heritage, Inc. provides a monetary scholarship, the Second Chance Award, to a woman who is returning to college after a hiatus, to continue her education, so as to improve her life and the lives of her family; and WHEREAS, Also in collaboration with Westchester Community College is its Spirit of Women Archives program which recognizes, celebrates and commemorates the accomplishments of women of African ancestry in Westchester County whose records of achievement and service will be archived at the College; and WHEREAS, American Women of African Heritage's mentoring program provides opportunities, information and instruction to preteen and teenagers on the use of P.O.I.S.E.: Preparation for interviews; Opting in/out with grace; Importance of taking cues/Introduction; Situational socialization; and Etiquette for dining; and WHEREAS, The success of American Women of African Heritage, Inc. is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated 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 sense of this Legislative Body that those organizations and individuals who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned our recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor American Women of African Heritage, Inc. upon the occasion of its designation for special recognition at the 3rd Annual Women's History Month Celebration on March 23, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Francine T. Shorts, President, American Women of African Heritage, Inc.