LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Terrie M. Williams upon the occasion of
receiving the Florence Gould Gross Award from NAMI-FAMILYA of Rockland
County on June 17, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those exemplary individuals whose personal triumphs serve as
an inspiration to the citizens of this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Terrie M. Williams upon the occasion of receiving the Florence Gould
Gross Award from NAMI-FAMILYA of Rockland County at its Awards Night,
Healing Starts with Us, on June 17, 2009; and
WHEREAS, An accomplished entrepreneur, youth advocate and mentor,
Terrie M. Williams was in constant emotional pain for 30 years, keeping
on an outer face of success while inside she was suffering from
depression; and
WHEREAS, As Terrie M. Williams healed, her mission became clear, break
the silence of the crippling taboo of depression and help those who
suffer, from traumatized youth to the successful executive to hardened
members of gangs on the streets; and
WHEREAS, In her most recent book, BLACK PAIN: IT JUST LOOKS LIKE WE'RE
NOT HURTING, Terrie M. Williams reveals the story of her own struggle
with chronic and crippling depression, showing how emotional pain
impacts the Black experience and is the root of many self destructive
acts; and
WHEREAS, A social worker by training, Terrie M. Williams founded the
Terrie Williams Agency, a public relations firm that has represented
such icons as Miles Davis, Johnny Cochran, Eddie Murphy and major organ-
izations such as HBO, Time Warner, the NBA and Essence Communication
Partners; and
WHEREAS, Terrie M. Williams received a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology and Sociology from Brandeis University and a Master of
Science degree in Social Work from Columbia University; in addition, her
"Stay Strong Foundation" is dedicated to youth advocacy and mentoring;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such enduring courage and accomplishment are brought to our
attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those
individuals for the edification and emulation of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Terrie M. Williams and to wish her
continued success in all of her future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Terrie M. Williams upon the occasion of receiving the Florence
Gould Gross Award from NAMI-FAMILYA of Rockland County on June 17, 2009;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Terrie M. Williams.