LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Town of Babylon, New York, upon
the occasion of hosting its 25th Annual Black History Month Program and
paying tribute to this year's honorees

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize important
events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our 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 commend
the Town of Babylon, New York, upon the occasion of hosting its 25th
Annual Black History Month Program and to pay tribute to this year's
honorees on Saturday, February 23, 2013; and
WHEREAS, On this most auspicious occasion, the Town of Babylon will
honor many outstanding individuals and organizations that have greatly
contributed to the betterment of the community which they so ably serve;
and
WHEREAS, Edward Bates, recipient of Babylon's Community Service Award,
is a renowned self-taught artist with natural born talent and national
acclaim; after serving in the Navy for two years, this African American
artist made his home in Brooklyn and became an illustrator for women's
wear; he developed his interests in oils on canvas and has since created
countless masterpieces which boldly capture the heart of the black
culture; and
WHEREAS, Recipient of Babylon's Education Award, Claude Byer entered
Tuskegee Institute and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry
Education; he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States
Air Force, achieving the rank of Captain; in 1969, he began working for
the Amityville School District and from 1969-2001, taught every course
and level of mathematics for grades 7-9; he also coached the Varsity
Girls Basketball Team, never missing a game or scrimmage during his
tenure; and
WHEREAS, Recipient of Babylon's Economics Award, Rickey Hill is the
successful owner of Rickey Realty, Babylon's number one realtor for over
30 years; he has played a substantial role in helping to construct and
maintain the financial foundation of numerous community based civic
organizations that are dedicated to improving the quality of life for
community residents; and
WHEREAS, North Amityville Head Start Program, recipient of Babylon's
Unity Award, is a not-for-profit organization that helps at-risk chil-
dren and families in Suffolk County; every year, they provide critical
education, disabilities, health, nutrition, mental health, family part-
nership and parent involvement services to over 2,000 children and help
thousands of Long Islanders learn how to raise healthy, happy families;
and
WHEREAS, Recipient of Babylon's Economics Award, John David Parker is
the third generation contractor of his family's firm, D. Parker and
Sons, Inc., which was established by his grandfather in 1911; John
enjoys a long record of accomplishment in civic, community, religious,
and political affairs that span over 50 years, and has received numerous
awards for his many involvements; and
WHEREAS, The Scholarship Committee of Wyandanch, recipient of
Babylon's Special Recognition Award, has maintained the tradition of
recognizing the five top ranking high school seniors since its estab-
lishment in 1986; the scholarships awarded at the end of the year are
based on academics, extracurricular activities and community service; in
the past 28 years, the Committee has provided monetary incentives for
more than 190 students in the Wyandanch community; and

WHEREAS, Joe Turner, recipient of Babylon's Community Service Award,
started working for the Amityville Record in 1989 as a photojournalist,
covering all types of stories and scenes; he was the first black indi-
vidual to hold that position; since then, he has had photographs appear
on numerous front pages and has made substantial contributions in his
role as a photojournalist; he has also been the recipient of numerous
accolades for his magnanimous contribution to his community; and
WHEREAS, Recipient of Babylon's Unity Award, the Venettes Cultural
Workshop was founded by Mary Suarez Baird in 1967; after moving to Long
Island, she decided that she would use dance as her tool to inspire
youth to achieve their best; with 13 students, she began to teach dance
classes in her home; today, the Venettes continue to perform and travel
throughout the United States and the students are recipients of many
national dance awards and accolades; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations 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 the Town of Babylon, New York, upon the occasion of hosting its
25th Annual Black History Month Program and to pay tribute to this
year's honorees, and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Town of Babylon and the aforementioned honorees.