Bill Text: NY J02231 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Commemorating the inaugural Prince Hall Day at the New York State Capitol on May 14, 2024

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 41-21)

Status: (Passed) 2024-04-16 - ADOPTED [J02231 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J02231-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 2231

BY: Senator PARKER

        COMMEMORATING the inaugural Prince Hall Day at the
        New York State Capitol on May 7, 2024

  WHEREAS,  It  is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay  tribute  to  those  organizations  of  high  purpose   and   worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
commemorate  the inaugural Prince Hall Day at the New York State Capitol
on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, and welcome Prince Hall Masons from across  the
State of New York; and

  WHEREAS,  It  is  justly  important  to  recognize  the  history and
tradition of Freemasonry dating back to 1775, in which the  Prince  Hall
began  its  fight  to  become  Masons and be recognized along with other
African American community members as the first African American  Lodge,
known as African Lodge No.459; and

  WHEREAS,  The  dedicated  Masons  of  New York are men with a social
conscience  and  a  charitable  perspective,  who  are  also  known   as
Freemasons; they are part of a fraternal organization that shares common
moral  ideals  and  esoteric  values  which are based on the doctrine of
Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth; and

  WHEREAS, The hardships, trials, and tribulations  faced  over  their
enduring  history  cemented  the  long-standing  resolve, privilege, and
pride that comes with rights of each Master  Mason  in  their  respected
lodge; and

  WHEREAS,   This   esteemed   and   inaugural  occasion  presents  an
opportunity to set aside time to recognize members of  the  Prince  Hall
lodges,  past and present, who have worked to deliver present day Masons
to their current position and status which they so proudly cherish; and

  WHEREAS, Under the able leadership, guidance,  and  steady  hand  of
Worshipful  Master  Gregory  R. Smith Jr., Grand Master, the son of past
Grand Master Gregory R. Smith Sr., the New York Prince Hall Masons  have
continued  not  only their amazing charitable works and deeds across the
State, but have been a point of unity in the community serving as a sign
of peace, hope, and love in the Black and Brown Community; and

  WHEREAS,  The  Prince  Hall  Masons  are,  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 community and organization which they serve so dedicatedly; and

  WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to commend and honor
The  Prince  Hall Masons of New York who have labored so conscientiously
to secure and improve the quality of life for the community  it  serves;
now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the inaugural Prince Hall Day at the New York State  Capitol
on May 7, 2024; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  copies  of  this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York.