Florida Senate - 2016 (NP) SR 1742 By Senators Joyner and Thompson 19-01849-16 20161742__ 1 Senate Resolution 2 A resolution recognizing February 4, 2016, as “The 3 Links, Incorporated, Day at the Capitol” and 4 applauding the organization’s efforts to create a 5 better quality of life for the residents of this 6 state. 7 8 WHEREAS, The Links, Incorporated, established in 1946 with 9 a mission and purpose of friendship through community service, 10 is composed of more than 12,000 members located in 41 states, 11 the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, 12 and 13 WHEREAS, members of The Links, Incorporated, are women of 14 African ancestry who are well educated, highly skilled and 15 trained, and capable of assisting others to overcome adverse 16 conditions and fostering interests that are critical to the 17 well-being of society, such as science, technology, engineering, 18 arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education and its benefit to 19 African-American youth, and 20 WHEREAS, working through its five functional facets 21 International Trends and Services, National Trends and Services, 22 The Arts, Services to Youth, and Health and Human Services—The 23 Links, Incorporated, relies heavily on the expertise of its 24 professional members, including business owners, educators, 25 engineers, lawyers, and scientists who work in collaboration 26 with other specialists to have a greater impact on society 27 through relevant and creative initiatives, and 28 WHEREAS, The Links, Incorporated, is promoting the 29 eradication of racial disparities in public safety, enhanced 30 student achievement in STEAM educational programs, and increased 31 funding for mentoring programs that serve at-risk youth; 32 encouraging continued funding for financial assistance and 33 educational opportunities for minority students; and promoting 34 awareness and providing support for the national “Black Lives 35 Matter” movement, and 36 WHEREAS, members of The Links, Incorporated, representing 37 the 19 Florida chapters of the Southern Area of the 38 organization, and operating under the area’s biennial theme, 39 “Embracing Our Legacy, Fulfilling Our Promise,” have converged 40 on the Capitol to show their solidarity and support for the 41 causes advocated by the organization, NOW, THEREFORE, 42 43 Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: 44 45 That the Senate welcomes members of The Links, 46 Incorporated, from the Southern Area, applauds their passion for 47 safe and sound approaches to individual and public safety, a 48 statewide system of public education that is sufficiently 49 funded, and equal access to health care and recognizes February 50 4, 2016, as “The Links, Incorporated, Day at the Capitol.” 51 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution, with 52 the Seal of the Senate affixed, be presented to Anne Turner 53 Herriott, 19th Southern Area Director of The Links, 54 Incorporated, as a tangible token of the sentiments of the 55 Florida Senate.