Senate Resolution No. 405 BY: Senator PARKER HONORING Weldon Ryan upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives of service to their community and their profession; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Weldon Ryan upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program to be celebrated at the 18th Anniversary of the Young, Gifted & Black Awards Program on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Terrace On The Park in Queens, New York; and WHEREAS, Established in 2006 by President/CEO of the NetLinkz Group, Inc., Carl O. Gray, the Young, Gifted & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial Awards Program recognizes individuals who continue to reach levels of great success through hard work and determination, proving to be inspiring role models to their community and peers; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program acknowledges the talent, ambition, and achievements of African American and Caribbean professionals towards their continued pursuit of success; and WHEREAS, The Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program was launched in honor of Black History Month and shines a light on such accomplished individuals as Weldon Ryan, who truly exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit; and WHEREAS, Weldon Ryan was born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and he and his family immigrated to the United States, and settled in the Bronx; he was a talented artist and attended the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, State University of New York at New Paltz, Fashion Institute of Technology SUNY, and The Art Students League of New York; and WHEREAS, Weldon Ryan worked as an Urban Park Ranger for the New York City Parks Department doing educational talks and workshops about historical sites and events, and created murals for the Pelham Bay Environmental Nature Center; in 1989, he was the first African American to be appointed to the New York City Police Department's Forensic/Composite Artist Unit; and WHEREAS, After 18 years of service, Weldon Ryan retired and moved to Florida, where he continues to paint, sharing his gift with the world, and is actively involved with numerous community and art organizations; and WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife Richlin Burnett-Ryan, who feels privileged to be a part of his life and rejoices in his achievements; and WHEREAS, This award recipient exemplifies the best of his community, by virtue of his energy, vision, and dedication, commanding the greatest respect among his friends and colleagues, and within the community at large; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by both peers and young people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Weldon Ryan upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Weldon Ryan.