Bill Text: NY J00863 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourning the death of Alton Henry Maddox Jr., civil rights champion, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his community

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2023-04-28 - REFERRED TO FINANCE [J00863 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J00863-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 863

BY: Senator CLEARE

        MOURNING  the  death  of  Alton  Henry Maddox Jr.,
        civil rights champion,  distinguished  citizen,  and
        devoted member of his community

  WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through  their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable  positive
impact  on  the  lives  of its residents; Alton Henry Maddox Jr. was one
such individual; and

  WHEREAS, It is with  profound  sorrow  and  deep  regret  that  this
Legislative  Body  records the passing of Alton Henry Maddox Jr., noting
the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

  WHEREAS, Alton Henry Maddox Jr., a New York defense lawyer who  rose
to prominence amid some of the most racially charged cases of the 1980s,
died on April 23, 2023, in the Bronx; he was 77 years old; and

  WHEREAS,  Born  on  July 21, 1945, in Inkster, Michigan, Alton Henry
Maddox Jr.  grew  up  on  Newnan,  Georgia;  he  graduated  from  Howard
University  with  a  Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967, before earning his
Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School in 1971; and

  WHEREAS, In 1973, Alton Henry Maddox  Jr.  worked  at  Harlem  Legal
Services  and  later  led  the  juvenile justice project of the National
Conference of Black Lawyers; he went on to start his  own  practice  and
was  involved in a variety of civil rights cases, cementing himself as a
civil rights advocate; and

  WHEREAS, A legal genius who used his legal knowledge  as  a  shield,
Alton Henry Maddox Jr. spent his life fighting on behalf of marginalized
people of color; and

  WHEREAS,   With   a  steadfast  and  unwavering  commitment  to  his
profession,  Alton  Henry  Maddox  Jr.  was  Director  of  the  National
Conference  of  Black  Lawyers Juvenile Defense Project; he was also the
founder of the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College
and co-sponsored the 1983 Congressional hearings on Police Brutality  in
New York City; and

  WHEREAS,  In  addition, he often contributed to publications such as
Amsterdam News, and was a frequent guest  on  WLIB  radio's  Sharp  Talk
program;  he  also  gave  many  notable speeches at several colleges and
rallies; and

  WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife, Leola Weaver, Alton  Henry  Maddox
Jr. is survived by his son, Charles; and

  WHEREAS,  Alton  Henry  Maddox  Jr.'s fight for justice and fairness
leaves behind a powerful legacy that will  continue  to  inspire  people
across  our  state  and  nation for generations to come; his insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope  to  the

countless  lives  he  touched; he will be deeply missed and truly merits
the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Alton Henry Maddox Jr., and to  express  its  deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Alton Henry Maddox Jr.