COMMENDING TURKEY AND THE TURKISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

WHEREAS, the Turkish-American community has made contributions to the diversity, economic wellbeing, culture, and quality of life in the United States of America;

WHEREAS, Turkey is a long time ally of the United States in the Middle East, promoting peace, equality, justice, and respect for the American way of life;

WHEREAS, benefiting from moderate leadership, Turkey has been a dependable leader among the nations of the Middle East on issues of human rights, freedom of the press, and citizen participation;

WHEREAS, Turkish Americans have greatly enriched American arts, culture, science, and civics, while devoting themselves to improving the lives of others;

WHEREAS, the Turkish-American community has continued extended humanitarian and religious opportunities for dialogue and community partnerships;

WHEREAS, in light of the recent earthquakes and loss of lives in Turkey, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) extends American condolences to the Turkish Americans here and to the entire Turkish population abroad;

WHEREAS, Tunc Yalman and Osmar Karakas received the 1991 National Press Award for the best news photography;

WHEREAS, Arif Mardin has been an influential force in the music industry as a producer for Aretha Franklin, the Bee Gees, Carly Simon, Roberta Flack, and Bette Midler;

WHEREAS, Feza Gursey contributed to major scientific discoveries and won the prestigious Oppenheimer Prize and Wigner Medal; and

WHEREAS, the NBCSL encourages economic development through fostering international relationships with countries such as the Republic of Turkey.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) promotes the cultural, political, and economic exchanges between the United States and Turkey;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL encourages memoranda of understanding between Turkish colleges and universities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to further mutually beneficial exchanges; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NBCSL is pleased to honor and recognize Turkey and the Turkish- American community on their accomplishments domestically and internationally and to heartily extend our congratulations and best wishes for future endeavors.

SPONSOR: Representative JoAnne Favors (TN)
Committee of Jurisdiction: International Affairs Policy Committee
Certified by Committee 1st Vice Chair: Delegate Nathaniel T. Oaks (MD)
Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 9, 2011
Ratification is certified by: Representative Barbara W. Ballard (KS), President