HONORING

ABDULSALAM NOMAN

EXEMPLARY CITIZENSHIP 

WHEREAS, a great state is only as great as those individuals who perform exemplary service on behalf of their community, whether through unique achievement in professional or other endeavors, or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and 

WHEREAS, it is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored customs, to recognize and pay tribute to those illustrious individuals who work to enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and 

WHEREAS, attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Abdulsalam Noman upon the occasion of being the first Arab-American to be elected to public office in the State of New York, and only the second in the Nation; to celebrate this auspicious occasion, a ceremony was held at Curly’s Banquet Facility, Lackawanna, New York; and 

WHEREAS, on Sunday, January 4, 2010, before a crowd of approximately 200 family members and friends from Lackawanna’s Yemenite community, Abdulsalam Noman took the oath of office as the incoming First Ward Council member, as well as the City’s first Arab-American elected government official; he was officially sworn in by Lackawanna City Judge Frederic Marrano; and 

WHEREAS, Abdulsalam Noman came to Lackawanna from Yemen in 1975 with his mother and one sister, two years after his father, Kassim, emigrated; they followed his uncle, who came to work in the steel plant in the 1950s, along with one other sister; the rest of his siblings came at a later date; and 

WHEREAS, a graduate of Lackawanna High School, Abdulsalam Norman obtained a degree in History from the University at Buffalo in 1986; and 

WHEREAS, the proud father of four wonderful children, he has been employed as both a teacher’s aide and an Arabic translator for the Lackawanna City School District; furthermore, he is the high school soccer coach; and 

WHEREAS, it is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Abdulsalam Noman upon the occasion of being the first Arab-American to be elected to public office in the State of New York; and be it further 

RESOLVED, that a copy of this Proclamation, suitable engrossed, be transmitted to Abdulaslam Noman.

                                                                                                     Dated: January 4, 2010

      In Witness Whereof, I Have Hereunto

Set My Hand and Signature 


   William T. Stachowski

 New York State Senate 58^th District