Assembly Resolution No. 1546
BY: M. of A. Cook
LEGISALTIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the life and
extraordinary service of Assistant Sergeant Major
Paulene Lewis Hopkins, distinguished veteran of the
6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, educator,
and civic leader
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished individuals whose lives of service,
leadership, and civic commitment have enriched their communities, this
State, and the Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the memory of Assistant Sergeant Major Paulene Lewis Hopkins; a
celebration will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in New York to pay
tribute to her extraordinary life, patriotic service, and enduring
legacy; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Sergeant Major Paulene Lewis Hopkins,
affectionately known in her youth as "Daisy," was born on December 13,
1919, to Fannie Patterson Lewis and Elbert Lewis, and was raised in a
family whose history reflected resilience, perseverance, and the
enduring pursuit of freedom and opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Her family lineage traces back to Wash Lewis, whose family
witnessed and celebrated the historic Juneteenth announcement of freedom
in Galveston in 1865, marking the final enforcement of the Emancipation
Proclamation in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Following the passing of her mother at an early age,
Assistant Sergeant Major Paulene Lewis Hopkins pursued her education
with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wiley
University in 1941, the same year she married Sergeant Mack Henry
Hopkins; and
WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, she relocated to New York to continue
her studies at Columbia University, establishing a lifelong connection
to the State through education, professional advancement, and enduring
family ties; and
WHEREAS, During World War II, Assistant Sergeant Major Paulene Lewis
Hopkins answered her Nation's call to service by joining the Women's
Army Corps on May 4, 1943, while her husband served with the famed
Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group; she served with distinction
in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the "Six
Triple Eight," the only all-Black, all-female battalion deployed
overseas during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Stationed in England and France, Assistant Sergeant Major
Paulene Lewis Hopkins and the women of the Six Triple Eight worked
tirelessly under difficult wartime conditions to process millions of
backlogged letters and packages intended for American service members
overseas, restoring morale through their motto, "No Mail, Low Morale";
and
WHEREAS, For decades, the contributions of the Six Triple Eight went
largely unrecognized, though their extraordinary achievements have since
received long-overdue national recognition and acclaim; and
WHEREAS, Following her military service, Assistant Sergeant Major
Paulene Lewis Hopkins returned to Columbia University to complete a
Master's Degree in Educational Administration before dedicating decades
of distinguished service as a teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal,
and educational administrator; and
WHEREAS, Her commitment to education and civic leadership extended
beyond the classroom through devoted service with Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc., the National Council of Negro Women, literacy
initiatives, educational advisory councils, and the Board of Trustees of
Wiley University, which honored her with an Honorary Doctorate in the
Humanities in 1976; and
WHEREAS, Known for her grace, intellect, determination, and
unwavering devotion to service, Assistant Sergeant Major Paulene Lewis
Hopkins lived a life defined by excellence in military service,
education, leadership, and community empowerment; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Sergeant Major Paulene Lewis Hopkins died in 1990
at the age of 70, leaving behind a distinguished legacy of military
service, educational leadership, civic engagement, and community
empowerment; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor the life
and enduring contributions of Assistant Sergeant Major Paulene Lewis
Hopkins, distinguished veteran of the historic Six Triple Eight,
esteemed educator, and civic leader whose example of patriotism and
service continues to inspire future generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the life and distinguished service of Assistant Sergeant
Major Paulene Lewis Hopkins, courageous veteran, educator, and
trailblazing American whose contributions to her Nation and community
shall not be forgotten; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Assistant Sergeant Major Paulene Lewis
Hopkins.
