Senate Resolution No. 606
BY: Senator PARKER
MOURNING the death of Rowena Blackman-Stroud,
beloved mother and grandmother, and distinguished
citizen, and devoted member of her 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; Rowena Blackman-Stroud was one
such individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Rowena Blackman-Stroud, noting
the significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Rowena Blackman-Stroud died on Saturday, December 3, 2022,
in Manhattan, New York, at the age of 72; and
WHEREAS, The eldest daughter of the late Clarence Sr. and Ruby
Blackman, Rowena Blackman-Stroud was born on January 29, 1950; and
WHEREAS, While growing up in Trinidad, Rowena Blackman-Stroud
attended Bishop Anstey High School; she was a member of All Saint's
Church where she served as a chapel girl and played team sports in her
school days; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from high school, Rowena Blackman-Stroud
attended the University of the West Indies Mona in Jamaica, where she
was active in the Christian student movement and graduated with a
Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of her studies, Rowena Blackman-Stroud
returned to Trinidad and became a third-generation educator, following
in the footsteps of her mother and her maternal grandfather; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1970s, Rowena Blackman-Stroud migrated to
Brooklyn, New York, and settled in the neighborhood of East Flatbush
where she raised her son, Terrance, in the heart of the Caribbean
community; and
WHEREAS, During this time, Rowena Blackman-Stroud worked at Chemical
Bank in the early years of her career while also obtaining her Master's
degree in Organic Chemistry at New York University; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, Rowena Blackman-Stroud joined the Nuclear Medicine
team at Downstate Medical Center, where she went on to have an
illustrious 43-year career, retiring in September of 2022, as the
Assistant Director of Nuclear Medicine; and
WHEREAS, Upon joining Downstate Medical Center, Rowena
Blackman-Stroud became active in the labor movement and served as
Chapter President for United University Professions (UP) Downstate for
35 years; she was also the Statewide Treasurer of UP for 23 years,
retiring from that post in 2017; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, she was an educator at both St. Mary's
College and Queens Royal College, providing instruction in Chemistry,
Biology and Physics; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering dedication to her
community, Rowena Blackman-Stroud organized and spearheaded a
union-backed fight from 2012 through 2015 to block planned
retrenchments; she singlehandedly assembled the SUNY Downstate Coalition
of Faith, Labor, and Community Leaders, which was instrumental in
gaining legislative support, saving thousands of jobs which were in
jeopardy at Downstate Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, this extraordinary woman once
again displayed her tenacity by demanding protective gear for UP members
and at SUNY's public teaching hospitals in Stony Brook and Syracuse; she
also pushed for and secured support for retention pay bonuses for
frontline workers from UP's statewide and national affiliates, the New
York State United Teachers, and the American Federation of Teachers; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, she helped secure thousands of surgical gowns,
gloves, and face masks for frontline workers, achieving this during a
severe nationwide PPE shortage; Rowena's profound impact on her family,
friends, Downstate Medical Center, and the great State of New York is
immeasurable; and
WHEREAS, Rowena Blackman-Stroud was a wonderful mother who instilled
in her son a deep appreciation of her Trinidadian heritage; she truly
loved her culture and returned home annually to enjoy Carnival, Calypso
and Steelpan; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her brother, Clarence Blackman, Jr., Rowena
Blackman-Stroud is survived by her loving son, Terrance Blackman-Stroud;
her devoted partner, Fred Lee; her two adored grandchildren, Tyler
Stroud and Dalen Stroud; and her siblings, Hyacinth James and Dwight
Blackman, Sr.; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family; and
WHEREAS, Rowena Blackman-Stroud's infinite selflessness and
benevolence will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories;
her insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light
and hope to the countless lives she touched; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Rowena Blackman-Stroud leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing
woman; she 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 Rowena Blackman-Stroud, and to express its deepest
condolences to her family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Rowena Blackman-Stroud.
