NY J01157

Honors the life of Raphael F. Blue of Peekskill, New York, who died on May 21, 2025, at age 74

Recognizes his career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the VA Hospital and Adjunct Professor at Mercy College and the University of New York, where he taught Sociology and created the College Incentive Program for Alternative High School Students in Mount Vernon

Acknowledges his founding of Cross-Cultural Connection, Inc., a non-profit jazz organization, and his work organizing the annual Jazz in the Park Festival at Peekskill Riverfront Park

Notes his musical accomplishments, including U.S. Department of State tours to South Africa, Tanzania, Gabon, and Zambia, and his 2013 induction into the New York Hall of Blues as a Master Blues and Jazz Artist

Directs that an engrossed copy of the resolution be transmitted to his family