LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Dowell upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Gathering of the Houses of
African Based Spiritual Belief Systems of New York City

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John Dowell
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the
Gathering of the Houses of African Based Spiritual Belief Systems of New
York City in conjunction with the Caribbean Cultural Center African
Diaspora Institute on Sunday, August 16, 2009; and
WHEREAS, This special event's title is "Ba M'buta: Ancestral
Connections from the Congo to the Americas"; and
WHEREAS, The Gathering of the Houses of African Based Spiritual Belief
Systems of New York City looks forward in honoring the elders of African
based spiritual belief systems who have managed to learn and pass on the
sacred wisdoms of African belief systems in the Americas; and
WHEREAS, John Dowell has created and exhibited his art for over four
decades and is a professor of Printmaking at the Tyler School of Art of
Temple University; he has had one person exhibitions at prestigious
venues, including the 35th Venice Biennale, Corcoran Gallery of Art in
Washington D.C., and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, in Phila-
delphia; in addition, his art work is represented in the permanent
collections of 70 museum and public collections; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, John Dowell's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John Dowell upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Gathering of the Houses of African Based Spiritual
Belief Systems of New York City; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Dowell.