LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Leonardo Ivan Dominguez upon the occa-
sion 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 Leonardo Ivan
Dominguez 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 Afri-
can 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, Born on the outskirts of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic,
Leonardo Ivan Dominguez learned how to play drums by the age of five; he
learned many of the first rhythms of Afro-Dominican music from his
grandmother of Haitian origin; and
WHEREAS, Leonardo Ivan Dominguez later co-founded Santo Domingo's
folkloric dance ensemble at La Universidad Autonoma; in 1996, he became
director of Conjunto Folklorico, a Dominican folk arts youth program at
the Alianza Dominicana in Washington Heights; he has been working for
more than 35 years as an educator of Dominican folk traditions; and
WHEREAS, Leonardo Ivan Dominguez teaches Dominican dance and music
traditions from a repertoire of more than 50 dances of Afro-Dominican
and colonial Spanish heritage, including meringue and bachata to the
Dominican youth in New York City; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Leonardo Ivan Dominguez's distin-
guished 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 Leonardo Ivan Dominguez 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 Leonardo Ivan Dominguez.