LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Xiomara Rodriguez upon the occasion of
her 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 Xiomara Rodri-
guez upon the occasion of her 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, Xiomara Rodriguez is one of the foremost performers, choreog-
raphers, and teachers of Orisha dance in the New York area; she has
performed with Conjunto Folkorico Nacional de Cuba, Grupo Patakin, and
Raices Habaneras, among others; and
WHEREAS, Xiomara Rodriguez's photographs have been added to the
collections of the Huston Museum of Fine Arts and various other univer-
sities; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Xiomara Rodriguez'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 Xiomara Rodriguez upon the occasion of her 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 Xiomara Rodriguez.