LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Felipe Garcia Villamil upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by the Gathering of the Hous-
es 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 Felipe Garcia
Villamil 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, Born in Cuba, Felipe Garcia Villamil is a Santero, Palero,
Abakua, Espirista, Ogboni elder and master drummer who has shared his
profound knowledge of African based traditions with amazed audiences and
individuals in the Carribean, North America, South America and Africa;
and
WHEREAS, Felipe Garcia Villamil'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, Felipe Garcia Villamil'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 Felipe Garcia Villamil 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 Felipe Garcia Villamil.