LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dona Juanita La Peira-Castillo 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 Dona Juanita
La Peira-Castillo 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, Dona Juanita La Peira-Castillo was very active in promoting
cultural events in her personal residence and in "El Club Cubano"; she
was initiated in Elegba and served as ayungbona to seven or eight
godchildren; and
WHEREAS, Dona Juanita La Peira-Castillo's photographs have been added
to the collections of the Huston Museum of Fine Arts and various other
Universities; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Dona Juanita La Peira-Castillo'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 Dona Juanita La Peira-Castillo upon the occasion of her desig-
nation 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 Dona Juanita La Peira-Castillo.