LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring C. Daniel Dawson 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 C. Daniel
Dawson 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, A priest of the Palo Mayombe tradition, C. Daniel Dawson
studied at the School of Visual Arts (New York City), the WNET-TV Black
Journal training program, and the New York University Graduate Institute
of Film and Television; upon finishing at New York University, taught
filmmaking at the Studio Museum in Harlem where he initiated their first
photographic exhibitions and film festivals; and
WHEREAS, C. Daniel Dawson left the Studio Museum in Harlem to study
Philosophy and Eastern Religion at Columbia University; in addition, he
studied African and African-American Art and Culture; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, C. Daniel Dawson'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 C. Daniel Dawson 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 C. Daniel Dawson.