LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Raymond Crawford 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 Raymond Craw-
ford 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 New York City, Raymond Crawford is an Oluwo which
means he was first made a priest of Obatala and then received Ifa in
1989; he is the first African American to have reached this grade in the
Cuban Lukumi system; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Crawford has since been initiated to Cuchillo, Oro,
Osain, Ana, Olokun, Babaluaye, Oduduwa, and he has also become the first
African American to receive Olofin; in 2008, he received Orisha Odu from
the Araba of Ile-Ife and was installed as Chief Bamigbeodu Awo Agbaye in
Ile-Ife; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Raymond Crawford'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 Raymond Crawford 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 Raymond Crawford.