LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Edelmira Cita Perez 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 Edelmira Cita
Perez 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, Edelmira Cita Perez retired from initiating Santos Orichas in
2004 but continues to practice and be consulted as an elder to many
Santeros of today and to the Future Santeros of tomorrow; and
WHEREAS, Edelmira Cita Perez'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, Edelmira Cita Perez'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 Edelmira Cita Perez 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 Edelmira Cita Perez.