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 incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and pay tribute to those organizations which foster ethnic
pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens
the fabric of the communities of this great Empire State; and
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
organizations 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, 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.