LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Alliance of Panamanian Organiza-
tions in the USA upon the occasion of its Dia de la Etnia Negra event to
be held on May 8, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, 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
New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in the USA upon the occasion of
its Dia de la Etnia Negra event to be held on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at
St. Gregory Roman Catholic Church, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, This will be the 10th Anniversary of Dia de la Etnia Negra,
Black Ethnicity Day, which is commemorated in the month of May in Pana-
ma, Republic of Panama; and
WHEREAS, The Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in the USA (The
Alliance) is an independent, incorporated, non-profit, non-sectarian,
tax exempt, non-governmental and umbrella organization established as a
coordinating body representing a diverse cross section of Panamanian-Am-
erican Organizations, to serve as a centralized voice advocating issues
affecting Panamanians at home and abroad; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in
the USA is to mobilize the collective resources of its member organiza-
tions to enhance the lives of the Panamanian community at home and
abroad; and
WHEREAS, It was established to facilitate better relations and under-
standing between the Panamanian community, as well as to build bridges
of understanding and solidarity between the Panamanian community and
other communities around the world; and
WHEREAS, The Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in the USA serves as
a catalyst at the local, national and international levels towards
preserving, protecting, defending and promoting the cultural heritage
and legacy of Panamanians; and
WHEREAS, The Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in the USA is dedi-
cated to work with all sectors to increase their support of the Panama-
nian community, and to develop and implement strategies to increase
opportunities for upward socio-economic mobility and civic engagement of
the Panamanians; and
WHEREAS, It has also committed itself to foster solidarity, upward
socio-economic mobility and civic engagement in marginalized communities
in the Panamanian communities; and
WHEREAS, In addition, The Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in the
USA monitors U.S./Panama Relations, especially trade, and foreign policy
within the context of its effect, impact and implications for the Pana-
manian people and the sovereignty of Panama; and
WHEREAS, The Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in the USA analyzes
critical issues that affect at risk African descendant and indigenous
communities including social justice, equal rights, democracy, economic
equity, environmental justice, poverty eradication, civic engagement;
and
WHEREAS, The Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in the USA activ-
ities include: research-documentation; international tours; publication
of issue papers; conducting forums; conferences and seminars; sponsoring
fellowship and internships; conducting policy study and advocacy; oper-

ating a speakers bureau; and sponsoring special events and exhibitions;
and
WHEREAS, Its member organizations are: Panama Council of New York;
Institute for Pan-American Affairs; Afro-Panamanian Chamber of Commerce,
Inc.; Amigas; Friends of Children, Inc.; Ballet Folklorico Nuestro Pana-
ma; Black Steel Entertainment; Caribbean Women Association; Concordia
Mutual S.A.; Day of Independence Committee of Panamanians in New York;
Friends of Earl Williams; Love, Warmth and Affections; New Pana Associ-
ation; First Panamanian Drum and Bugle Corps.; Organizacion Benifica
Pro-Familia Panamena; Panama Canal International Alumni Association,
Inc.; Panama Voto 2004; Panamanian Association of Royal Ambassadors;
Paraiso High School '65; Panamanian Square Dance Group; Sociedad y
Hermandad International del Chorillo; Southern Diaspora Research &
Development Center; The Carlito's Wish Foundation; The Dedicators Inc.;
The Pan-American Organization Pro-Underprivileged; and US-Panama Express
Direct; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in
the USA is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the Alliance and the population
it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those
organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment that provide
opportunities to celebrate their rich ethnic flavor and which strive to
preserve their cultural heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in the USA upon the
occasion of its Dia de la Etnia Negra event to be held on May 8, 2010;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in the USA.