LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending In Our Own Voices upon the occasion of
hosting Say It Loud! 2010 to be celebrated June 4-6, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud those cultural events within the State of New York which serve
to celebrate diversity, and in doing so, help to enfranchise minority
populations within the larger community of humanity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend In
Our Own Voices upon the occasion of hosting Say It Loud! 2010 to be
celebrated June 4-6, 2010, at the Albany Riverfront Park; and
WHEREAS, Say It Loud! is an opportunity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender People of Color (LGBT POC) to come together in solidarity,
to celebrate individuality, diversity and strengths; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Say It Loud! offers a unique opportunity for
organizations and companies to target LGBT POC, a large and growing
population in Upstate New York; this event will include a Health & Well-
ness Expo in an effort to promote the health and well-being of the LGBT
POC community; and
WHEREAS, The Expo is a gathering of health and human service providers
from area organizations, intended to provide information and resources
related to healthcare, safer sex, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS education
and prevention, mental health and substance abuse; and
WHEREAS, Along with providing information and resources, the Health &
Wellness Expo offers free HIV testing and screenings for high blood
pressure and diabetes; 24 organizations tabled the Health and Wellness
Expo in 2009; this year's goal is to triple the number of health care
providers, and include mammogram screenings in 2010; and
WHEREAS, Gay Pride is a celebration of the diversity and the community
of the LGBT people throughout the nation; it is a chance for all to come
together and celebrate freedom, strength, and talent; and
WHEREAS, Since 2007, In Our Own Voices has hosted Say It Loud!: Black
& Latino Gay Pride, its own celebration of the LGBT POC community
throughout New York, and includes such festivities as a drug and alcohol
free "Sober Dance," a film screening of prominent LGBT movies, a commu-
nity brunch, and a free outdoor fair, with activities and entertainment
for adults and children; and
WHEREAS, It is with great admiration that this Legislative Body recog-
nizes the efforts of all the noble individuals of In Our Own Voices who
have worked on behalf of Say It Loud!, past and present, and wishes this
exemplary organization continued success in its vital work on behalf of
the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts of
individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life for
others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend In Our Own Voices upon the occasion of hosting Say It Loud! 2010
to be celebrated June 4-6, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tandra LaGrone, Executive Director, In Our Own Voices,
Inc.