LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Maysles Cinema upon the occasion of
presenting the 2nd Annual "Homo-Harlem" film festival on June 21-26,
2010

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate those
events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and inspira-
tion to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities of
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend
Maysles Cinema upon the occasion of presenting the 2nd Annual "Homo-Har-
lem" film festival on June 21-26, 2010; and
WHEREAS, This festivity is a week-long film survey of artists and
personalities who have informed the gay aesthetic in Harlem; this event
is co-sponsored by Harlem Sage, Harlem United, Men of All Colors Togeth-
er, and Queer Black Cinema; and
WHEREAS, In the past, Homo-Harlem, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgen-
dered Harlem, mostly meant a hidden Harlem; it was inhabited by outcasts
who included some of the most brilliant individuals of their era,
"intellectuals" who, nevertheless, seldom escaped being disparaged by
society or harassed for being themselves; and
WHEREAS, Despite enriching the glory of Harlem, the lives and contrib-
utions of gay individuals is an aspect of Harlem's cultural and artistic
achievement that is largely forgotten by history; part of the mission of
the Maysles Cinema's second annual Homo-Harlem film series, opening at
The Museum of the City of New York on Monday, June 21, 2010, is an
effort to right this wrong; and
WHEREAS, For too long only a small part of the American story of
greatness has been told; it is time that we do what we can to make sure
that the full story is entirely related, in all its rich diversity and
complexity; everyone should be included when we are standing up to
misrepresentations; and
WHEREAS, Celebrating Pride Week 2010, the six-day-long retrospective
Homo-Harlem film series investigates cinematic representation of gay
life and culture related to black America's fabled homeland; 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 Maysles Cinema upon the occasion of presenting the 2nd Annual
"Homo-Harlem" film festival on June 21-26, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be trans-
mitted to Maysles Cinema, and to the aforementioned co-sponsors.