LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Baba Roger "Montego Joe"
Sanders, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Baba Roger "Montego Joe" Sanders of Brooklyn, New York died
on Monday, June 28, 2010, at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, Baba Roger Sanders distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Baba Roger Sanders' commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Baba Montego Joe, born Roger Sanders, was a native of Jamai-
ca, West Indies, and migrated to the United States at the age of 10;
well known in the music world as one of the foremost Afro-Caribbean
percussionists, his professional performance experience spanned six
decades and locations which include the United States, Europe, Africa,
South America, and the Caribbean; and
WHEREAS, Baba Montego has worked and recorded with such notable
artists as, The Fifth Dimension, Nina Simone, Herbie Mann, Abby Lincoln
and Max Roach, Art Blakey, and Dizzy Gillespie; he recorded his first
solo project on Prestige Records in 1994; and
WHEREAS, As an educator, Baba Montego shared his love for music with
some of the great musical minds of the 21st century, including the late
Andrei Strobert; his students ranged in all ages at various schools in
Brooklyn, New York, including Medgar Evers College, Bedford Stuyvesant
Restoration Corporation (Youth Arts Academy) and Ifetayo Cultural Arts
Academy, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, All of Baba Montego's students can recall the passion that he
gave when teaching about rhythm and the drum; he gave his time and love
to the community through his participation as a member of the Dance
Africa and Ifetayo Cultural Arts Council of Elders; and
WHEREAS, Baba Montego worked tirelessly to ensure that the rhythms and
culture of the Caribbean were preserved through performances, classes
and oral tradition; with his vast reservoir of knowledge about the
history and meaning of Afro-Caribbean music and his impeccable style and
technique, Baba Montego had much to share; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, his life was a portrait of
service, a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Baba Roger "Montego Joe" Sanders, distinguished citi-
zen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Baba Roger "Montego Joe" Sanders.