LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center
upon the occasion of presenting the Souls of Our Feet: People of Color
Dance Festival

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center upon the occasion of presenting
the Souls of Our Feet: People of Color Dance Festival; and
WHEREAS, The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) builds bridges
of understanding through the presentation and celebration of choreo-
graphic works by artists of color; as an independent non-profit organ-
ization, its mission is to offer performance opportunities to artists so
they can share their work with diverse communities; and
WHEREAS, Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC), in association
with Kumble Theater, presented "A Ramp To Paradise," a groundbreaking
chronicle of the legendary New York City underground dance club Paradise
Garage; it was choreographed by Kyle Abraham, as the final performance
of Souls of Our Feet: People of Color Dance Festival, which was held on
June 22-24, 2010 at the Kumble Theater at Long Island University's
Brooklyn Campus; and
WHEREAS, The groundbreaking "A Ramp To Paradise" is a dance narrative
of one night during the 1980s at the edgy, predominantly Black and Lati-
no gay club, which featured the awe-inspiring DJ talent of the late
Larry Levan, live performances by everyone from Luther Vandross to Joce-
lyn Brown, Natalie Cole to Grace Jones, Madonna to Sylvester, a host of
house music superstars, and a mix of gay and straight patrons no other
club has matched; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned our
recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center upon the occasion of
presenting the Souls of Our Feet: People of Color Dance Festival; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center.