LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Jitu K. Weusi upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after a lifetime of many achieve-
ments

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Jitu K. Weusi has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Jitu K.
Weusi upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after
a lifetime of many achievements; and
WHEREAS, Jitu K. Weusi has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Jitu K. Weusi has many
accomplishments in the fields of Education, art, activism, and social
justice; and
WHEREAS, Jitu K. Weusi began his education career with the New York
City Department of Education (DOE) in September of 1962; he left the DOE
in the late 1960s to open Uhuru Sasa Shule (Freedom Now School), the
first African-American independent private school for inner-city youth;
he returned to the New York City DOC in 1985, serving many school
districts before his retirement in October of 2006; and
WHEREAS, Among his many accomplishments, Jitu K. Weusi was a founding
member of the African-American Teachers Association and was instrumental
in forming the New York Chapter of National Black United Front (NBUF);
and
WHEREAS, Jitu K. Weusi is an avid Jazz enthusiast whose experience
with Jazz performers began in the early 1960s when he worked as a waiter
at the famed Village Gate Cabaret and encountered musicians such as
Thelonious Monk, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Art Blakely, Aretha Franklin,
Miriam Makeba, and Herbie Mann; and
WHEREAS, In the 1970s, inspired by his love of music, Jitu K. Weusi
became the principal operator of the East Cultural and Educational
Center, where he presented Jazz programs weekly; furthermore, he has
served as Chairperson of the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium for the
past 10 years; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his work with the Consortium, this remarkable
man currently serves as Chair of the New York Chapter of NBUF; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Jitu K. Weusi has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Jitu K. Weusi has displayed through-
out his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Jitu K. Weusi upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after a lifetime of many achievements; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jitu K. Weusi.