LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating 13-year-old writer Alexis Cummings
for her inspirational poetry performed at Carnegie Hall

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize those individuals within our midst who provide exceptional
leadership and commitment to human service; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late 13-year-old writer Alexis Cummings for her inspirational poetry
performed at Carnegie Hall; and
WHEREAS, Najaya Royal, Samori Covington and Alexis Cummings are three
inspirational young writers whose determination, drive and dedication to
the written word, their families, communities and themselves have given
them a love for poetry and desire to share their work with others; the
three poets are mentored by Angeli Rasbury, a Brooklyn Public Library
staffer who facilitated weekly poetry workshops with the support of the
Brooklyn-based NY Writes Coalition, Griot Reading Programs and the
Brooklyn Arts Council; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, their poems "I am from the Ghetto Brooklyn" (Najaya
Royal), "When Randa Wears Red" (Samori Covington) and "I'm Smart" (Alex-
is Cummings) were set to music by composer Gilda Lyons and collectively
titled "Songs from the F Train," a commission from American Opera
Projects, Fort Greene Park Conservancy and the Walt Whitman Project; and
WHEREAS, "Songs from the F Train" premiered in Fort Greene Park during
the Make Music New York Festival and was performed again at Carnegie
Hall as part of a concert titled "The Music of Georgia Shreve and Alvin
Singleton"; at both events, the piece was performed by mezzo-soprano
Nicole Mitchell, a Bedford Stuyvesant native; and
WHEREAS, Alexis Cummings has read her poetry at venues such as the
Brooklyn Public Library and during the annual Robert F. Kennedy program
at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation; in addition, she has read
at the Billie Holiday Theatre and for the Association of Black Educators
of New York; and
WHEREAS, Alexis Cummings has attended the monthly Creating Art Club
and writing workshops facilitated by Angeli Rasbury; her key literary
work is "I'm Smart"; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act in accord
with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and
leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the
ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate 13-year-old writer Alexis Cummings for her inspirational
poetry performed at Carnegie Hall; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Alexis Cummings.