LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mandingo Osceola Tshaka upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special recognition by the Bayside Histor-
ical Society

WHEREAS, With February being Black History Month, it is a time to
reflect on the struggles and victories of African Americans throughout
our country's history and to recognize their numerous valuable contrib-
utions to society; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Mandingo Osceola Tshaka upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Bayside Historical Society, to be celebrated on
Sunday, February 5, 2012, in Bayside, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born in Bayside, Mandingo Osceola Tshaka has lived in his
grandmother's house most of his life; this particular home has been in
his family's possession since 1914; and
WHEREAS, Mandingo Osceola Tshaka is a professional singer and perform-
er who has appeared live on Broadway; he still performs at churches as
well as other places on special occasions; and
WHEREAS, Mandingo Osceola Tshaka's achievements during his lifetime on
behalf of his community and country are noteworthy; as President of the
Bayside Clear Spring Council, he has been able to acquire the necessary
services for the residents of his neighborhood; he has fought against
undesirable elements and conditions, and has made the quality of life
better for all Bayside residents; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure as a member of Community Board 11, Queens,
Mandingo Osceola Tshaka was an outspoken proponent for what is right and
just; in the 1980s, he discovered that a playground in Flushing was
actually the site of a 19th century burial ground; and
WHEREAS, Up to 1,000 graves exist at this particular cemetery, most of
them of African American and Native American descent; through his activ-
ism, Mr. Tshaka was able to have the site restored and together with a
Conservancy of concerned citizens, convinced the City to rename the site
"The Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground"; and
WHEREAS, As one of the spokespersons for the Conservancy, Mandingo
Osceola Tshaka continues to be a proponent for the replacement of four
headstones destroyed when the cemetery was desecrated in the 1930s in
order to build the playground; he and other individuals demand that this
site be treated with the utmost dignity and respect; and
WHEREAS, In the last few years, Mr. Tshaka was able to obtain recogni-
tion for enslaved laborers as the builders of the United States Capitol
building; in addition, he has been honored by the United States Congress
and the New York State Board of Regents for his efforts; and
WHEREAS, Today, Mr. Tshaka remains a strong advocate for human rights
and historic accuracy and preservation; he is persistent in his efforts
in making Bayside a better place in which to live; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Mandingo Osceola Tshaka's distin-
guished record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mandingo Osceola Tshaka upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Bayside Historical Society; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mandingo Osceola Tshaka.