LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim February 8-15, 2013, Sol Afrik Fashion Week in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 8-15, 2013, Sol Afrik
Fashion Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Sol Afrik Fashion Week is a lavish multi-day event that will
include displays of fashion and design, exhibitions and showroom display
opportunities along with world-class entertainment, and receptions; it
is the first fashion week that features high-end designer, couture,
contemporary, and ready-to-wear, international designers from all over
the world, including African Americans, Continental Africans, Blacks in
the Caribbean, Africans in Europe, and so forth; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of Sol Afrik Fashion Week is to bring together
fashion and design professionals who are traditionally marginalized or
under publicized; and
WHEREAS, Sol Afrik Fashion Week will provide people from across the
African Diaspora a platform to trademark their original designs and
exquisite creativity in a way that other fashion events and showcases
have not; therefore, it nurtures young and new designers while giving
seasoned designers a proper platform to showcase their line in a way
that the fashion industry has never seen Black fashion; and
WHEREAS, The Sol Afrik Fashion Week team is comprised of progressive,
young professionals from across the African Diaspora, who have expertise
in various facets of the fashion industry, including merchandising,
design, fashion photography, public relations, marketing, non-profit and
business management, as well as corporate law; and
WHEREAS, The group is a team of individuals who have realized that a
proper platform for global Black designers in today's fashion industry
does not exist; therefore, it combined its talents, academic back-
grounds, and energies to create the Sol Afrik Fashion Week; and
WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts of
individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life for
others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 8-15, 2013,
Sol Afrik Fashion Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, and to Kantaki Washington, Executive Director, Sol Afrik Fashion
Week.