LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Egbe Iwa Odo'kunrin Egbe Iwa
Odo'binrin, Inc.'s Rites of Passage Program upon the occasion of hosting
its 7th Gala Commencement Ceremony

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, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend
the Egbe Iwa Odo'kunrin Egbe Iwa Odo'binrin, Inc.'s Rites of Passage
Program upon the occasion of hosting its 7th Gala Commencement Ceremony;
and
WHEREAS, The event takes place on Sunday, June 9, 2013, at Antun's
Banquet Hall in Queens Village, New York; in addition, this celebration
will acknowledge the Ogun Shiriki honorees, Iyalorisa Isoke Titilayo Nia
Kierstedt and Babalorisa Bruce E. Spencer; and
WHEREAS, The graduates are: Ajamu Omari Burke, Soleil Mustafa Ocampo-
Gaskin, Amari Dejon Haywood, Jihadou Kwantu Bakr, Nailah Oronde, Noni
Kadara Abdur-Razzaq, and Sauda Fayola Adiaha Adeagbo Johnson; and
WHEREAS, The mentors are: Baba Bill Mathews; Baba Joseph Reece; Baba
Ademola Kierstedt; Awo Robert Sims, Esq.; Baba William Ozier; Iya
Lynette White-Mathews; and Iya Karla Moore; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the administration includes: Iya Amma Oloriwaa!,
Founder/Director; Iya Isoke Nia Kierstedt; Iya Laura Soaries; Iya
Lynette White-Mathews; Iya Cheryl DB Murphy; Baba William Mathews; Baba
Joseph Reece; Iya Ebony Johnson; Iya Dolores Rodriguez; and Iya Terri
White; and
WHEREAS, The Rites of Passage Program was established in June of 2003
in Brooklyn, New York; it is based on the culturally traditional Rites
of Passage experienced and practiced in both the African and Native
American cultures; and
WHEREAS, The program is open to all; it does not discriminate on the
basis of race, creed, or color; this year-long program includes training
on a variety of subjects that help prepare Egbe members for the experi-
ences they will encounter in adulthood; and
WHEREAS, The Egbe Iwa Rites of Passage Program offers a positive
alternative that is based on the Yoruba, people who are indigenous to
Nigeria, West Africa, and Native American example - as well as the
traditions of African-American, Afro-Cuban, and other cultures of the
Diaspora; and
WHEREAS, Egbe Iwa Odo'kunrin Egbe Iwa Odo'binrin, Inc.'s mission is to
prepare and empower young men and women to assume age appropriate
responsibilities at each stage of life; through the dedication and
understanding of the Oluko (Mentors) who work with and teach them, along
with intense focus, instruction, and guidance, the program seeks to
instill the importance of traditional cultural values, survival skills,
and the beauty of their transition into adulthood; and
WHEREAS, Adolescence can be a very turbulent time and the lure to
participate in negative activity is strong; the program became a member
of The Mentoring Partnership of New York, joining the nation's call for
mentors to assist youth; and
WHEREAS, These rites bring joy and excitement not only to the youth
and their families, but also to everyone in the community; as a child
becomes an adult, the community is assured that its traditions and
values will continue on forever; and
WHEREAS, The youth are taught by esteemed experts in workshops cover-
ing topics such as respect of self, family, environment, the global

community, time management, creativity, and financial responsibility, to
name a few; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Egbe Iwa Odo'kunrin Egbe Iwa Odo'binrin, Inc.'s Rites of
Passage Program upon the occasion of hosting its 7th Gala Commencement
Ceremony; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned administrative staff, honorees, students
and mentors.