LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 12th National Black Writers
Conference hosted by the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers
College, CUNY

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 12th National Black Writers Conference hosted by the Center
for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, March 30, 2013, the Conference held a special
tribute to the life and works of Toni Cade Bambara; and
WHEREAS, The National Black Writers Conference was first presented in
1986 as a result of the visionary leadership of the late John O.
Killens; Black writers come from throughout America, the Caribbean,
Europe and Africa to participate in panel discussions, roundtables,
author readings and storytelling; and
WHEREAS, The National Black Writers Conference examines the historical
representation of the literature of Black writers and the representation
of new and future directions for contemporary and emerging literary
voices; it is dedicated to the exploration of emerging themes, trends
and issues in Black American literature; and
WHEREAS, The National Black Writers Conference attracts writers, scho-
lars, editors, agents, faculty, students and the general public; it has
addressed the themes of stereotypes in Black literature, the direction
of Black literature, the renaissance in Black literature, and access and
expanding conversations on race, identity, history and genre; and
WHEREAS, Through novels, stories, poems, plays, memoirs, and essays,
Black writers have explored the importance of memory on the concepts of
self and family; they have examined the impact of popular culture on our
personal lives, belief systems, values, and traditions; in addition,
they have chronicled what happens when we neglect and do not nurture our
natural environment; and
WHEREAS, In essence, Black writers have used the power of words and
the literary arts to stir our imagination and to motivate us to affirm,
critique, and reflect on our responses to personal, societal, and envi-
ronmental issues; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 12th National Black Writers Conference hosted by the
Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College,
CUNY.