LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Museum of Contemporary African Dias-
poran Arts upon the occasion of hosting its Inaugural Masquerade Ball on
May 14, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of artistic organizations of significance whose crea-
tive talents have contributed to the cultural enrichment of our communi-
ties and our Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that institutions
which are founded in educational purpose, and which help to preserve the
history and heritage of a people, merit the highest commendation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts upon the occasion of host-
ing its Inaugural Masquerade Ball celebrated on Thursday, May 14, 2015,
in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA)
uses the visual arts as a point of departure for exploring new artistic
productions across a variety of disciplines; and
WHEREAS, Through exhibitions, education and programming, MoCADA
incites dialogue on pressing social and political issues facing members
of the African Diaspora, while fostering a dynamic space for the
creation and continuous evolution of African Diaspora culture; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1999, MoCADA has grown into an organization which
serves both children and adults, with an emphasis on underserved commu-
nities of color in the New York City area and beyond; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable Brooklyn museum also uses exhibits, films,
guest speakers, online media, and television to inspire emerging
artists, students of all ages, and the members of the global community
with a budding and established interest in the arts of the African Dias-
pora; and
WHEREAS, The expert staff of MoCADA, are and always have been charac-
terized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an
uncompromising standard of excellence, and accordingly merit the
applause of the citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Executive Director James
Bartlett, MoCADA looks forward to many years of continued and purposeful
growth; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when cultural
organizations of such exceptional value and accomplishment are brought
to our attention, 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
honor the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts upon the occa-
sion of hosting its Inaugural Masquerade Ball on May 14, 2015; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James Bartlett, Executive Director, Museum of Contemporary
African Diasporan Arts.