LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rita Dove upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the John Oliver Killens Lifetime Achievement
Award by the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to honor and recog-
nize those individuals whose commitment and creative talents contribute
to the cultural enrichment of their communities and of the entire State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Rita
Dove upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the John Oliv-
er Killens Lifetime Achievement Award by the Center for Black Literature
at Medgar Evers College, to be celebrated at its 13th National Black
Writers Conference on Saturday, April 2, 2016, in Brooklyn, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Rita Dove, former United States Poet Laureate, has been
called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, the Center for Black Literature was founded to
expand, broaden and enrich the public's knowledge and aesthetic appreci-
ation of the value of Black literature through a series of programs
which serve as a forum for the research and study of Black literature;
and
WHEREAS, This vital institution convenes and supports various literary
programs and events such as author signings, writing workshops, panel
discussion, conferences and symposium; it is the only Center in the
country devoted to this; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Center for Black Literature is immeasura-
ble; through the National Black Writers Conferences and other programs
sponsored by the Center, students, scholars, established as well as
aspiring writers and poets, and the general public have become more
aware of and appreciative of the importance of Black literature and the
writers who have made tremendous contributions to the African-American
and Western literary canons; and
WHEREAS, Rita Dove, an esteemed honoree of the 13th National Black
Writers Conference and its Honorary Chair, truly represents the richness
of Black literature and culture, and accordingly merits recognition and
applause for her steadfast and unwavering dedication to the arts; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals who add strength, vigor and inspiration to the
cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities of the State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts of
our Nation, to honor our artists, and to express our appreciation to
everyone who patronizes the arts; and as we celebrate the arts, we cele-
brate and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere in
which artists can truly create and in which art is truly the expression
of the soul; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rita Dove upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
John Oliver Killens Lifetime Achievement Award by the Center for Black
Literature at Medgar Evers College; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rita Dove.