Assembly Resolution No. 1298

BY: M. of A. Rules (Cymbrowitz)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
June 2018, as Russian Heritage Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those events which foster ethnic pride and enhance the
profile of cultural diversity which strengthen 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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2018, as Russian
Heritage Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, The Annual Russian Heritage Month is a month-long series of
events which celebrates and honors a rich diversity of cultural
traditions brought to the United States from the many countries of the
former Soviet Union; and

WHEREAS, Russian Heritage Month was founded in 2002 by the Russian
American Foundation and led by its President Marina Kovalyov and Vice
President Rina Kirshner in collaboration with the City of New York and
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg; in addition, for the past six years Russian
American Foundation has partnered with the New York Post; and

WHEREAS, The festival began as a week-long series of events,
celebrating cultural and economic contributions of the Russian-speaking
community of New York; today, it has grown into an internationally
recognized month-long celebration dedicated to promoting cross-community
awareness, as well as a valuable local, national and international
dialogue between peoples and cultures; and

WHEREAS, The Russian speaking community plays an indispensable role
in the culture, economic and social life of New York, the United States
and the world; Russian Heritage Month honors their contributions and
affords the opportunity to showcase their talents; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Russian Heritage Month has become a unifying
force of the community by allowing its members, who hail from across the
former Soviet Union, to preserve their heritage, culture, and language
while also expressing their cultural identity; and

WHEREAS, This annual celebration of arts and culture takes place
throughout the month of June in New York; Russian Heritage Month is the
only event of its kind in the United States, and every year attracts a
large diverse audience to enjoy varied cultural events, such as
contemporary and folk music, dance performances, art exhibitions, public
festivals, health and sports fairs, business expos, and more; and

WHEREAS, Many Russian Americans have made vital contributions to
both the State of New York and the Nation; in addition to President
Marina Kovalyov, some of these individuals include: Vladimir Dobrynin,
CEO and President of Humans Net, Inc.; Yerlan Shakibayev, Founder of

Humans Net, Inc.; Roman Vnoukov, Principal at Design Studio Romani;
Eugene Schneur, co-Founder of Omni New York; Greg Gurevich, Managing
Partner and Portfolio Manager at Maritime Capital LLC; Irina A. Olevsky,
Esq., Owner and Managing Attorney, Law Offices of Irina A. Olevsky, PC;
Michael Belogorodsky, Past President, Russian American Officers
Association; Evgeny Zhuravlev, CEO and Founder L'Adresse American
Bistro; and RTVi TV Channel; and

WHEREAS, It is duly fitting that all New Yorkers join in these
important celebrations of one of our State's most vibrant communities;
this much anticipated observance and its accompanying activities will
foster greater appreciation for Russian culture and serve to promote the
spirit of cooperation that is characteristic of all citizens of New York
State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2018, as Russian
Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York, and Marina Kovalyov, President, Russian American Foundation.