Senate Resolution No. 1588

BY: Senator COMRIE

HONORING Erika L. Ewing upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the National
Council of Negro Women, Inc., Queens County, on June
2, 2019

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as Erika L. Ewing who uphold the values
of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomize the
best of humanity; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Erika L.
Ewing upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Queens County, to be
celebrated at its 32nd Annual Black & White Awards Banquet: "Women's
Empowerment, Legacy, Reclamation and Renewal" on Sunday, June 2, 2019,
at Antun's, Queens Village, New York; and

WHEREAS, Erika L. Ewing founded Got To Stop LLC with a determination
to inspire communities to believe in the power of the arts as a vehicle
for social change and transformation; in this capacity, she combines
creativity and a community centered strength-based approach to develop
actionable ideas, innovative programming, and a lifestyle fashion brand;
and

WHEREAS, Erika L. Ewing holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre
from Smith College, as well as a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting
and Theatre Arts from Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts;
and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman has served as an Adjunct Professor
at The City University of New York's Grad Center, teaching Literacy,
Drama and Dramatic Writing, and a Guest Lecturer at New York University;
and

WHEREAS, Erika L. Ewing's career has encompassed directing, writing,
acting, and producing for television, film, theatre, and music videos;
and

WHEREAS, Since 1999, Erika L. Ewing has combined her love for
education and the arts to become a professional developer for one of New
York City's leading teaching artist organizations; she has spent nearly
two decades as an Engagement Strategist working with several government
agencies, schools, faith and community-based organizations, families and
educators in the Tri-State area; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, her pedagogical approach to community
engagement is rooted in the arts, social and emotional learning,
student-centered learning, positive youth development, and culturally
relevant education; and

WHEREAS, An advocate against sex trafficking and human trafficking,
Erika L. Ewing serves as a volunteer, assisting with training,

developing and anti-trafficking prevention curricular for youth and
school administrators; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Erika L. Ewing is a member of the Academic Committee for the
Board of Trustees for Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem and the New
York State Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, In addition, she serves as co-chair for the Dr. Jeanne L.
Noble G.E.M.S., a program geared toward inspiring and enriching the
lives of African-American and Latina young ladies between the ages of 14
and 18; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Erika L. Ewing has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Erika L. Ewing, that future generations may know and appreciate her
admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Erika L. Ewing upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Queens County,
on June 2, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Erika L. Ewing.