Senate Resolution No. 2783

BY: Senator COMRIE

COMMENDING Black Spectrum Theatre Company, Inc.
upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th
Anniversary, and paying special tribute to this
year's honorees on April 25, 2020

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose
commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and
entertainment world has contributed to the strength, vitality, and
cultural enrichment of their communities and the great 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
commend Black Spectrum Theatre Company, Inc. upon the occasion of
observing its 50th Anniversary, and to pay tribute to this year's
honorees at a Gala "Celebrating 50 Years of Nurturing Generations of
Artists!" on Saturday, April 25, 2020; and

WHEREAS, This year's honorees include legendary entertainers Louis
Gossett Jr., Leslie Uggams, and Ben Vereen, who have dedicated their
lives to furthering the mission of the Black Spectrum Theatre Company;
and

WHEREAS, For five decades, Black Spectrum Theatre Company has
diligently worked to nurture a new generation of artists for the 21st
Century; and

WHEREAS, Playwright, director, and filmmaker Carl Clay founded Black
Spectrum Theatre Company as a traveling theatrical troupe in 1970; from
its humble beginnings, the Company has grown into a multi-faceted
performing arts and media company which has produced and presented over
150 plays, 30 films, and numerous works of music, dance, and performance
art; and

WHEREAS, Based in Jamaica, New York, Black Spectrum is the only
professional theatre company reaching out to people of African descent
in the area through numerous outstanding programs for children and youth
which include the Youth and Children's Theatre Company, Summer Theatre
Camp, Children's and Youth Theatre Institute, and E-CAP After School
Program; and

WHEREAS, Through its 325-seat state-of-the-art theatre, located in
Roy Wilkins Park, the Black Spectrum Theatre Company serves more than
20,000 audience members annually, reaching thousands more through its
nationally distributed films for urban teens series, mobile stage, and
school residency programs; and

WHEREAS, For its dedication and excellence in African-American
theatre, the Black Spectrum Theatre Company has been the proud recipient
of 10 AUDELCO Awards and three National Black Theatre Festival Awards;
and

WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization; they are
central to human expression; they enlighten us and inspire the
imagination; educational institutions, individuals, and organizations
which further such worthy purposes richly merit the recognition and
appreciation of this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, As the Black Spectrum Theatre Company looks back with great
pride to its beginnings, viewing, with just satisfaction, its successful
evolution, it renews both its dedication to supporting artistic
excellence, and its commitment to the community it has served since
1970, expressing its appreciation to all those who have helped to
sustain and enhance it over the years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Black Spectrum Theatre Company, Inc. upon the occasion of
celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and to pay special tribute to this
year's honorees on April 25, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Carl Clay, Executive Producer, Black Spectrum Theatre
Company, Inc. and the aforementioned honorees.