Senate Resolution No. 814

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

COMMEMORATING the 20th Anniversary of Central
Brooklyn Jazz Consortium on April 11, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium, to
be celebrated on Thursday, April 11, 2019, at Long Island University,
Kumble Theater, Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1999, Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium (CBJC) is
a nonprofit corporation committed to preserving, promoting, and
supporting live music within the underserved communities of Brooklyn;
its membership consists of jazz aficionados, entertainment venues,
musicians, faith-based institutions, and community organizations; and

WHEREAS, The founders of Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium, Alma
Carroll, Voila Plummer and Torrie McCartney, provided the vision upon
which the organization's mission was constructed; and

WHEREAS, Torrie McCartney's vision and impetus began when Dr. Sam
Pinn, a history professor at Ramapo College in New Jersey and Founder of
the Ft. Greene Senior Citizens Council in Brooklyn, asked her to create
a weekly concert series at their flagship center, 966 Fulton Street, in
1990; the room would launch as Jazz 966, and is now nearing its 30th
year; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, in 1995, she was asked by Dr. Mary Umolu, a
tenured professor at Medgar Evers College, to develop a weekly summer
concert series on the campus grounds; these Friday summer concerts
continue today; and

WHEREAS, The first Board of the Jazz Consortium would consist of
educator and cultural activist Jitu Weusi, who was elected as the
organization's first chairperson in December of 1999, along with Alma
Carroll, Treasurer; Torrie McCartney, Facilitator; Colette Penn,
Recording Secretary; and Loretta Washington, Financial Secretary; and

WHEREAS, Over the past two decades, CBJC has presented the Central
Brooklyn Jazz Festival and established a Brooklyn Jazz Hall of Fame;
this vital arts organization also produces yearly programs, including
Youth Jazz Jamboree/Wellness Day, Jazz: The Women's Viewpoint, and a
summer jazz concert series at the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration
Corporation; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, all programming features local talent in
venues throughout central Brooklyn, focusing on locations in

Brownsville, East New York, and Bedford Stuyvesant sections of the
borough; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Central Brooklyn Jazz
Consortium is committed to the development of audiences and the
nurturing of institutions and individuals throughout Brooklyn, which
effect Jazz as well as other cultural expressions; and

WHEREAS, Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium provides a forum for
cultural exchanges through building partnerships, establishing
connections between African American musicians and their community; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing the contributions of artists and their role in
perpetuating culture while promoting the dignity of all people, Central
Brooklyn Jazz Consortium strives to develop venues that are affordable,
accessible, and attractive to young people, elders, and adults; and

WHEREAS, Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium's 2019 esteemed Board
Members include: Chairman, Clarence Mosley; Treasurer, Bessie Edwards;
Financial Secretary, Robert Myers; Media Director, Dwight Brewster;
Parliamentarian, Michael Howard; Musical Director, Jeffrey King; and
Board Members, Garland Core Jr., Debbie Mack, Steve Cromity and
Beareather Reddy; and

WHEREAS, The success of Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated members, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments 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
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium on
April 11, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Clarence Mosley, Chairman of the Board, Central Brooklyn
Jazz Consortium.