Assembly Resolution No. 624

BY: M. of A. Zinerman

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of The Billie
Holiday Theatre in the Brooklyn community of
Bedford-Stuyvesant

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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of The Billie Holiday Theatre in
Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary
of the "Lady Sings the Blues"; and

WHEREAS, The 1972 American biographical film celebrates the essence
of Billie Holiday, one of America's most loved and memorable blues
singers, and was captured brilliantly in a tour-de-force debut
performance by singer Diana Ross; filled with the greatest songs of the
incomparable "Lady Day," the film received five Academy Award
nominations, including Diana Ross for Best Actress; alongside her was an
extraordinary cast which included Billie Dee Williams and Richard Pryor;
and

WHEREAS, The Billie Holiday Theatre, Inc. (BHT) was founded in 1972,
by the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (Restoration), a
community development corporation whose mission is to be a catalyst for
the progressive improvement of the quality of life for its residents;
and

WHEREAS, For the last five decades, The Billie Holiday Theatre has
served as a platform for world class art rooted in racial justice in the
heart of Bedford, producing, presenting, and commissioning new and
classic works and festivals in theater, dance, music, visual arts, and
film; and

WHEREAS, This AUDELCO and Obie Award-winning Theatre also provides
artistic and institutional residencies and offers educational
programming to people of all ages; and

WHEREAS, In 1981, The Billie Holiday Theatre made history when it
transferred the hit play Inacent Black to Broadway with 50 percent of
the financing being derived from the Black community, a first in the
theatre world; and

WHEREAS, Many of today's most successful actors, writers, designers,
and musicians got their start at The Billie Holiday Theatre, including
Samuel L. Jackson, Debbie Allen, Tichina Arnold, Bill Cobbs, Phyllis
Yvonne Stickney, Carol Woods, Elaine Graham and Ebony JoAnn; and

WHEREAS, The great political satirist/comic, Dick Gregory made his
theatrical comeback after 20 years on the stage, and audiences were
treated to the reunion of "Good Times" stars Ralph Carter and John Amos;
and

WHEREAS, William "Smokey" Robinson's first musical, Raisin' Hell and
plays by Samm Art Williams, Weldon Irvine, and John Henry Redwood were
produced at The Billie Holiday Theatre; and

WHEREAS, In addition, musicians Victor Willis and Alex Briley met
and performed at the Theatre prior to forming The Village People, and
Grammy Award winning bassist and producer Marcus Miller performed in the
venue's pit band; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous direction of Board Chair Wayne
Winborne and his fellow Directors, this extraordinary cultural
institution serves as a premier entertainment center in New York City,
the hub of Bedford-Stuyvesant, and a true beacon for the arts which are
so vital to the community and the lives of its residents and visitors;
and

WHEREAS, A vibrant arts community encourages collaboration, instills
local pride, draws people together, and is essential to a community's
vitality; since its inception, The Billie Holiday Theatre has greatly
contributed to the richness of New York's cultural palette and remains
steadfastly dedicated to ensuring this gem remains in all its glory for
decades to come; 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 Billie Holiday Theatre 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
1972, 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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of The Billie Holiday Theatre in the
Brooklyn community of Bedford-Stuyvesant; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Wayne Winborne, Board Chair, The Billie Holiday Theatre.