Senate Resolution No. 1881

BY: Senator MAY

CONGRATULATING Timbuk Tu upon the occasion of
achieving over 30 years in business

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute
substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby
enhancing economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Timbuk Tu upon the occasion of achieving over 30 years in
business; and

WHEREAS, Kwasi Owusu came to Syracuse from Ghana in the 1970s to
play soccer and study agriculture at the SUNY College of Environmental
Science and Forestry; he initially became a state employee working in
agriculture, but eventually left to help his cousin run a furniture and
appliance business; and

WHEREAS, The owner of Timbuk Tu, Kwasi Owusu, has a storied past,
having owned multiple of his own businesses throughout his life,
including a leather handbag and jewelry street vendor operation, his
record store called Global Records, and later, Timbuk Tu; and

WHEREAS, Timbuk Tu has been located in the Southside of Syracuse,
New York, for the last 32 years, standing as a pillar of the community
for a great length of time; and

WHEREAS, Kwasi Owusu's store, Timbuk Tu, specializes in authentic
African imported goods, and first opened his shop in 1992 after seven
years of running a record store; in working at the record store, he
identified an interest from customers regarding African products; and

WHEREAS, Timbuk Tu carries skincare products, an assortment of
apparel, fabrics, jewelry, furniture, cultural books, music, painting,
body essentials, and handmade leather bags; and

WHEREAS, Kwasi Owusu has been successful at building community in
his city of Syracuse; he was among the first residents and vendors
involved in the early 2000s who pioneered the Pan-African Village at the
New York State Fair; for three years, he also served as a board member
for the Juneteenth celebration; and

WHEREAS, Furthering his community impact, Kwasi Owusu, alongside his
neighbor in business, Irvin Hanslip, started a dance and drumming
troupe, and played on the International Stars, a semi-pro soccer team in
Syracuse; and

WHEREAS, Connecting his New York business with his former home,
Kwasi Owusu bought many of his products, including leather handbags and
baskets, from the village of Atwima Asamang, where he lived in Northern
Ghana, undoubtedly helping the families that make the products abroad;
and


WHEREAS, In early February of 2024, Timbuk Tu will officially close
its doors; Kwasi Owusu hopes to travel and spend more quality time with
his beloved wife, Gwendolyn, in the time that comes after closing the
business; and

WHEREAS, Kwasi Owusu, in forever dedication to his community, hopes
to ensure that whichever business assumes the location of Timbuk Tu is
beneficial to the Southside Syracuse residents and community at large;
and

WHEREAS, The success of Timbuk Tu is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its hardworking and dedicated owner, Kwasi Owusu, who will
stand as a role model to all great business owners in the State and
beyond; his involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all undertakings; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local
and state economies, and its vibrant and purposeful role in improving
the quality of life in its community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Timbuk Tu upon the occasion of achieving over 30 years in
business, and to wish Kwasi Owusu joy in his retirement and success in
all future undertakings; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kwasi Owusu, owner of Timbuk Tu.