Senate Resolution No. 1951

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the Center for Black Literature upon
the occasion of hosting its 2024 National Black
Writers Conference and paying tribute to this year's
honoree, Peniel L. Joseph

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Center for Black Literature upon the occasion of hosting its
2024 National Black Writers Conference to be held at Medgar Evers
College, City University of New York, in Brooklyn, New York, on
Saturday, March 23, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 2002, the Center for Black Literature (CBL) at
Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York (CUNY) has
served the interests of the people of the Empire State by expanding,
broadening, and enriching the public's knowledge and appreciation of
Black literature by people of the African Diaspora and of the African
continent for 22 years; and

WHEREAS, Esteemed author and professor, Peniel L. Joseph will be
celebrated for his excellence and contributions to Black academic study
and civil rights; devoted to the furtherance of engaged research and
scholarship centered on the ways that issues of race and democracy
affect individuals' lives, he has been instrumental in the advancement
of our communities; and

WHEREAS, Peniel L. Joseph's entries into the Black literary canon
and academia have bolstered our comprehension of our perspectives'
singularity which can cultivate and elevate our society, ensuring
recognition of all individuals' voices; and

WHEREAS, Holding a joint professorship at Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ)
School of Public Affairs and the History Department in the College of
Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, Peniel L. Joseph is
also the founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and
Democracy at both LBJ's School and Tufts University where he was a
professor previously; and

WHEREAS, Peniel L. Joseph's concentration has been Black Power
Studies which is comprised of interdisciplinary fields such as Africana
studies, law and society, women's and ethnic studies, and political
science; and

WHEREAS, As a frequent contributor on issues of race, democracy, and
civil rights, Peniel L. Joseph is also the award-winning author of
Waiting 'Til the Midnight Hour: A Narrative History of Black Power in

America and Dark Days, Bright Nights: From Black Power to Barack Obama;
and

WHEREAS, Peniel L. Joseph's most recent book, Stokely: A Life, has
been deemed the definitive biography of Stokely Carmichael, the man who
popularized the phrase, "black power"; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Peniel L. Joseph is credited with editing The
Black Power Movement: Rethinking the Civil Rights-Black Power Era and
Neighborhood Rebels: Black Power at the Local Level; and

WHEREAS, Most notably through the Center for Black Literature,
Peniel L. Joseph has consistently pursued his passion of expanding,
broadening, and enriching the public's knowledge and aesthetic
appreciation of the value of the literature produced by Black writers;
and

WHEREAS, The Members of the New York State Senate recognize the
incredible accomplishments and authorship of this inspiring leader and
show appreciation for the excellent work Peniel L. Joseph will continue
to contribute to the community; and

WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, the Center for
Black Literature has demonstrated the value of uplifting the voices of
Black writers from all walks of life, providing a space for growth and
education, while providing platforms for success; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Center for Black Literature upon the occasion of hosting its
2024 National Black Writers Conference and paying tribute to this year's
honoree, Peniel L. Joseph; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Peniel L. Joseph.