Senate Resolution No. 572

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Christeen Francis upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of a 2023
Women-N-Motion Empowerment Award by the Young,
Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community and their profession; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Christeen Francis upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a
2023 Women-N-Motion Empowerment Award by the Young, Gifted & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards Program to be celebrated at its Awards Brunch on
Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Simpson Restaurant and Bar, Brooklyn, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Founded by Carl O. Gray, the Young, Gifted & Black (YGB)
Entrepreneurial Awards Program recognizes individuals who continue to
reach levels of great success through hard work and determination,
proving to be inspiring role models to their community and peers; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in conjunction with the observance of Women's
History Month, this auspicious occasion features several outstanding
women who are leaders, motivators, business professionals, innovators
and entrepreneurs; and

WHEREAS, A Social Worker by profession, Christeen Francis is also
the Founder and CEO of Having P.U.R.P.O.S.E, Inc., a nonprofit
humanitarian organization focusing on improving education, health,
social and economic systems one community at a time in Africa and the
Caribbean; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission to be good agents of positive
empowerment for the Caribbean and Africa, this vital organization
empowers the community by coordinating service through volunteerism,
collaborations, and the creation of coalitions; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, she is the founder of two social enterprises,
Vacationing with Purpose, which provides vacationing opportunities to
people who want to volunteer and give back in meaningful ways while
vacationing in some of the most beautiful places in Africa and the
Caribbean, and Having Purpose Entertainment, which allows entertainers
across different genres to get involved in communities where they are
performing; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Christeen Francis has collaborated with
renowned artists such as Pam Hall, Eric Donaldson, and Half Pint, as
well as Bahamian reggae artist Endel Major, St. Lucian Artist Taj
Weekes, and South African cover band All Nations; and

WHEREAS, Christeen Francis is also working on the Great African Art
Banner (GAAB), themed "Paint the Africa You Want", an ambitious
Pan-African initiative using art to visualize the role of Africa's
Afro-optimism - which emphasizes the continent's modernity, exudes
positivity, and celebrates 'African-ness' - as a driver for
technological progress, political reform, and confidence in Africa's
vibrant cultures to drive prosperity to actualize the African Union (AU)
Agenda 2063; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Christeen Francis, GAAB seeks
to harness the power of the finest creators in visual arts, fashion,
music and literature to amplify the actualization of the AU Agenda 2063;
the initiative brings together artists of African origin to create a 56
km banner featuring art work from the 55 nations recognized by the
African Union and the 56th "nation" representing the African Diaspora
and persons of African descent; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Christeen Francis has
displayed throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend
individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and
commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and
acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by both peers and
young people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Christeen Francis upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of a 2023 Women-N-Motion Empowerment Award by the Young,
Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Christeen Francis.