Senate Resolution No. 613

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING 256 Healing Arts upon the occasion of
hosting its Egungun Festival on June 4, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend 256 Healing Arts upon the occasion of hosting its Egungun
Festival on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at the 256 Healing Center in Brooklyn,
New York; and

WHEREAS, The 256 Egungun Festival honors those who have come before
us with a processional march through the streets to raise the vibrations
within the community, as well as to celebrate our ancestors and let them
know they will never be forgotten; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2008, 256 Healing Arts is a network of
healers from many different backgrounds, modalities, and disciplines who
united their resources to form this vital organization which heals and
empowers communities throughout the State of New York and around the
world; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Chief Sekou Alaje, 256 Healing
Arts empowers community by providing opportunities to explore and
understand African culture; and

WHEREAS, A healer, musician, priest and educator, Chief Sekou
Alaje's methodology to maintaining one's spiritual health is deeply
connected to his knowledge as a practitioner and his vast experiences in
Africa, Asia, South America, and the world; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, as an initiated priest in several spiritual
systems, Chief Sekou Alaje holds the title of Babalawo (Ifa Priest),
Olosun (Osun Priest), and Olu Ana (Owner of the Sacred Drum); he serves
as the Senior Priest at The Ogundase Ifa Temple, a temple dedicated to
spiritual practices from Yoruba Land, West Africa; the founder of 256
Healing Arts, a practitioner network providing access to various
indigenous healing modalities; and the 256 Academy for African
Spirituality, an institution educating its members in the arts of
African spiritual systems; and

WHEREAS, The success of 256 Healing Arts is in direct correlation to
the efforts of its Chief, Sekou Alaje, and 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 custom 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
commend 256 Healing Arts upon the occasion of hosting its Egungun
Festival on June 4, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Chief Sekou Alaje, 256 Healing Arts, Brooklyn, New York.