Senate Resolution No. 1452

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Donnaray Roc, artistic director,
choreographer, cultural ambassador, and visionary
creative leader, upon the occasion of receiving the
International Cultural Connectivity Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals whose extraordinary creativity, cultural leadership,
and international vision have uplifted global artistic expression,
strengthened cross-cultural exchange, and advanced the richness of the
Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Donnaray Roc, internationally recognized artistic director,
choreographer, creative entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador, upon the
occasion of receiving the International Cultural Connectivity Award by
Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc., on Wednesday,
February 25, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 2006 by Carl Gray, Young, Gifted, & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
recognizing distinguished individuals of color across the Americas, the
Caribbean, and Africa, celebrating "unsung heroes and heroines" whose
leadership, resilience, and service have made a lasting impact across
arts, culture, business, and community development; and

WHEREAS, Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Donnaray Roc has emerged as a
visionary artistic leader whose work has taken Jamaican dance and
cultural expression onto global stages, blending music, movement,
performance, fashion, and community advocacy in ways that honor her
heritage while expanding its influence worldwide; and

WHEREAS, With more than fifteen years of experience in entertainment
and creative production, Donnaray Roc is the Founder and President of
ROC Factory LLC, a cultural enterprise that draws together artistic
performance, production, choreography, talent development, and global
cultural diplomacy to celebrate and elevate Caribbean artistic identity;
and

WHEREAS, A fervent advocate for Jamaican dancehall and cultural
exchange, Donnaray Roc has traveled extensively throughout Europe, North
America, and Africa, including Ghana, where she launched initiatives
such as the Black Star Renaissance and Akwaaba Grand Experience which
were designed to strengthen cultural ties between Jamaica and the
African continent and expand opportunities for artistic collaboration;
and

WHEREAS, Donnaray Roc's creative work extends across choreography,
theater production, music video direction, event conceptualization, and
artistic leadership, earning her acclaim as an award-winning artistic
director and dancehall master who has contributed to the global
visibility of Jamaican dance culture; and

WHEREAS, Demonstrating deep commitment to community and cultural
education, Donnaray Roc has served as a cultural connector, working to
promote dancehall and Jamaican artistic traditions, empower emerging
performers, and build platforms where youth from diverse communities can
develop their talents and achieve artistic excellence; and

WHEREAS, Donnaray Roc's remarkable career bridges creative
innovation and intercultural bridge building, and her artistic vision
continues to inspire audiences, practitioners, and cultural institutions
across continents, expanding the reach of Jamaican expressive arts as an
enduring force in global culture; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Donnaray Roc, upon the occasion of receiving the International
Cultural Connectivity Award, and to commend her extraordinary
contributions to artistic excellence, cultural diplomacy, and
international cultural exchange; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Donnaray Roc as an expression of the highest respect and
appreciation of this Legislative Body.