Senate Resolution No. 1847

BY: Senator CLEARE

COMMEMORATING the 66th Anniversary of Senegalese
Independence on April 4, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate significant historical events and the rich cultural
traditions of the diverse communities that contribute to the heritage
and vibrancy of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 66th Anniversary of Senegalese Independence on April 4,
2026; and

WHEREAS, In the 15th century, various European powers competed for
trade and control in the Senegal area, and in the 1850s, France began to
expand their reach onto the Senegalese mainland at the expense of the
native kingdoms; and

WHEREAS, Senegal and the French Sudan were both controlled by
France, and in 1959, the two combined to form the Mali Federation, which
became independent in 1960; and

WHEREAS, The transfer of power agreement between Senegal, French
Sudan, and France was signed on April 4, 1960, which is now celebrated
as Senegalese Independence Day; and

WHEREAS, Despite gaining independence as the Mali Federation, the
Senegalese were not fully satisfied with this agreement and parted from
the federation to become an independent state on August 20, 1960; and

WHEREAS, The Republic of Senegal was formally proclaimed on
September 5, 1960, with Leopold Sedar Senghor as president and Mamadou
Dia as prime minister; this new nation utilized a mixed
parliamentary-presidential system; and

WHEREAS, April 4th is now celebrated in Senegal and by Senegalese
communities around the world as Senegalese Independence Day, a day of
patriotic pride, national reflection, and cultural celebration; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York is home to a vibrant and growing
Senegalese-American community whose cultural, civic, economic, and
social contributions greatly enrich the life of this State; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of Senegalese Independence Day offers an
opportunity to reflect on the nation's enduring legacy, honor its
cultural traditions, and recognize the strength and unity of the
Senegalese people, both in their homeland and throughout the diaspora,
especially here in New York State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 66th Anniversary of Senegalese Independence on April 4,
2026; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Association of Senegalese in America.