Senate Resolution No. 2078

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMEMORATING the 2nd Annual Asase Yaa Dreams in
Action Gala and recognizing 25 years of artistic
excellence and community impact by the Asase Yaa
Cultural Arts Foundation, to be celebrated on May
12, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend organizations and institutions whose enduring commitment to
cultural enrichment, youth development, education, and community
empowerment has contributed significantly to the vitality and diversity
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, this Legislative Body is proud
to commemorate the 2nd Annual Asase Yaa Dreams in Action Gala, to be
held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, on the rooftop of the Brooklyn Children's
Museum in Brooklyn, New York, and to recognize t25 years of artistic
excellence and community impact by the Asase Yaa Cultura Arts
Foundation; and

WHEREAS, The 2026 Gala, themed "We Strive to Thrive," marks the 25th
Anniversary of the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation and serves as a
celebration of African-inspired artistic excellence, cultural
preservation, and transformative community engagement through the arts;
and

WHEREAS, Founded with a mission to educate, uplift, and empower
young people and communities through African-centered cultural arts,
dance, music, and performance, the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation
has, for a quarter century, fostered creativity, discipline, cultural
pride, and leadership among generations of youth throughout the City and
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Through dynamic arts education initiatives, public
performances, cultural programming, and mentorship opportunities, the
Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation has created meaningful spaces for
artistic expression, intercultural understanding, and community
connection, while preserving and promoting the rich traditions and
heritage of the African diaspora; and

WHEREAS, The Dreams in Action Gala serves not only as a celebration
of achievement and artistic excellence, but also as an important
fundraising effort to sustain and expand youth and community arts
programming, ensuring continued access to culturally grounded arts
education and opportunities for future generations; and

WHEREAS, The 2026 Gala will honor distinguished individuals and
organizations whose accomplishments and service embody excellence,
leadership, advocacy, and commitment to community uplift, including
acclaimed actress and advocate Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, community leader
Aaron Barnette, educator and cultural advocate Dr. Ayoka Wiles, and The
Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, The evening will further feature live performances and
entertainment celebrating the vibrancy, creativity, and enduring power
of the performing arts to inspire unity, resilience, and collective
advancement; and

WHEREAS, The Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation's 25 years of
service and cultural leadership stand as a testament to the importance
of investing in the arts, empowering youth voices, and preserving the
cultural traditions that enrich the social and civic fabric of New York
State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 2nd Annual Asase Yaa Dreams in Action Gala and to
recognize the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation upon the occasion of
its 25th Anniversary, recognizing its extraordinary contributions to
arts education, cultural preservation, and community empowerment
throughout the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the leadership of the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation
as an expression of the esteem and gratitude of this Legislative Body
for its enduring service and impact.