Assembly Resolution No. 686

BY: M. of A. Schiavoni

HONORING influential Black authors upon the
occasion of special recognition at the Black Authors
Festival in Sag Harbor, New York on August 2, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the custom of the Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those illustrious thought leaders of their community, who strive to
support literacy and the creation of powerful stories to uplift the
Black community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
influential Black authors upon the occasion of special recognition on
Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Black Authors Festival in Sag Harbor,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Celebrating the power of words and Black authors, the Black
Authors Festival aims to support literacy and honor influential Black
authors and thought leaders in the community; it was founded by two
professional Black women who curated the renowned event to acquaint and
re-acquaint Black people with the notion of penning and publishing their
own stories; and

WHEREAS, The honorees being featured at the Black Authors Festival
are: Sunny Hostin, an accomplished attorney, award-winning former
federal prosecutor, and Emmy-winning journalist known for her impactful
legal analysis, social justice advocacy, and commitment to public
education through media; Alton Fitzgerald White, a celebrated Broadway
star, vocalist, and author best known for his historic run as Mufasa in
The Lion King, whose powerful performances and inspirational
storytelling have captivated audiences worldwide; Marc Morial, a
distinguished civil rights leader, former Mayor of New Orleans, and
President and CEO of the National Urban League, whose visionary
leadership has advanced equity, economic opportunity, and social justice
across the nation; Amaryllis Greene, a remarkable 14-year-old published
author, actress, model, and youth advocate whose creative talents and
civic engagement inspire and empower young people to embrace their voice
and potential; Attika J. Torrence, an award-winning producer, director,
writer, and educator whose impactful storytelling across film,
television, and literature serves as a powerful vehicle for education,
empowerment, and social change; Harriette Cole, a renowned
communications expert, author, educator, and empowerment coach whose
decades-long career has been dedicated to helping individuals and
organizations articulate their purpose, elevate their voices, and
realize their dreams; Mimi Dixon, an award-winning marketing executive,
diversity champion, and innovative brand strategist whose leadership at
Crayola and beyond has shaped impactful campaigns that celebrate
inclusion, creativity, and cultural representation; Nicole Johnson, a
multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist and community advocate whose
powerful and compassionate reporting has brought national attention to
critical social issues, influenced policy change, and uplifted
underrepresented voices; Cheryl Wills, an Emmy Award-winning journalist,
author, and trailblazer in broadcast media whose groundbreaking career,
historical storytelling, and advocacy for social justice have made her a

powerful voice for truth, equity, and representation; Pamela McBride, a
dedicated advocate and strategic leader in equal employment opportunity
whose lifelong commitment to mentoring, diversity, and inclusion has
fostered equitable workplaces and empowered countless individuals across
military and civilian communities; Arrianee LeBeau, a multi-Emmy
award-winning journalist and anchor known for her inspiring storytelling
through the 'Heart of the City' series, her dedication to mentoring
future journalists, and her commitment to uplifting communities across
New York; Kendis Gibson, a four-time Emmy award-winning journalist
recognized for his courageous reporting on historic events including
9/11 and major national elections, his influential work across top
networks such as ABC and CNN, and his commitment to community service
through leadership on multiple nonprofit boards; Don Lemon, an
award-winning American journalist and bestselling author, renowned for
his impactful career at CNN where he served as a leading news anchor and
commentator, and who continues to engage a broad audience through
digital media as a prominent voice in journalism and civic discourse;
Rochell Bishop Sleets, a trailblazing journalist and editor, currently
serving as Editor and Chief Content Officer at Newsday, known for her
historic leadership as the first Black woman to lead the publication,
her decades-long commitment to fair, inclusive storytelling, and her
dedication to mentoring the next generation of journalists; Maurice L.
Williams, the transformative Executive Director of A Father's Love, a
NYC-based nonprofit tackling fatherlessness and social inequities, whose
own journey from incarceration to academic excellence fuels his
impactful work in community empowerment, education, and youth advocacy;
Coach Darlene, Founder and CEO of The Higher Level Method, a personal
and professional development coach with 30+ years of experience helping
individuals and organizations achieve transformative growth through
holistic, results-driven strategies; Bryttnee Parris, a Grants Manager
at the Ford Foundation advancing equity and justice by supporting
disability rights and gender, racial, and ethnic justice initiatives,
with a strong background in public service, policy advocacy, and
community engagement; Eboni Bailey, an Associate Consultant and
certified Project Manager at Memorial Hermann Health System,
specializing in strategic planning and process improvement, while
passionately advocating for community development, healthcare access,
and economic empowerment for Black and Brown communities; Yvette
Highsmith, a Regional Vice President at Community Health Center, Inc.
with over 30 years of experience overseeing primary care and
school-based health services, dedicated to advancing racial and ethnic
health equity and improving access to quality care for vulnerable
communities; Phil Andrews, President of the Long Island African American
Chamber of Commerce, founder of 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, and a
prominent community leader recognized for advancing mentoring,
diversity, equity, inclusion, and economic development across Eastern
New York; and Tevin Foster, a passionate filmmaker and photographer,
owner of Hazy Sun Production, known for directing impactful
documentaries that highlight untold stories and foster community
understanding, while balancing his creative career with family life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals 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
honor influential Black authors upon the occasion of special recognition

at the Black Authors Festival in Sag Harbor, New York on August 2, 2025;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the aforementioned honorees and the Black Authors
Festival Board.