LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Andre DeShields upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the Errol Grimes Dance Group
on June 14, 2009

WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons and organ-
izations that provide exemplary service, whether through participation
in voluntary programs, through unique personal achievement in their
profession or other endeavors, or simply through a lifetime of good
citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Andre DeShields upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition by the Errol Grimes Dance Group at its Champions of the Arts Tea
to be hosted at the home of Dr. Marco A. Mason in Brooklyn, New York, on
Sunday, June 14, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The Errol Grimes Dance Group, an internationally regarded
dance company based in Brooklyn, explores contemporary dance and themes
informed by an American and Afro-West Indian perspective; the company
also aims to give back to the community by mentoring young artists and
exposing them to the many facets of professional dance training and
related arts; and
WHEREAS, Its founder, Errol Grimes, who has been described as a "poet
of motion" by THE NEW YORK TIMES, seeks to convey the diversity of the
human experience through dance, storytelling, and multidisciplinary
forms of performance; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Andre DeShields is being
recognized by the Errol Grimes Dance Group for his unwavering support of
the dance company throughout its 20 year history; and
WHEREAS, Andre DeShields is an American actor, singer, dancer,
acclaimed novelist, choreographer and college professor; and
WHEREAS, Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Andre DeShields graduated from
the Baltimore City College High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts
degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; he later obtained his
Master of Arts degree from New York University's Gallatin School of
Individualized Study, where he currently serves as an Adjunct Professor;
and
WHEREAS, In 1975, Andre DeShields was cast in the title role of "The
Wiz"; additional Broadway credits include "Ain't Misbehavin'", the Duke
Ellington revue "Play On!", "The Full Monty" and "Prymate"; and
WHEREAS, Andre DeShields also conceived, wrote, directed and starred
in "Andre DeShield's Haarlem Nocturne"; his regional theatre credits
include "Play On!", "The Full Monty", "Waiting for Godot", "The Man Who
Came to Dinner", "Death of a Salesman" and "Dusyanta: A Tale of Kalida-
sa"; and
WHEREAS, Andre DeShields television credits include "Another World",
"Cosby", "Sex and the City", "Great Performances" and "Law and Order";
he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Achievement for his
performance in the 1982 NBC Broadcast of "Ain't Misbehavin'"; and
WHEREAS, Among Andre DeShields' many other awards are a 2007 Obie
Award for Sustained Excellence of Performance and a 2001 Outer Critics
Circle Award for his role in "The Full Monty"; and
WHEREAS, Andre DeShields' commitment and creative talents have signif-
icantly contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-

tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Andre DeShields upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Errol Grimes Dance Group on June 14, 2009; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Andre DeShields.