LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Robert Farris Thompson upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by the Gathering of the Hous-
es of African Based Spiritual Belief Systems of New York City

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Robert Farris
Thompson upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
the Gathering of the Houses of African Based Spiritual Belief Systems of
New York City in conjunction with the Caribbean Cultural Center African
Diaspora Institute on Sunday, August 16, 2009; and
WHEREAS, This special event's title is "Ba M'buta: Ancestral
Connections from the Congo to the Americas"; and
WHEREAS, The Gathering of the Houses of African Based Spiritual Belief
Systems of New York City looks forward in honoring the elders of African
based spiritual belief systems who have managed to learn and pass on the
sacred wisdoms of African belief systems in the Americas; and
WHEREAS, One of the foremost scholars in African art, Dr. Thompson is
the Colonel John Trumbull Professor of the History of Art at Yale
University; having served as Master of Timothy Dwight College since
1978, he is currently the longest serving master of a residential
college at Yale; and
WHEREAS, Robert Farris Thompson's distinguished record merits the
recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Robert Farris Thompson upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Gathering of the Houses of African Based
Spiritual Belief Systems of New York City; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert Farris Thompson.