LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 43rd Anniversary of the Village
Drums of Freedom

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 43rd Anniversary of the Village Drums of Freedom, to be cele-
brated on Saturday, October 13, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Born out of the 1969-1970 revolution and Black Power Movement
in Trinidad & Tobago, the Village Drums of Freedom, headed by Gerald
Achee and Nyron Greenidge, has remained steadfast in promoting black
culture; the free improvisation percussion band focuses on the African
drumming and dancing and has been instrumental in bridging culture gaps
since its formation; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Joseph Achee, Rasundar Allen and Anthony Crick
have been steadfast members of the Village Drums of Freedom; and
WHEREAS, The group emerged when a group of schoolmates at the Murcura-
po Boys R.C. School in Trinidad began drumming as a means of self
expression; during the evolving time of the Black Power movement, they
provided "positive vibes" on the drums for the numerous rallies that
were taking place all over the country; as their music reverberated
through the nation, so too did their popularity; and
WHEREAS, Eventually, the group spread and the spirit of the Village
Drums of Freedom migrated to other parts of the Caribbean, as well as
Africa and Europe; each year, the Village Drums of Freedom hosts a
cultural festival in St. James, their home base in Trinidad, which show-
cases various aspects of the national culture; and
WHEREAS, The now international Village Drums of Freedom is led by
Gerald Achee who was introduced to the traditional Afro-Caribbean music
at an early age; he started his artistic career as a limbo-dancer and
later began to play the djembe; and
WHEREAS, From 1970 to 1980, Gerald Achee traveled with his ensemble
and a group of dancers throughout Europe, South America and the United
States, finally settling in Brooklyn, New York; his band expanded and
now consists of more than one hundred drummers all over the world; in
2003, Village Drums of Freedom released its first album, "Historic Trav-
el: Cultural Rhythms"; and
WHEREAS, Village Drums of Freedom has the distinction of being the
oldest African drum ensemble in New York City and with its base on Nost-
rand Avenue in Brooklyn has been in its outstanding continuous existence
for the past 43 years; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
commemorate the 43rd Anniversary of the Village Drums of Freedom; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned members of the Village Drums of Freedom.