LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Southeast Queens, New York, Actor-Direc-
tor Arthur French upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Coalition of Theatres of Color

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those individuals of outstanding character and achievement
who have brought pride to this majestic Empire State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Southeast
Queens, New York, Actor-Director Arthur French upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Coali-
tion of Theatres of Color on Thursday, May 19, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The Coalition of Theatres of Color (CTC) is a non-profit
community of renowned multicultural theatre arts organizations in New
York State; these institutions have joined forces to ensure sustainabil-
ity and longevity of theatre of color in multicultural communities; and
WHEREAS, Arthur French, one of the original founding actors of the
Negro Ensemble Company, earned an Obie Award for "Sustained Excellence
of Performance," an Off-Broadway Lucille Lortel Award for August
Wilson's "Two Trains Running" and several AUDELCO Awards for his direc-
tion of the Harlem revival of Ma Rainey's "Black Bottom"; and
WHEREAS, Arthur French is a veteran board member of Black Spectrum
Theatre; his 50-year entertainment career spans key roles on Broadway,
television and in film; his major New York stage work includes: Charles
Fuller's Pulitzer Prize-winning "A Soldier's Play"; August Wilson's
Pulitzer Prize-winning Ma Rainey's "Black Bottom"; Melvin Van Peebles's
"Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death"; "You Can't Take It With You"
with Jason Robards; Horton Foote's play "Dividing the Estate" with
Elizabeth Ashley; "The Iceman Cometh" with James Earl Jones; and several
productions with George C. Scott; and
WHEREAS, Arthur French has appeared in dozens of television shows,
including "Law & Order"; "Law & Order: SVU"; and "Nurse Jackie"; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Arthur French's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Southeast Queens, New York, Actor-Director Arthur French upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement
Award by the Coalition of Theatres of Color; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Arthur French.