LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 16-22, 2014 as Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence week in
the State of New York

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 that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that
affect the lives of citizens 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 memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 16-22, 2014 as Hip-Hop
Against Gun & Gang Violence week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council will celebrate its third
annual Hip-Hop Against Gang & Gun Violence week initiative, a proactive
109-day campaign to improve public safety; and
WHEREAS, The project's mission is to teach students and young adults
how to reduce gun and gang violence with a focus on the Memorial Day and
Labor Day holidays, the unofficial start and end of summer when gun
violence spikes; and
WHEREAS, To support the celebration, the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council
will again work with the New York City Housing Authority, Department of
Youth and Community Development, DOC, New York Police Department, celeb-
rities, students, community and business leaders, clergy, gang leaders,
and the formerly incarcerated; and
WHEREAS, Activities offered during Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence
week and throughout the summer will include the Community Ambassadors 4
Peace initiative, Rap to Bridge the Gap, Time 2 Shine Talent Showcase,
Solution Summits, films, gun buy-back programs, trips, celebrity public
service announcements, prize give-a-ways, essay contests, and sports and
entertainment events; and
WHEREAS, The campaign, created in 2012, has seen much success, with an
extraordinary 70% reduction in New York City gun homicides from 2011 to
2013; and
WHEREAS, This success has garnered support throughout the United
States and Worldwide, through a unique partnership with UNAIDS, the
official HIV/AIDS agency of the United Nations; together, these exem-
plary organizations are launching a global tour during the 2014 World
Cup in Brazil to address Gun & Gang Violence, HIV/AIDS and substance
abuse; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Founder Charles Fisher, the
Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council has been instrumental in improving public
safety, and helping young citizens to graduate from high school, pursue
college, obtain employment, fulfill their civic duty and stay out of the
criminal justice system; and
WHEREAS, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the efforts of citizens of the State of New York who organize
themselves for the purpose of improving and enhancing the quality of
life in their communities; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body recog-
nizes the many contributions of the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council, and
wishes this worthy organization continued success in its proactive
mission to benefit the communities it represents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 16-22, 2014 as
Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence week in the State of New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.