LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Brooklyn Academy of Music upon the
occasion of hosting the 2014 DanceAfrica Festival on May 17-26, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
those events which serve to enhance the cultural enrichment of the State
of New York and preserve the heritage of African Americans; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Brooklyn Academy of Music upon the occasion of hosting the 2014
DanceAfrica Festival, which was celebrated on May 17-26, 2014, in Brook-
lyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a multi-faceted arts
center committed to serving the Brooklyn community; for over 150 years,
it has provided world-class programming in theater, dance, music, opera,
and film, while showcasing the work of emerging artists and innovative
modern masters; and
WHEREAS, Now in its 37th year, DanceAfrica is the nation's largest
festival dedicated to the various traditions of African dance; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed cultural event brings together performance,
art, film, and an array of community events for an exhilarating cele-
bration of the unique contributions of Africa and the African diaspora;
and
WHEREAS, This year, DanceAfrica proudly shines the spotlight on Mada-
gascar-based music and dance troupe Bakomanga, which is making its Amer-
ican debut; and
WHEREAS, Led by Malagasy music star Mariette Rasoarinala, Bakomanga
embraces a rich variety of indigenous cultural forms, using jubilant
drum and accordion-driven music and movement to honor its ancestors,
usher in the harvest, and preserve tradition; and
WHEREAS, The DanceAfrica Arts Festival is a cherished event which
provides a uniquely warm and safe environment in which to enjoy the
music, dance, arts, crafts, flavors, colors, laughter and love of the
African Diaspora with family and visitors from across the globe; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Brooklyn Academy of Music upon the occasion of hosting the
2014 DanceAfrica Festival; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brooklyn Academy of Music.