LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Ifetayo
Cultural Arts Academy

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; 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 25th Anniversary of the Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, cele-
brated Thursday, February 5, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1989, the Ifetayo Cultural Arts Facility, Inc. is
an arts and cultural organization dedicated to supporting the creative,
educational and vocational development of youth and families of African
descent; it strives to enhance their lives by providing programs in
cultural awareness, performing and visual arts, as well as academic
enrichment, health and wellness, and professional skills development;
and
WHEREAS, Ifetayo's faculty consists of highly skilled professional
artists, scholars and experienced teachers, and includes published
poets, former directors of music schools, artists who have exhibited at
such venues as the Brooklyn Museum; it also has a host of performers
from such companies as Dance Theater of Harlem, Alvin Ailey, Jubilation
Dance Company, and the Miami City Ballet; and
WHEREAS, For 25 years, Ifetayo has taken a leadership role in develop-
ing the community it serves by improving the quality of life for its
members; it is a supportive community and extended family able to
provide its students with skills development and new perceptions leading
to responsible decision-making; and
WHEREAS, Ifetayo's name comes from the West African Yoruba word mean-
ing "love brings happiness"; this is a guiding principle and the founda-
tion of its approach to the development and growth of its students; and
WHEREAS, Ifetayo has been a pillar of strength in Flatbush and
surrounding neighborhoods, inspiring a new generation to reach high
levels of creative, personal and academic achievement; since 1989, it
has grown to serve a significant amount of students and their families
in seven major programs demonstrating their ability to involve and
retain young people whose needs are being met successfully; and
WHEREAS, Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy'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
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy.