LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Museum of Contemporary African
Diasporan Arts upon the occasion of hosting its 2nd Annual Masquerade
Ball on May 19, 2016, and paying tribute to this year's honorees

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate those
events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and inspira-
tion to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities of
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts upon the occasion of
hosting its 2nd Annual Masquerade Ball to be celebrated on Thursday, May
19, 2016, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music; and
WHEREAS, This year's distinguished honorees are Derrick Adams of the
Rockefeller Foundation, and the Founders of Studio One Eighty Nine,
Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah; and
WHEREAS, The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA)
uses the visual arts as a point of departure for exploring new artistic
productions across a variety of disciplines; and
WHEREAS, Through exhibitions, education and programming, MoCADA
incites dialogue on pressing social and political issues facing members
of the African Diaspora, while fostering a dynamic space for the
creation and continuous evolution of African Diaspora culture; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1999, MoCADA has grown into an organization which
serves both children and adults, with an emphasis on underserved commu-
nities of color in the New York City area and beyond; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable Brooklyn museum also uses exhibits, films,
guest speakers, online media, and television to inspire emerging
artists, students of all ages, and the members of the global community
with a budding and established interest in the arts of the African Dias-
pora; and
WHEREAS, The expert staff of MoCADA, are and always have been charac-
terized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an
uncompromising standard of excellence, and accordingly merit the
applause of the citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Executive Director James
Bartlett, MoCADA looks forward to many years of continued and purposeful
growth; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when cultural
organizations of such exceptional value and accomplishment are brought
to our attention, 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
honor the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts upon the occa-
sion of hosting its 2nd Annual Masquerade Ball on May 19, 2016; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James Bartlett, Executive Director, Museum of Contemporary
African Diasporan Arts, and the aforementioned honorees.