LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of
Fernando Salicrup, respected teacher, artist, cultural pioneer and
co-founder of Taller Boricua

WHEREAS, It is with regret and sorrow that we record the passing of
Fernando Salicrup, of East Harlem, New York, a respected teacher,
artist, cultural pioneer, and co-founder of Taller Boricua, noting the
loss of an individual whose hard work and dedication helped to preserve
the neighborhood's cultural institutions; and
WHEREAS, Fernando Salicrup of East Harlem, New York, died on Thursday,
January 1, 2015, at the age of 68; and
WHEREAS, A lover of art, Fernando Salicrup's career included work with
a diverse mix of institutions, most notably serving as one of the five
founding members of Taller Boricua, a non-profit arts organization which
provides programming on a host of social, cultural, and economic devel-
opment issues; and
WHEREAS, Through various workshops Taller Boricua has provided count-
less artists an opportunity to share their vision, collaborate with
others, and contribute to both preserving and pushing forward culture
since its founding in 1970; and
WHEREAS, In 1992, Fernando Salicrup established the Julia De Burgos
Latino Cultural Center which includes an art gallery, theatre, and other
cultural amenities; through his leadership, the Center has proudly
served the community of East Harlem for over 20 years, providing local
artists mentorship and access to much needed resources; and
WHEREAS, Fernando Salicrup was a respected mentor, activist, and
member of Community Board 11; with a vision to empower the community to
secure the growth of the arts in El Barrio, his dream was to create a
vibrant home for the arts and artists of Latino and Puerto Rican
descent; and
WHEREAS, Fernando Salicrup distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Fernando Salicrup's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, East Harlem is a better place because of Fernando Salicrup, a
man who channeled his devotion to the arts and role as a community lead-
er to make his community a better place to live; his loss will be felt
throughout the arts world, as his dedication to the importance of
culture was unrivaled; and
WHEREAS, Fernando Salicrup is survived by his loving wife and devoted
children, all of whom felt privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoiced in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Fernando Salicrup leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Fernando Salicrup, respected
teacher, artist, cultural pioneer and co-founder of Taller Boricua; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Fernando Salicrup.