LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 24-30, 2015, as Pinkster Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
those weeks set aside to enhance the cultural enrichment of the State of
New York and to 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 memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 24-30, 2015, as Pinkster
Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Pinkster is a spring festival, taking place in late May or
early June; the name is a variation of the Dutch word Pinksteren, mean-
ing "Pentecost" and Pinkster in English almost always refers to the
festivals held by African Americans, both free and slave, in the North-
eastern United States, particularly in the early 19th Century; and
WHEREAS, For the African slaves of the Dutch, Pinkster was a time free
from work and a chance to gather and catch up with family and friends;
and
WHEREAS, The African Festival of Pinkster is the oldest celebration of
the original 13 colonies that became the United States of America,
dating back to the celebration of the eleven Angolans taken captive as
indentured slaves to the New Amsterdam Colony in 1626; and
WHEREAS, The African Festival of Pinkster was a major initial step in
the contribution of African-American arts to the culture of American
life through dance, song, poetry and other creative endeavors; and
WHEREAS, The African Festival of Pinkster celebrated the unity of the
early African community with the election of its King and celebrations
around its burial grounds in the Commons of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Pink-
ster Hill in Albany, and other regions in Vermont, New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware; and
WHEREAS, A derivative of Pinkster, Election-day, where the African
American community elected their kings and governors, in the states of
New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts continued
into the antebellum period; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York has no memorial to Pinkster Hill in
Albany or the Commons in Manhattan; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, in its official recognition of the
African Festival of Pinkster, renews its connection to the rich cultural
traditions of its ancient past; and
WHEREAS, Events such as The African Festival of Pinkster, which cele-
brates diversity and peace, contribute to fulfilling our Nation's great
legacy of equality and opportunity for all, and profoundly enhance our
shared commitment to freedom and justice; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 24-30, 2015, as
Pinkster 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.