Senate Resolution No. 2831

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMEMORATING the one year Anniversary of the
death of Omorishanla A. Olayinka

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Omorishanla A. Olayinka, affectionately known to many as Be
Garrett, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 30, 2016; he was 46; and

WHEREAS, Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1969,
to Iya Omowumi Ogundaisi Garrett and Chief Obalumi Ogunseye Garrett, Be
Garrett attended General George A. McCall Elementary School before
graduating from Bodine High School for International Affairs; and

WHEREAS, Be Garrett graduated from the Community College of
Philadelphia in 1994, during which time he began working as a Production
Assistant on music videos where his love of film ignited; he went on to
graduate from the School of Visual Arts and remained in New York City to
work as a Broadcast Producer at Ogilvy & Mather, where he ultimately
became Partner; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, Be Garrett married the love of his life, Maryam
Day, and five years later the couple welcomed their baby girl, Ayodele
Omotolani Ifatosin Olayinka; he was a truly amazing husband, devout
father, professional, mentor and friend to many; and

WHEREAS, Be Garrett distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and

WHEREAS, An accomplished filmmaker and director, Be Garrett's first
short film project, "A Nick in Time" (2007), premiered at the Sundance
Film Festival and later screened at the Tribeca Film Festival, Festival
Du Cannes, Milano International Film Festival, and Zurich Film Festival;
and

WHEREAS, Be Garrett was the recipient of the 2007 Queens, New York
International Film Festival's "Best Short Film", 2007 Method Fest Award
for "Best Actor" (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), 2007 Moving Images Magazine
Award for "Best Short Film" and IndieWire "Film of the Week; " and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, his film, "A Nick in Time" is featured as an
educational tool for matriculating New York University film majors; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious 25 year career, Be Garrett went
on to direct and produce countless commercials, music videos and short
films; and

WHEREAS, Be Garrett's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and


WHEREAS, Be Garrett is survived by his wife, Maryam; daughter,
Ayodele; father, Chief Obalumi; mother, Omowumi; mother-in-law, Carolyn;
father-in-law, Cary; brothers, Sekou, Obawajumi, Adejola, Akinwole and
Olukemi; sisters, Iyatunde and Akanke; sisters-in-law, Olade, Motilewa,
Shaquonda and Shilu; brothers-in-law, Lamont, Edward, Sai'd and Brandon;
nephews, Okewa, Adefunmi, Moyele and Bale; nieces, Iyalua, Titilayo,
Nalo, Teniade, Aramide, Ife Folafayole and Sanaa; and many relatives and
friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Be Garrett 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
commemorate the one year Anniversary of the death of Omorishanla A.
Olayinka; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Omorishanla A. Olayinka.