Senate Resolution No. 5336

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Brooklyn Academy of Music upon the
occasion of hosting the 2018 DanceAfrica Festival
from May 25-28, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention
to those events which serve to enhance the cultural enrichment of the
State of New York and 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
commend the Brooklyn Academy of Music upon the occasion of hosting the
2018 DanceAfrica Festival, to be celebrated from May 25-28, 2018, at the
Peter Jay Sharp Building in the Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a multi-faceted arts
center committed to serving the Brooklyn community; for over 150 years,
it has provided world-class programming in theater, dance, music, opera,
and film, while showcasing the work of emerging artists and innovative
modern masters; and

WHEREAS, Now in its 41st year, DanceAfrica is the nation's largest
festival dedicated to the various traditions of African dance; under the
luminous leadership of Artistic Director, Abdel R. Salaam, this year's
performance entitled "Remembrance, Reconciliation, Renewal," offers a
taste of the rhythm and spirit of South Africa, acknowledging Nelson
Mandela's Centennial Birthday and the contributions of freedom fighters
past and present; and

WHEREAS, South African supergroup Ingoma KwaZulu-Natal Dance Company
brings traditional movement idioms alongside the contemporary stylings
of Durban-based Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre; they are joined by the
BAM/Restoration Dance Youth Ensemble and, together, rejoice in the
transcendent power of movement and music in a range of forms and
traditions; and

WHEREAS, This special curated program draws parallels between South
African anti-apartheid and American civil rights movements, portraying
the struggles for justice and, ultimately, serving up triumphant
celebrations of culture; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed cultural event brings together performance,
art, film, and an array of community events for an exhilarating
celebration of the unique contributions of Africa and the African
Diaspora; and

WHEREAS, The DanceAfrica Arts Festival is a cherished event which
provides a uniquely warm and safe environment in which to enjoy the
music, dance, arts, crafts, flavors, colors, laughter and love of the
African Diaspora with family and visitors from across the globe; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Brooklyn Academy of Music upon the occasion of hosting the 2018
DanceAfrica Festival from May 25-28, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Abdel R. Salaam, Artistic Director, Brooklyn Academy of
Music.