Senate Resolution No. 5341

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Mama Linda Evans upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the
Brooklyn Academy of Music

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of artistic significance whose creative talents have
contributed to the cultural enrichment of our communities and our
Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Mama Linda Evans upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the Brooklyn Academy of Music, to be celebrated
during the DanceAfrica Festival from May 25-28, 2017, 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, Mama Linda Evans was born to Hilton and Alma Evans on
November 3, 1947; she was raised in the Bronx, New York, where she
attended P.S. 3, Bronckland Junior High School and Walton High School;
after graduating, she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees
with honors from City College of New York; and

WHEREAS, For 38 years, Mama Linda Evans served as a teacher, mentor
and early childhood literacy coach; in 2010, she officially retired from
these positions; and

WHEREAS, Mama Linda Evans has always enjoyed the arts, and after
taking dance classes with Chuck Davis, she fell in love with African
Dance; she also studied dance at Clarke Center for the Performing Arts
with Charles Moore, Thelma Hill and Tee Ross; as well as Hazel Starks
Bryant, Les Ballet Africains du Guinee, Titos Sompa and many more; and

WHEREAS, In February of 1977, Mama Linda Evans represented the
United States as a cultural ambassador performing at the FESTAC, which
took place in Lagos, Nigeria; later that year, she performed at Brooklyn
Academy of Music in the Lepercq Theater with the company which would
come to be known as the first DanceAfrica; and

WHEREAS, Mama Linda Evans has been a standing member of the Council
of Elders since its inception, serving as an positive example for the
youth of Restorations Dance Arts Academy and the community at large; and

WHEREAS, Today, this multi-talented woman is a sought-after clothing
designer, visual artist and a vocalist, performing and recording with
Omi Yesa; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her daughter, Olaifa
(Victor), and her three grandchildren, Orianna, Obioye and Ayo, all of
whom have shown her love and support and rejoice in her many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts
of our Nation, to honor our artists, and to express our appreciation to
everyone who patronizes the arts; as we celebrate the arts, we celebrate
and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere in which
artists can truly create and in which art is truly the expression of the
soul; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Mama Linda Evans upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the Brooklyn Academy of Music; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mama Linda Evans.