Declare Pinkster Day Statewide

June 4, 2017 as Pinkster Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to those days 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 memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 4, 2017 as Pinkster Day 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, meaning "Pentecost" and Pinkster in English almost always refers to the festivals held by African Americans, both free and slave, in the Northeastern 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, Pinkster 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 celebrates 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 June 4, 2017 as Pinkster Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.