Honor Omorishanla A. Olayinka

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.