Declare Hip Hop Day

June 8, 2017, as Global Hip Hop Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, Born in the Bronx, New York, Hip Hop has contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of its community and the entire State of New York; 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 8, 2017, as Global Hip Hop Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Global Hip Hop Day acknowledges hip hop's ability to unite people and create a positive cultural impact; and WHEREAS, The City of New York, HOT 97, and the office of the Bronx borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr., launched Global Hip Hop Day on Thursday, June 8, 2017, with the unveiling of Hip Hop Blvd. at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, New York, the birthplace of hip hop and home of legendary hip hop pioneer Kool Herc; and WHEREAS, Following the ceremonial unveiling of the sign, the community is invited to attend a Block Party at Cedar Playground; additional invitation-only events are planned to foster the current and future growth of hip hop's positive influence; and WHEREAS, A host of legendary hip hop artists, DJs, influencers and VIPs will join each event to amplify Global Hip Hop Day's reach; expected guests include: Kool Herc, DJ Scratch, DJ Chuck Chillout, DJ Red Alert, Grandmaster Caz, Funk Flex, DJ Kast One, DJ Enuff, DJ Camilo, D-Nice, Kid Capri, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Swizz Beatz, French Montana and many more; and WHEREAS, Hip Hop, the first music genre created in New York City, has spanned far beyond its origins in the Bronx to become, according to marketing powerhouse Steve Stoute, "a catalytic force majeure that went beyond musical boundaries and into the psyche of young America"; and WHEREAS, Global Hip Hop Day celebrates this catalytic force with the acknowledgement of hip hop's cultural and commercial capital and the pervasive power of an art form that has become an international behemoth; and WHEREAS, Global Hip Hop Day takes place in June, as a part of the City of New York's official Music Month and nationally recognized Black Music Month; the day also precedes HOT 97's Summer Jam on June 11, 2017, hip hop's most iconic and internationally recognized summer concert event, and is a precursor to Summer Jam global expansion announcements; and WHEREAS, Hip hop has become an international phenomenon that has inspired generations of young people to express themselves and celebrate their culture; Global Hip Hop Day strives to preserve this American genre's place in history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED,That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 8, 2017, as Global Hip Hop 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 Governor M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.