Honor Black Writers Conference

Senate Resolution No. 4362 BY: Senator PARKER COMMENDING The Center for Black Literature upon the occasion of hosting its 14th National Black Writers Conference, and paying tribute to this year's honorees WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Center for Black Literature upon the occasion of hosting its 14th National Black Writers Conference, and to pay tribute to this year's honorees from Thursday, March 22 through Sunday, March 25, 2018, at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, This year's honorees include award-winning writers Colson Whitehead, Kwame Dawes, David Levering Lewis, and Susan L. Taylor; speculative fiction writers Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due; and cultural historian Eugene B. Redmond; Dr. Myrlie Evers-Williams will serve as the Honorary Chair; and WHEREAS, The theme for this year's event is entitled "Gathering at the Waters: Healing, Legacy, and Activism in Black Literature," which will focus on concerns about the recent, and still continuing, issues of social inequality and injustices which challenge us and builds on the legacy of healing through action; Black writers will discuss the ways in which they use their writing to explore and convey messages which heal and restore their individual selves and collective community; and WHEREAS, Attendees of the conference will also examine the instrumental role Black writers have played in building Black cultural history, the imprint that this has left in Black literature, and how the literature of Black writers has impacted present-day and future generations; and WHEREAS, Lastly, writers will examine how their beliefs and personal vigorous actions are used to support the political and social change they want to see take place in today's society; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when literary and cultural organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend The Center for Black Literature upon the occasion of hosting its 14th National Black Writers Conference, and to pay tribute to this year's honorees; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Center for Black Literature.