Honor Mama Linda Evans

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.