Honor Ifetayo Arts Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 5385 BY: Senator PARKER COMMEMORATING the 29th Anniversary of the Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 29th Anniversary of the Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy to be celebrated with a Global Dance Party at Milk River, Brooklyn, New York, on Thursday, May 31, 2018, recognizing almost three decades of service to the community; and WHEREAS, Guest Deejays for the Global Dance Party are DJ Silence of Reggae Retro and DJ Revolution of The Freedom Dance Party, spinning sounds of hip hop, reggae, afrobeat, salsa, dancehall and soca; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1989, the Ifetayo Cultural Arts Facility, Inc. is an arts and cultural organization dedicated to supporting the creative, educational and vocational development of youth and families of African descent; it strives to enhance their lives by providing programs in cultural awareness, performing and visual arts, as well as academic enrichment, health and wellness, and professional skills development; and WHEREAS, Ifetayo's faculty consists of highly skilled professional artists, scholars and experienced teachers, and includes published poets, former directors of music schools, and artists who have exhibited at such venues as the Brooklyn Museum; it also has a host of performers from such companies as Dance Theater of Harlem, Alvin Ailey, Jubilation Dance Company, and the Miami City Ballet; and WHEREAS, For 29 years, Ifetayo has taken a leadership role in developing the community it serves by improving the quality of life for its members; it is a supportive community and extended family able to provide its students with skills development and new perceptions leading to responsible decision-making; and WHEREAS, Ifetayo's name comes from the West African Yoruba word meaning "love brings happiness"; this is a guiding principle and the foundation of its approach to the development and growth of its students; and WHEREAS, Ifetayo has been a pillar of strength in Flatbush and surrounding neighborhoods, inspiring a new generation to reach high levels of creative, personal and academic achievement; since 1989, it has grown to serve a significant amount of students and their families in seven major programs demonstrating their ability to involve and retain young people whose needs are being met successfully; and WHEREAS, Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy's distinguished record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 29th Anniversary of the Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy.