Honoring Erika L. Ewing upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Queens County

2, 2019 WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the compassion of individuals such as Erika L. Ewing who uphold the values of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomize the best of humanity; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Erika L. Ewing upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Queens County, to be celebrated at its 32nd Annual Black & White Awards Banquet: "Women's Empowerment, Legacy, Reclamation and Renewal" on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at Antun's, Queens Village, New York; and WHEREAS, Erika L. Ewing founded Got To Stop LLC with a determination to inspire communities to believe in the power of the arts as a vehicle for social change and transformation; in this capacity, she combines creativity and a community centered strength-based approach to develop actionable ideas, innovative programming, and a lifestyle fashion brand; and WHEREAS, Erika L. Ewing holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from Smith College, as well as a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting and Theatre Arts from Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman has served as an Adjunct Professor at The City University of New York's Grad Center, teaching Literacy, Drama and Dramatic Writing, and a Guest Lecturer at New York University; and WHEREAS, Erika L. Ewing's career has encompassed directing, writing, acting, and producing for television, film, theatre, and music videos; and WHEREAS, Since 1999, Erika L. Ewing has combined her love for education and the arts to become a professional developer for one of New York City's leading teaching artist organizations; she has spent nearly two decades as an Engagement Strategist working with several government agencies, schools, faith and community-based organizations, families and educators in the Tri-State area; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, her pedagogical approach to community engagement is rooted in the arts, social and emotional learning, student-centered learning, positive youth development, and culturally relevant education; and WHEREAS, An advocate against sex trafficking and human trafficking, Erika L. Ewing serves as a volunteer, assisting with training, developing and anti-trafficking prevention curricular for youth and school administrators; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Erika L. Ewing is a member of the Academic Committee for the Board of Trustees for Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem and the New York State Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and WHEREAS, In addition, she serves as co-chair for the Dr. Jeanne L. Noble G.E.M.S., a program geared toward inspiring and enriching the lives of African-American and Latina young ladies between the ages of 14 and 18; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Erika L. Ewing has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to Erika L. Ewing, that future generations may know and appreciate her admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Erika L. Ewing upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Queens County, on June 2, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Erika L. Ewing.