Honor Obba Babatunde Award

February 26, 2019 WHEREAS, It is with profound intent that this Legislative Body is moved to pay homage to a man of indomitable faith and dedication whose purposeful life and accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to give acclaim to individuals of great character whose lives exemplify the highest ideals of humanity; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Obba Babatunde upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the African American Achiever Award by NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens to be celebrated at its Annual Black History Month Program on Tuesday,

February 26, 2019, in Jamaica, New York; and WHEREAS, This auspicious award recognizes the contributions of an individual who is positively impacting the world around them by making a meaningful difference in the lives of others; Obba Babatunde is one such individual; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, Obba Babatunde is an actor, singer, dancer, director, writer and producer; his breadth of work is known worldwide by audiences of all ages, and his face is one of the most recognizable in the entertainment industry; and WHEREAS, Obba Babatunde has been the proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including an Emmy and NAACP Image Award; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Obba Babatunde has appeared in more than 17 stage productions, 33 films, over 60 made-for-television movies, and can currently be seen in four prime-time series; and WHEREAS, As a Global Ambassador for the organization Get Empowered, Obba Babatunde has been instrumental in uplifting, empowering and supporting children and adults of all ages and backgrounds by inspiring them to be their best selves; and WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts of individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life for others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those individuals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Obba Babatunde upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the African American Achiever Award by NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens on February 26, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Obba Babatunde.