Bill > J01188

This resolution commemorates the 54th Annual International African Arts Festival (IAAFestival) scheduled for July 4-6, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, recognizing its significant cultural importance since its inception in 1971. The resolution highlights the festival's evolution from a modest cultural event to a major national celebration of African and diasporic identity, featuring performances by renowned artists and offering diverse programming in music, dance, spoken word, theater, visual arts, fashion, and culinary traditions. The festival's 2025 theme, "Dugagu - Resist," emphasizes cultural resistance and the preservation of African heritage in the face of systemic oppression. The resolution praises the festival's commitment to creating a space for celebration, education, intergenerational dialogue, and economic empowerment, while acknowledging the hard work of its board, staff, and volunteers. By recognizing the IAAFestival, the legislative body aims to honor its contributions to arts, cultural sovereignty, community enrichment, and racial justice, and will officially transmit a copy of the resolution to the festival's organizers.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/J1188