Bill > J01453

This resolution honors Marsha Massiah for receiving the Educational & Community Empowerment Award from Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc., a nonprofit organization that recognizes distinguished individuals of color for their impactful leadership and service. The resolution highlights Massiah's significant contributions as the Founder and Executive Director of the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival (BCLF), the only literary festival in the United States dedicated exclusively to Caribbean literature and indigenous storytelling. It acknowledges her work in building bridges for Caribbean stories, advocating for writers, and fostering a dynamic platform for the diaspora that connects literature with various art forms to celebrate Caribbean heritage and identity. The resolution also recognizes her initiatives like the Caribbean Fiction Collection, the Cocoa Pod podcast, and the BCLF Short Fiction Story Competition, which provide mentorship and opportunities for emerging writers, as well as her leadership at The Idea Room Corp, a communications hub supporting creatives. Ultimately, this resolution commends Massiah's visionary leadership, dedication to education, and commitment to cultural empowerment, which have strengthened communities and inspired new generations.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/J1453