Senate Resolution No. 1134

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Patricia Ghizamboule Robinson upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition
by Dance Africa

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to
the cultural enrichment of the State of New York, and to the success and
progress of society during their life's work; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Patricia Ghizamboule Robinson upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by Dance Africa; she will be honored
on Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music for Dance
Africa's Opening Night; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York, Patricia
Ghizamboule Robinson attended Lincoln University and Pace University
where she received her bachelor's and master's degrees respectively; and

WHEREAS, Patricia Ghizamboule Robinson is an artistic director,
choreographer, and teacher, with her focus being rooted in traditional
and cultural arts of Africa, specifically West Africa; and

WHEREAS, As a former dancer and Sabar drummer with several New York
premier African dance companies, Patricia Ghizamboule Robinson has over
three decades of performance experience which includes dance, drum, and
theater art; and

WHEREAS, A true advocate for the arts in her community, Patricia
Ghizamboule Robinson supports the Jamaica Arts Leaders of the Queens
Council of the Arts, Jamaica Is Arts Alliance, and the Jamaica Now
Leadership Council; and

WHEREAS, Her unrelenting commitment to dance led her to joining
various renowned dance companies, including Wilhelmina Taylors' A Touch
of Folklore and More, Ladji Camara's Dance Company, Marie Basse Wiles &
Olukose Wiles' Maimouna Keita School of African Dance, and Youssouf
Koumbassa's Ballet Bagata and African Dimensions Collective; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Patricia Ghizamboule Robinson was a member of
Les Marrettes, the first all-female Sabar drum ensemble in the United
States; and

WHEREAS, Her love of theater led her to perform in several theater
productions, most notably Goin' Home and Julius Caesar Set in Africa; an
Audelco winning play showcased at the National Negro Theatre Conference;
and

WHEREAS, Patricia Ghizamboule Robinson traveled to Senegal and
Gambia, West Africa in 1993 and 1994 for extended cultural research of
the dance, rhythms, songs, and history of the people found in these
countries; there she studied dance and drum with artists in Dakar and

members of the National Ballet of Senegal at the Sarano National
Theatre; and

WHEREAS, As the Artistic Director of United African Dance Troupe &
FANIKE! African Dance Troupe, Patricia Ghizamboule Robinson brought
young dancers and drummers to present and uplift the ancestors for over
10 years at the Salute to the Ancestors event at the Weeksville Heritage
Center and the African Burial Grounds Center; and

WHEREAS, The FANIKE! African Dance Troupe is a teaching company that
has hired international Cultural Consultants to expand FANIKE! African
Dance Troupe's repertoire; the company incorporates dance, rhythms,
cultural traditions/events, costuming, props, song and storytelling to
create their own unique style; and

WHEREAS, The FANIKE! African Dance Troupe entertains and educates
its community about African traditional and diasporic culture and
history; in 2012, the Cultural Warrior Award was initiated and FANIKE!
has presented the award annually to members of the community who strive
to strengthen and uplift their community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Patricia Ghizamboule Robinson upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by Dance Africa 2023; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Patricia Ghizamboule Robinson.