Senate Resolution No. 1135

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. upon the occasion
of hosting its Annual Fundraising Gala on June 8,
2023

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 I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
Fundraising Gala on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Williamsburg Hotel in
Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, For their true dedication to their community and the
furtherance of I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D.'s mission, this year's honorees
include the Dreamville Foundation; Arnie Weissmann, Editor in Chief of
Travel Weekly; Danielle Browne Esq., Founder of The Browne Firm PLLC;
Nikki Bethel, President & CEO of the Emma Bowen Foundation; and

WHEREAS, I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. is a registered non-profit
organization dedicated to promoting self-empowerment and appreciation
for cultural richness and diversity amongst high school students of
color in the New York Metropolitan Area; the I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D.
acronym stands for Confident, Unique, Leading, Tenacious, Unstoppable,
Regal, Educated, and Daring; and

WHEREAS, I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. is devoted to empowering high school
youth of color to become innovative global citizens through experiential
learning, mentorship and cultural experiences, while being passionately
dedicated to promoting self-empowerment and appreciation for cultural
richness and diversity by creative global leaders of tomorrow to
envision a life beyond their immediate communities while fulfilling
personal and professional goals towards success; and

WHEREAS, Through mentorship, leadership workshops, and travel abroad
experiences, the organization takes a holistic approach to youth
development, supporting their social, intellectual, and mental
wellbeing; and

WHEREAS, I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. focuses on travel abroad, community
service, mentorship, the Community Day Street Festival, and the Youth
Empowerment Series programs, truly enriching the youth participants of
the organization; and

WHEREAS, This annual evening of culture and excellence is a
culminating celebration of the program year, the I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D.
courageous students, and bold change makers of today; this special night
fuels the heartbeat of the organization- the Cultural Series Summer
Travel Program; this summer, students will travel abroad to Egypt; and

WHEREAS, The current Board Members overseeing I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D.
include Iman Dean Strong; Melissa Shields; Maleah Land; Reggie Hudson;
Bunmi Olosunde; Monique Holaman Esq.; Urian Smith; and Rondel Charles,
acknowledging these exceptional individuals and their contributions to
the organization, fully confident that they will continue to enjoy the
sparkling successes they have experienced thus far; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations 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 I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
Fundraising Gala on June 8, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D., and the aforementioned honorees.