Senate Resolution No. 2351

BY: Senator CLEARE

COMMEMORATING the 30th Anniversary of Mad
Wednesdays, and paying tribute to its founder, Maria
Davis, for her ceaseless dedication to HIV/AIDS
prevention and awareness

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
30th Anniversary of Mad Wednesdays on March 20, 2024, and to pay tribute
its founder, Maria Davis, for her ceaseless dedication to HIV/AIDS
prevention and awareness; and

WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the
quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and
self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and

WHEREAS, Maria Antonette Davis (MAD), a former hip-hop music
promoter, began hosting a showcase called MAD Wednesdays, the first of
which took place on March 20, 1994 at then hot spot, Sweetwaters on
Amsterdam Avenue; and

WHEREAS, It was during this time that Maria Davis' new artist
showcase and party became the backdrop and inspiration for Jay Z, Lil'
Kim, and other renowned artists of the 90s; she was featured on Jay-Z's
22 Two's track from his debut album, "Reasonable Doubt"; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, MAD Wednesdays has grown into a true
movement with its permanent home at The Shrine in Central Harlem, and
serving as a platform in preparing Maria to begin her role as an
advocate for those living with HIV and AIDS; and

WHEREAS, Nearly three decades ago, Maria Davis was diagnosed with
HIV and has since dedicated her life as a crusader, educator and
activist for those living with HIV/AIDS; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman has worked tirelessly in
collaboration with the pharmaceutical company Merck and fashion designer
Mondo Guerra on "I Design," a World AIDS Day national education campaign
aimed at empowering the HIV community; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, to continue her fight against AIDS and HIV,
Maria Davis promotes faith, positivity, and self-love to those living
with this disease; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to remaining a
voice for the voiceless, Maria Davis continues to educate her community
on the importance of knowing your status; she also serves as a minister
at the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Maria Davis over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication
to others; 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
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Mad Wednesdays, and to pay tribute
to its founder, Maria Davis, for her ceaseless dedication to HIV/AIDS
prevention and awareness; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Maria Davis.