Senate Resolution No. 404

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Queen Ifrica upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award
by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards
Program

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community and their profession; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Queen Ifrica upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of an
Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial
Awards Program to be celebrated at the 18th Anniversary of the Young,
Gifted & Black Award Program on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Terrace
On The Park in Queens, New York; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2006 by President/CEO of the NetLinkz Group,
Inc., Carl O. Gray, the Young, Gifted & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial
Awards Program recognizes individuals who continue to reach levels of
great success through hard work and determination, proving to be
inspiring role models to their community and peers; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Young, Gifted & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards Program acknowledges the talent, ambition, and
achievements of African American and Caribbean professionals towards
their continued pursuit of success; and

WHEREAS, The Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program
was launched in honor of Black History Month and shines a light on such
accomplished individuals as Queen Ifrica, who truly exemplifies an
entrepreneurial spirit; and

WHEREAS, Born Ventrice Morgan on March 25, 1975, Queen Ifrica was
raised by her mother and stepfather, as well as a supportive Rastafarian
community in Montego Bay, Jamaica; years later, she got to know her
father, who inspired her love for music; and

WHEREAS, Queen Ifrica first made a name for herself in 1995, while
performing at a talent contest at Club Inferno; three years later, she
had a meeting with producer Patrick "Tony Rebel" Barrett, who helped her
get into the music business through Flames Productions; and

WHEREAS, Queen Ifrica has appeared in numerous music festivals, and
signed a record deal with VP Records, leading to the release of her
first album, Montego Bay, in July of 2009; her second album, Climb, was
released in March of 2017, and topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart;
and

WHEREAS, This award recipient exemplifies the best of her community,
by virtue of her energy, vision, and dedication, commanding the greatest

respect among her friends and colleagues, and within the community at
large; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend
individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and
commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and
acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by both peers and
young people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Queen Ifrica upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial
Awards Program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Queen Ifrica.