Senate Resolution No. 645

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the Center for Black Literature upon
the occasion of hosting its 2023 National Black
Writers Conference Biennial Symposium

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Center for Black Literature (CBL) upon the occasion of
hosting its 2023 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium on
Friday, March 31, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 2002, the Center for Black Literature at Medgar
Evers College of the City University of New York has served the
interests of the people of the Empire State by expanding, broadening,
and enriching the public's knowledge and appreciation of Black
literature by people of the African Diaspora and of the African
continent for 21 years; and

WHEREAS, The theme for this year's Symposium is "Diasporic Visions:
A Celebration of Black Speculative Fiction," a genre that encompasses
and blurs the genres of magical realism, futurism, horror, fantasy,
paranormal, and mythology; these imaginative stories enable writers to
create alternative and futuristic worlds, narratives rooted in
traditional beliefs and spirituality, and stories that center the Black
experience, while raising questions about topics such as colonialism,
race, identity, and gender; and

WHEREAS, At the 2023 National Black Writers Conference Biennial
Symposium, writers and scholars will discuss the Black speculative
fiction's history and themes, as well as emerging scholarship on the
genre; the public gathering will feature interactive roundtable
discussions, conversations, and opportunities for attendees to engage
with fellow writers, readers, and fans of the genre; and

WHEREAS, To achieve its mission, the CBL offers literary programs
and educational workshops for the public, students of all ages,
teachers, writers, and artists; among its core programs are the National
Black Writers Conference, Re-Envisioning Our Lives through Literature
(ROLL), the Wild Seeds Retreat for Writers of Color, the Dr. Edith Rock
Writing Workshop for Elders, the John Oliver Killens Reading Series, and
the weekly Writers on Writing Radio Program; the Center also publishes
the peer-reviewed Killens Review of Arts & Letters, and other journals
generated from its youth and elders programs; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brenda M. Greene is the founder and executive director
of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY; her
educational leadership and professional accomplishments span more than
45 years; and


WHEREAS, Well-versed in her field, Dr. Brenda M. Greene taught at
the Board of Education before becoming Director of the Right to Read
Program at Malcolm King College Harlem Extension, has served on many
college committees at Medgar Evers College, has served as director of
literacy and writing programs for youth and adults, and has been a
jurist for professional and literary organizations; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Dr. Brenda M. Greene is the visionary behind
groundbreaking public and academic programs that support Black Writers;
she is also the host of the long-running weekly program, "Writers on
Writing," heard on New York airwaves (WNYE, 91.5 FM) and globally via
YouTube; and

WHEREAS, Most notably through the Center for Black Literature, Dr.
Brenda M. Greene has consistently pursued her passion of expanding,
broadening, and enriching the public's knowledge and aesthetic
appreciation of the value of the literature produced by Black writers;
and

WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, the Center for
Black Literature has demonstrated the value of uplifting the voices of
Black writers from all walks of life, providing a space for growth and
education, while providing platforms for success; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Center for Black Literature upon the occasion of hosting its
2023 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Brenda M. Greene, Founder and Executive Director of
the Center for Black Literature.