Assembly Resolution No. 2287

BY: M. of A. Thiele

HONORING influential Black authors upon the
occasion of special recognition at the Black Authors
Festival in Sag Harbor, New York on August 3, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the custom of the Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those illustrious thought leaders of their community, who strive to
support literacy and the creation of powerful stories to uplift the
Black community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
influential Black authors upon the occasion of special recognition on
Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the Black Authors Festival in Sag Harbor,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Celebrating the power of words and Black authors, the Black
Authors Festival aims to support literacy and honor influential Black
authors and thought leaders in the community; it was founded by two
professional Black women who curated the renowned event to acquaint and
re-acquaint Black people with the notion of penning and publishing their
own stories; and

WHEREAS, The honorees being featured at the Black Authors Festival
are: Tamron Hall, Emmy Award-winning television host, executive
producer of the second longest running ABC Disney-produced syndicated
talk show "Tamron Hall," and bestselling author; Chef Marcus Samuelsson,
renowned chef behind many restaurants worldwide and competitor on shows
like Top Chef Masters and Chopped All-Stars, amongst many other
achievements and his bestselling work in literature; Sheila Bridges, a
creative visionary and design tastemaker who creates beautiful spaces
for high-profile clients and has her work featured in notable museums,
host of TV shows, and author; Ralph McDaniels, founder and curator of
the Video Music Box Collection Inc., community advocate for inner city
youth, and patron of the arts; Zebulon Vance Miletsky, Ph.D., an
Associate Professor in the Department of Africana Studies and History at
SUNY Stony Brook University and distinguished author of numerous
articles, reviews, essays, and book chapters; Jennifer L. Morgan, Ph.D.,
Professor of History in the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis
at New York University and author of novels that examine the elements of
gender and race in society; Joseph H. Holland, writer, attorney,
entrepreneur, civic leader, and ordained minister with over 40 years of
experience serving the community; Dr. LaKeesha Walrond is an educator,
visionary leader, sought after speaker, and consummate change agent who
empowers women and those devout in faith through her literary works and
service to church and community; Darlene Williams, a publicly recognized
award-winning personal development coach is the Founder of The Higher
Level Method, a strong community activist, and Founder of the nationally
recognized Black Authors Festival, LLC; Verdel A. Jones, experienced
educator, Co-Founder of Black Authors Festival, Founder and CEO of the
nonprofit, Share Inform Enlighten Inc., long time talk show host, and
passionate author; Alissa Anderson, multi-talented individual with
experience in Legal, Compliance, Talent Relations, Sales and Sales
Operations, and Marketing fields; Rudy Breedy, nonprofit executive,

educator, entrepreneur and award-winning multimedia personality who is
the host of "Rudy's Room"; Maurice L. Williams, Founder of the
award-winning A Father's Love Personal Development Institute, youth
advocate, adjunct lecturer, businessman, community leader,
philanthropist, noted rap artist, and bestselling author; Miya Jones,
multimedia journalist, entrepreneur, producer, Founder, Editor-in-Chief,
Executive Producer of Shades of Shades of Long Island, and community and
youth advocate; and Lish Steiling, chef, food stylist, recipe writer,
and James Beard-Award and Emmy Award-winning culinary producer; 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
honor influential Black authors upon the occasion of special recognition
at the Black Authors Festival in Sag Harbor, New York on August 3, 2024;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the aforementioned honorees and the Black Authors
Festival Board.