Senate Resolution No. 288

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Michael Robinson upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition at the Young,
Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards 20th
Anniversary Gala on February 26, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those
individuals and organizations which devote their purposeful energies to
improve the dignity and quality of life of those they serve, preserve
their heritage, and foster pride among them; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Michael Robinson upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition at the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards 20th
Anniversary Gala at Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York, on
Wednesday, February 26, 2025; and

WHEREAS, In 2006, the Young, Gifted, & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial
Awards were established by Carl Gray as a platform to spotlight and
celebrate everyday individuals who serve as positive role models,
inspiring their peers through their accomplishments, perseverance, and
contributions; and

WHEREAS, Carl Gray's vision for the YGB Entrepreneurial Awards has
remained steadfast in ensuring recognition is given to those whose
contributions, though not always highlighted in mainstream media, have a
profound and lasting influence within their fields and society; and

WHEREAS, Michael Robinson, known by his fans as "MR," is a Saint
Lucian Rhythm and Blues fusion singer, songwriter, and musician; he has
earned the moniker, "Saint Lucia's Star Boy," and is admired for his
distinctive vocal talent, exceptional songwriting, dynamic stage
presence, fashion, work ethic, and warm personality; and

WHEREAS, Embarking on his musical journey in 2010, Michael Robinson
released a series of singles which highlighted his versatile vocal range
and ability to excel across numerous musical genres, including Pop,
Reggae, Dancehall, Kompa, and Afrobeats; and

WHEREAS, Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020,
Michael Robinson released a string of singles to bring joy and
positivity to his audience during a difficult time; his tracks received
widespread airplay across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the
United Kingdom, and Europe; and

WHEREAS, In 2023, Michael Robinson was named as one of the
headliners for the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, sharing the stage
with other internationally acclaimed artists; the following year, he was
nominated for Artist of the Year at the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards in
New York; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Michael Robinson is working on new projects
which will feature collaborations with renowned international artists

and producers; his undying passion is creating music which inspires and
connects with people; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
individuals and organizations, which give positive definition to the
profile and disposition of the communities of the State of New York,
profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to the exercise of freedom;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael Robinson upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition at the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards 20th
Anniversary Gala on February 26, 2025; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michael Robinson.