LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Jamel Shabazz for his eminent work as
an Artist, Author and Photographer

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
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 commend Jamel
Shabazz for his eminent work as an Artist, Author and Photographer; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Jamel Shabazz picked
up his first camera at 15 years old and started to document his peers;
inspired by photographers Leonard Freed, James Van Der Zee, and Gordon
Parks, he was marveled with their documentation of the African American
community; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, as a concerned photographer with a clear vision,
Jamel Shabazz embarked on a mission to extensively document various
aspects of life in New York City, from youth culture to a wide range of
social conditions; and
WHEREAS, With a goal to contribute to the preservation of world histo-
ry and culture, Jamel Shabazz has had over two dozen solo exhibitions in
the past 10 years which have been shown worldwide from Argentina to The
Netherlands, England, Italy, Germany, France, Japan and throughout the
United States; and
WHEREAS, Jamel Shabazz has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; over the years he has volunteered with count-
less organizations centered on inspiring young people in the field of
photography and social responsibility; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man has been a teaching artist with the Rush
Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the Bronx Museum's Teen Council youth
program, the International Center of Photography, Friends of the Island
Academy, and the Studio Museum in Harlem's Expanding the Walls Project;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, Jamel Shabazz has authored several books and has
lectured at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the International
Center for Photography, the Brooklyn Historic Foundation, Haverford
College and Parsons New School of Design; and
WHEREAS; Dedicated to mentoring youth, both in the field of photogra-
phy and career planning, Jamel Shabazz is a steadfast volunteer with the
Rush Arts Philanthropic Foundation, an organization which is geared
toward exposing inner city youth to the arts; and
WHEREAS, Jamel Shabazz has worked with the Studio Museum in Harlem's
Expanding the Walls Project, a workshop focused on teaching youth the
connection between photography, history, and community; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he has recently worked with the organization,
Plays For A Living, a community based organization dedicated to the
well-being of young people; the theme of this project was "Compassion"
and he used his photographs to inspire and educate; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Jamel Shabazz has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Jamel Shabazz has displayed through-
out his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Jamel Shabazz for his eminent work as an Artist, Author and
Photographer; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jamel Shabazz.