LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mandingo Tshaka upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate

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, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mandingo Tsha-
ka upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal,
the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State
Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, A native of Bayside, New York, Mandingo Tshaka was born in
1931, in the same house in which he now lives; he attended Public School
31, and then Bayside High School; and
WHEREAS, A professional singer, Mandingo Tshaka performed at several
famous theaters in New York City including the New York City Center,
Radio City Music Hall, and the State Theater; in addition, he sang at
the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C.;
and
WHEREAS, After his illustrious singing career, Mandingo Tshaka
returned to Bayside, New York, in 1971, and became an activist, advocat-
ing for his beloved community; and
WHEREAS, For 17 years, Mandingo Tshaka participated on the Community
Board of Directors, and was both a member and served as President of the
Bayside Clear Spring Council Civic Association for 25 years; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mandingo Tshaka upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mandingo Tshaka.