LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Imhotep Gary Byrd upon the occasion of
celebrating many years of distinguished service as host, creator and
executive producer of "The GBE", the longest running black radio broad-
cast in the history of New York City

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and
character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched by
the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have helped
shape the history of broadcasting in their area; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Imhotep Gary Byrd upon the occasion of celebrating many years of distin-
guished service as host, creator and executive producer of "The GBE",
the longest running black radio broadcast in the history of New York
City; and
WHEREAS, Imhotep Gary Byrd's legendary career as a multi-media radio
personality, spoken word-recording artist, songwriter, and motivational
speaker has always focused on raising human consciousness through commu-
nications; and
WHEREAS, With a career that spans five decades, Imhotep Gary Byrd, as
a modern day griot, is dedicated to telling "our story and lifting every
voice"; and
WHEREAS, As a teenager in the 1960s, Imhotep Gary Byrd worked at
WUFO-AM, the city's first Black-oriented radio station, and from there
he became the first African American in Buffalo to broadcast on a gener-
al market mainstream station (WYSL AM/FM Radio); and
WHEREAS, In 1969, Byrd followed his mentors and went to the top Black
radio station of the day, WWRL-AM in New York City; still just a teenag-
er, he became the youngest Black radio personality to work in New York
City; and
WHEREAS, During this time, in the media capital of the world, Imhotep
Gary Byrd launched "The Gary Byrd Experience" (GBE); the innovative
all-night format was both revolutionary and extremely popular, catapult-
ing him into the public spotlight and cementing his position amongst
media pioneers; and
WHEREAS, Invited to Inner City Broadcasting's WLIB-AM by its Chairman
Emeritus, Imhotep Gary Byrd transformed "The GBE" into "The Global Black
Experience"; in addition, he broadcast live from the Apollo Theatre and
became even more respected in his field, both nationally and interna-
tionally; and
WHEREAS, Imhotep Gary Byrd is the first radio personality since his
mentor, Hal Jackson, to broadcast from three different New York City
stations: WLIB-AM, WBLS-FM, and WBAI-FM; and
WHEREAS, After an illustrious career of more than 50 years, Imhotep
Gary Byrd continues to serve as host and executive producer of "Express
Yourself", "Express Yourself Radio Town Hall", and "GBE Mind Flight:
Your Gateway to the Black Experience"; he also executive produces and
hosts the "GBE 2.0: The Global Black Experience" and "The Global Beat
Experience"; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Imhotep Gary Byrd is a creative consultant and a
life creativity coach; he lectures regularly and is frequently called
upon to serve as a Master of Ceremonies; and
WHEREAS, Imhotep Gary Byrd has received numerous awards and accolades
some of which include, the prestigious Hal Jackson Award from the Inter-
national Association of African American Music and the Living Legend
Award from the Living Legend Foundation; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he was inducted into the National Black Sports
and Entertainment Hall of Fame, and named as a Black Media Legend for
McDonald's Faces of Black History 2011 Tribute; and
WHEREAS, Imhotep Gary Byrd has, throughout his career and purposeful
life, served his community with integrity and devotion, continuously
striving to meet the needs of his listeners through entertainment and
enlightenment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Imhotep Gary Byrd upon the occasion of celebrating many years of
distinguished service as host, creator and executive producer of "The
GBE", the longest running black radio broadcast in the history of New
York City; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Imhotep Gary Byrd.