Senate Resolution No. 145

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Taina Asili upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Jim Perry
Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District
Citizen Action on October 20, 2016

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant 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 honor Taina Asili
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Jim Perry
Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District Citizen Action to be
celebrated at its 24th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 20,
2016, at the Desmond Hotel, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Awards are named in
honor of Jim Perry, a founding member of Capital District Citizen
Action; it is with the memories of his actions and words that this vital
organization recognizes those who have demonstrated a commitment to
community activism and leadership; and

WHEREAS, Taina Asili is being honored with this auspicious award for
her role as one of the area's most dedicated, inspiring activists and
leaders who has spent countless hours working to make her community a
stronger, more just place to live; and

WHEREAS, Progressive musician and artist Taina Asili is a Puerto
Rican singer, songwriter and bandleader combining powerful vocals with
an energetic fusion of Afro-Latin, reggae and rock; and

WHEREAS, Residing in Albany, New York, Taina Asili performs her
social justice songs as a solo artist and with her six-piece band, Taina
Asili y la Banda Rebelde, bringing love, resistance, and ancestral
remembrance to venues, festivals, conferences and political events
across the globe; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious 20-year career of creating music
for social change, Taina Asili has toured the United States, and Europe
from Ireland to Germany; she has also performed in Canada, Mexico, and
Puerto Rico; and

WHEREAS, Taina Asili is truly dedicated to using her art as a tool
for personal and social transformation; the liberation themes in her
writing are based in her social justice work in political prisoner
liberation, prisoner rights, climate justice, and holistic health
movements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Taina Asili has displayed
throughout her life; 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 Taina Asili upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District Citizen
Action on October 20, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Taina Asili.