Commemorating the 2nd Annual Asase Yaa Dreams in Action Gala and recognizing 25 years of artistic excellence and community impact by the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation, to be celebrated on May 12, 2026

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Parker

The bill officially recognizes and honors the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation for 25 years of arts, education, and youth empowerment in New York.

ADOPTED

Summary of Bill J 2078 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

Recognizes and commends the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation for 25 years of artistic excellence and community impact.

Commemorates the 2nd Annual Asase Yaa Dreams in Action Gala, to be held May 12, 2026, at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum rooftop in Brooklyn.

Reflects a broader objective of highlighting organizations that contribute to cultural enrichment, youth development, education, and community empowerment in New York.

Key provisions and changes

Official Resolution of Commendation: The bill states the New York State Senate’s intent to pause deliberations to acknowledge the Asase Yaa Foundation’s contributions.

25th Anniversary Emphasis: Specifically notes the Foundation’s 25-year history of fostering creativity, cultural pride, leadership, and intercultural understanding through African-centered arts, dance, music, and performance.

Gala Highlight: Calls out the 2026 Dreams in Action Gala as a vehicle for celebrating artistic achievement and for fundraising to support ongoing and expanded youth and community arts programming.

Honorees and programming: Identifies planned honors for notable individuals and organizations (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Aaron Barnette, Dr. Ayoka Wiles, and the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) as part of the event, along with live performances that celebrate the performing arts.

Who/what is affected

The Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation: Receives formal recognition from the State Legislature.

The broader New York arts and education community: Gains visibility for cultural preservation, arts education, and youth empowerment initiatives.

Event participants and beneficiaries: The Gala’s fundraising and programming aim to support future arts education and community engagement opportunities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Sponsorship: Senate Sponsor is Senator Kevin Parker (co-sponsor listed as Parker).

Action history:

Referred to the Finance Committee on May 8, 2026.
Reported to Calendar for Consideration and Adopted on May 12, 2026.

Effective status: As a concurrent or ceremonial resolution, it serves as a formal acknowledgment rather than creating new fiscal or regulatory obligations. It does not authorize new funding or mandates beyond commendation.

Potential impact

Symbolic impact: Elevates the profile of the Asase Yaa Foundation and its 25-year contribution to arts education and cultural preservation in New York.

Community impact: May bolster community pride, encourage continued arts funding and philanthropy, and inspire youth participation in culturally rooted arts programs.

Policy relevance: Demonstrates the Legislature’s support for arts education and community-based cultural initiatives tied to the African diaspora.