Senate Resolution No. 613 BY: Senator PARKER COMMENDING 256 Healing Arts upon the occasion of hosting its Egungun Festival on June 4, 2023 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend 256 Healing Arts upon the occasion of hosting its Egungun Festival on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at the 256 Healing Center in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, The 256 Egungun Festival honors those who have come before us with a processional march through the streets to raise the vibrations within the community, as well as to celebrate our ancestors and let them know they will never be forgotten; and WHEREAS, Established in 2008, 256 Healing Arts is a network of healers from many different backgrounds, modalities, and disciplines who united their resources to form this vital organization which heals and empowers communities throughout the State of New York and around the world; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Chief Sekou Alaje, 256 Healing Arts empowers community by providing opportunities to explore and understand African culture; and WHEREAS, A healer, musician, priest and educator, Chief Sekou Alaje's methodology to maintaining one's spiritual health is deeply connected to his knowledge as a practitioner and his vast experiences in Africa, Asia, South America, and the world; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, as an initiated priest in several spiritual systems, Chief Sekou Alaje holds the title of Babalawo (Ifa Priest), Olosun (Osun Priest), and Olu Ana (Owner of the Sacred Drum); he serves as the Senior Priest at The Ogundase Ifa Temple, a temple dedicated to spiritual practices from Yoruba Land, West Africa; the founder of 256 Healing Arts, a practitioner network providing access to various indigenous healing modalities; and the 256 Academy for African Spirituality, an institution educating its members in the arts of African spiritual systems; and WHEREAS, The success of 256 Healing Arts is in direct correlation to the efforts of its Chief, Sekou Alaje, and its dedicated members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations 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 commend 256 Healing Arts upon the occasion of hosting its Egungun Festival on June 4, 2023; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Chief Sekou Alaje, 256 Healing Arts, Brooklyn, New York.