Senate Resolution No. 288 BY: Senator PARKER HONORING Michael Robinson upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition at the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards 20th Anniversary Gala on February 26, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those individuals and organizations which devote their purposeful energies to improve the dignity and quality of life of those they serve, preserve their heritage, and foster pride among them; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Michael Robinson upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition at the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards 20th Anniversary Gala at Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025; and WHEREAS, In 2006, the Young, Gifted, & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial Awards were established by Carl Gray as a platform to spotlight and celebrate everyday individuals who serve as positive role models, inspiring their peers through their accomplishments, perseverance, and contributions; and WHEREAS, Carl Gray's vision for the YGB Entrepreneurial Awards has remained steadfast in ensuring recognition is given to those whose contributions, though not always highlighted in mainstream media, have a profound and lasting influence within their fields and society; and WHEREAS, Michael Robinson, known by his fans as "MR," is a Saint Lucian Rhythm and Blues fusion singer, songwriter, and musician; he has earned the moniker, "Saint Lucia's Star Boy," and is admired for his distinctive vocal talent, exceptional songwriting, dynamic stage presence, fashion, work ethic, and warm personality; and WHEREAS, Embarking on his musical journey in 2010, Michael Robinson released a series of singles which highlighted his versatile vocal range and ability to excel across numerous musical genres, including Pop, Reggae, Dancehall, Kompa, and Afrobeats; and WHEREAS, Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Michael Robinson released a string of singles to bring joy and positivity to his audience during a difficult time; his tracks received widespread airplay across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and Europe; and WHEREAS, In 2023, Michael Robinson was named as one of the headliners for the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, sharing the stage with other internationally acclaimed artists; the following year, he was nominated for Artist of the Year at the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards in New York; and WHEREAS, Currently, Michael Robinson is working on new projects which will feature collaborations with renowned international artists and producers; his undying passion is creating music which inspires and connects with people; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those individuals and organizations, which give positive definition to the profile and disposition of the communities of the State of New York, profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to the exercise of freedom; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Michael Robinson upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition at the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards 20th Anniversary Gala on February 26, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Michael Robinson.