Senate Resolution No. 360 BY: Senator PARKER COMMEMORATING the Asase Yaa 2nd Annual Rhythms & Movements Festival, celebrating African diasporic culture, arts, and heritage February 12-16, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those distinguished organizations and events that enrich our communities through cultural expression, education, and artistic excellence; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the Asase Yaa 2nd Annual Rhythms & Movements Festival, occurring February 12-16, 2025, celebrating the vibrant artistic traditions and cultural legacy of the African diaspora; and WHEREAS, Founded with a mission to preserve, promote, and celebrate African heritage through dance, music, and storytelling, the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation has been a pillar of artistic excellence and cultural education, inspiring generations through its commitment to African and diasporic traditions; and WHEREAS, The Rhythms & Movements Festival serves as a powerful platform to showcase the diverse and rich artistic contributions of African and African American communities, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and appreciation through workshops, performances, and community engagement; and WHEREAS, This year's festival will once again bring together world-class artists, educators, and performers, offering a dynamic exploration of African-rooted music, dance, and storytelling that uplifts and empowers individuals of all backgrounds; and WHEREAS, Through its dedication to cultural preservation and artistic innovation, Asase Yaa continues to inspire and educate, ensuring that the legacy of African traditions remains a vital and celebrated part of the global arts landscape; and WHEREAS, The 2nd Annual Rhythms & Movements Festival not only honors the resilience and creativity of the African diaspora but also strengthens community ties, fosters unity, and promotes the importance of cultural heritage in shaping identity and progress; and WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to acknowledge the significance of this extraordinary event and to recognize the profound contributions of the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation in fostering cultural awareness and artistic excellence; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the Asase Yaa 2nd Annual Rhythms & Movements Festival, occurring February 12-16, 2025, and to extend sincere appreciation to its founders, organizers, artists, and participants for their dedication to preserving and celebrating African diasporic culture; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation.