APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
___________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER CARROLL FIFE
RESOLUTION HONORING DIAMANO COURA WEST AFRICAN
DANCE COMPANY UPON THEIR 50 TH ANNIVERSARY FOR
OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE CITY OF OAKLAND THROUGH
THE PRESENTATION OF TRADITIONAL WEST AFRICAN MUSIC,
DANCE, THEATER, AND CULTURE
WHEREAS, Dr. Zakarya Sao Diouf and Naomi Gedo Diouf founded Diamano Coura West African Dance Company in 1975 to improve the presentation and teaching of African cultural traditions, naming their company in the Senegalese Wolof language with the meaning “those who bring the message;” and
WHEREAS, Diamano Coura West African Dance Company aims to combine rhythmic and movement dynamism to transport audiences into an understanding and appreciation of Africa's epic and folkloric culture; and
WHEREAS, March 7, 2015 was proclaimed “Diamano Coura West African Dance Company Day” by Mayoral Proclamation in recognition of the Company’s 20 th Collage des Cultures Africaines, a four-day West African dance and drum conference and performance; and
WHEREAS, company founders Dr. Zakarya Sao Diouf and Naomi Gedo Diouf were awarded the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2020; and
WHEREAS, Diamano Coura West African Dance Company’s programming, including the Collage de Cultures Africaines Conference, Arts -in-Education Program, and year -round performances have supported Oakland as a cultural destination for African Dance, attracting international recognition, artists, and audiences; and
WHEREAS, Diamano Coura West African Dance Company continues to e xplore and reconnect with the traditions, c ustoms, and practices of their forebears so that they can revitalize and strengthen their cultural heritage, while also finding new ways to connect with the present and future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland recognizes Diamano C oura West African Dance Company as a committed partner who looks to the inherent power of the arts to break barriers and create opportunities for social and economic development; and be it
2 FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland graciously thanks Diamano Coura West African Dance Company founders, board, staff, and artists for their vision and leadership in helping to advance belonging, inclusion, and cultural expression for all Oaklanders.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - BROWN, FIFE, GALLO, HOUSTON, RAMACHANDRAN, UNGER, WANG, AND
PRESIDENT JENKINS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California
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