Title
Dept/ Agency: Mayor’s Office
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Declaration by the Mayor
Day: Every Third Sunday of the Month
Event Name: Breya Knight Day
Additional Information:
body
WHEREAS, Breya Knight, based out of Newark, New Jersey, known under her stage name as, "Blkbrry Mollasezz" was a beloved poet, hairstylist, activist, founder, and CEO of the Breathing Poets Society, a non-profit organization that focused on using poetry to celebrate and educate the community; and
WHEREAS, Breya Knight was recognized as one of the first three women in Evolve New Jersey's Women's Herstory Celebration, now known as “Flowers of Life” and also a recipient of the Leadership Award on behalf of her organization, “With Your Kids”; and
WHEREAS, Breya Knight continuously gave back to her community through her art, dedication, and spirit. demonstrating her gifts throughout the City at events which include: the July 2014, inaugural ball of the Honorable Ras J. Baraka; the funeral of the late poet and playwright Amiri Baraka; the McDonalds Gospel Fest; the Lincoln Park Music Festival; 24 Hours of Peace; Dodge Poetry Festival; and Africa Newark Fest; and
WHEREAS, Breya Knight shared stages with poet Sonia Sanchez and singer/activist Harry Belafonte, whom Knight opened for during his appearance at Newark Symphony Hall; and
WHEREAS, a self-published author, she has four poetry collections entitled, "A Dollar and a Dream,” "A Peace of the Pie," "Up Close and Personality," and "Dreamer"; and
WHEREAS, on August 14, 2016, Breya Knight passed away due to complications from diabetes, leaving behind her powerful uplifting words that changed the mindset of the people nationwide and in her community; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Ras J. Baraka desires to honor Breya Knight for her dedication and devotion to the community and City of Newark by declaring every third Sunday of a Month, “Breya Knight Day”; and
WHEREAS, the Municipal Council of the City of Newark supports the Mayor’s desire to honor Breya Knight by way of this declaration.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, THAT:
1. The Mayor hereby authorizes and declares every third Sunday of a Month to be “Breya Knight Day.”
STATEMENT
This resolution authorizes the Mayor, and the Municipal Council supports, honoring Breya Knight by declaring every third Sunday of the Month to be “Breya Knight Day.”