Commemorating the 45th Anniversary of the Kappa Alpha Psi New York City Step Team

Senate Resolution No. 2132

BY: Senator PARKER

        COMMEMORATING  the  45th  Anniversary of the Kappa
        Alpha Psi New York City Step Team

  WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to  recognize  and
honor   organizations   and   collectives   whose  creativity,  cultural
expression,  and  commitment  to  unity  have   strengthened   community
identity,  fostered  mentorship, and enriched the artistic and fraternal
traditions of the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to commemorate
the 45th Anniversary of the Kappa Alpha Psi New York City Step Team,  to
be  observed  on  Saturday, June 20, 2026, and to recognize its enduring
contributions to the art of stepping, youth  development,  and  cultural
expression; and

  WHEREAS,  In 1981, the New York City Step Team was founded through a
bold and unifying collaboration of brothers across multiple chapters  of
Kappa  Alpha  Psi  Fraternity,  Inc.;  their  shared vision and creative
innovation helped redefine stepping culture and elevate it as a powerful
form of performance, discipline, and storytelling; and

  WHEREAS, The founders of the New York City Step  Team,  representing
multiple collegiate chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., across
institutions, including Hofstra University, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Albany,
Long  Island  University,  Cornell  University,  Fordham University, and
Virginia  State  University,  as  provided  in  the  historical  record,
collectively established a pioneering organization that would help shape
and advance the art and culture of stepping in New York City; and

  WHEREAS,   Emerging   from   this   visionary   collaboration,   the
organization  achieved  early  and  historic  milestones,  including   a
groundbreaking  1982 championship and continued competitive and cultural
success in 1983 and beyond, solidifying its legacy within  the  stepping
tradition; and

  WHEREAS, The founding of the Kappa Alpha Psi New York City Step Team
reflects  a  legacy of brotherhood, innovation, and cultural excellence,
uniting collegiate chapters across New York City and the broader  region
in  a  shared  commitment to artistic expression, discipline, and unity;
and

  WHEREAS, Through decades of performance,  mentorship,  and  cultural
leadership,  the  New  York  City  Step  Team  has served as a beacon of
discipline, unity, and artistic  excellence,  inspiring  generations  of
students and community members alike; and

  WHEREAS,   The   45th  Anniversary  Celebration  serves  as  both  a
commemoration of historic achievement and a recognition of the  enduring
impact  of  stepping  as  a  cultural  art  form  rooted  in  tradition,
collaboration, and expression; and

  WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that this Legislative  Body  pause
in  its  deliberations to honor the founders, members, and legacy of the
Kappa Alpha Psi New York City Step Team and to recognize  their  lasting
contributions  to  cultural  heritage  and  community  empowerment; now,
therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the founders and members of the Kappa Alpha Psi  New  York  City
Step Team, upon the occasion of its 45th Anniversary Celebration on June
20,  2026,  and  to extend its sincere appreciation for their decades of
leadership, artistic excellence, and commitment  to  unity,  mentorship,
and cultural expression; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Kappa Alpha Psi New York City Step Team founders  and
organizers  in recognition of their enduring legacy and contributions to
the cultural fabric of New York State.