Senate Resolution No. 404 BY: Senator PARKER HONORING Queen Ifrica upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives of service to their community and their profession; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Queen Ifrica upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program to be celebrated at the 18th Anniversary of the Young, Gifted & Black Award Program on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Terrace On The Park in Queens, New York; and WHEREAS, Established in 2006 by President/CEO of the NetLinkz Group, Inc., Carl O. Gray, the Young, Gifted & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial Awards Program recognizes individuals who continue to reach levels of great success through hard work and determination, proving to be inspiring role models to their community and peers; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program acknowledges the talent, ambition, and achievements of African American and Caribbean professionals towards their continued pursuit of success; and WHEREAS, The Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program was launched in honor of Black History Month and shines a light on such accomplished individuals as Queen Ifrica, who truly exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit; and WHEREAS, Born Ventrice Morgan on March 25, 1975, Queen Ifrica was raised by her mother and stepfather, as well as a supportive Rastafarian community in Montego Bay, Jamaica; years later, she got to know her father, who inspired her love for music; and WHEREAS, Queen Ifrica first made a name for herself in 1995, while performing at a talent contest at Club Inferno; three years later, she had a meeting with producer Patrick "Tony Rebel" Barrett, who helped her get into the music business through Flames Productions; and WHEREAS, Queen Ifrica has appeared in numerous music festivals, and signed a record deal with VP Records, leading to the release of her first album, Montego Bay, in July of 2009; her second album, Climb, was released in March of 2017, and topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart; and WHEREAS, This award recipient exemplifies the best of her community, by virtue of her energy, vision, and dedication, commanding the greatest respect among her friends and colleagues, and within the community at large; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by both peers and young people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Queen Ifrica upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Queen Ifrica.