Assembly Resolution No. 537
BY: M. of A. Cook
COMMENDING Carl Clay upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the National
Council of Negro Women-Queens County Section on June
8, 2025
WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Carl Clay upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the National Council of Negro Women-Queens County
Section, to be celebrated at its 37th Annual Black and White Celebration
of Honorees on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Antun's in Queens Village, New
York; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Queens since the age of six, Carl Clay
attended PS 15, Newton High School, and Pace University, where he
received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater and Education before
attending Brooklyn College Graduate School where he studied TV and
Theatre Directing under legendary Broadway director, Alan Schneider; and
WHEREAS, Carl Clay received his screenwriting and directing training
at the Maine International TV/Film Institute with Emmy Award-winning
Director John Kotty and Academy Award-winning screenwriter William
Kelly; in addition, Carl Clay studied at the Third World Cinema Training
Institute and Columbia University School of Business at the Non-Profit
Institute; and
WHEREAS, Early in his career, Carl Clay taught as a teacher at PS
136 and with the New York Foundation on the Arts as an artist in the
schools; from there, he went on to work at CBS TV News as a desk
assistant to renowned newscaster Dan Rather; and
WHEREAS, Carl Clay's industry break came when he was chosen from the
Third World Cinema training program to work as an intern for Melvin Van
Peeble's Whiz Group; mentored by Melvin Van Peebles and Cliff Frazier,
his first feature film was "Greased Lighting" starring Richard Pryor and
Pam Grier; he received his first film acting part and served as a
producer's assistant; he was later inducted into the Los Angles film
union IATSE and SAG; and
WHEREAS, As the founder and CEO of Black Spectrum Theatre, Carl Clay
has produced over 450 plays and written and directed 27 films aimed at
African American youth, including one feature length film entitled
"Let's Get Bizzle," starring Doug E. Fresh; this esteemed honoree has
also proudly produced over 40 jazz concerts with such artists as Carl
Thomas, Case, Lil' Mo, Roy Ayers, Roberta Flack, Freddie Hubbard, and
Najee; and
WHEREAS, With a great depth of experience in the industry, Carl Clay
has written over 20 plays and taught and trained over 1,000 actors, and
is credited with helping launch the careers of notable actors such as
Lisa Carson, Byron Mims, Desiree Coleman, and David Baptist; and
WHEREAS, For his years of excellent work, Carl Clay has been awarded
five AUDELCO Awards as Producer of the Year for theatre productions:
"Two Trains Running," "Kingfish," "Deadwood Dick, Legend of the West";
and
WHEREAS, As a renowned lyricist, Carl Clay has written songs for
Black Rob and Ludacris, as well as for four Roy Ayers albums and for
popular rap artist J. Cole on his album "KOD"; and
WHEREAS, Carl Clay, a man of extraordinary talent, received an ASCAP
Music Lyricist Award for his songs in the motion picture "Coffy," and
received a 1st Place Annual Women's Media Award for his lyrical
contributions in the ABC TV special, "Turkey Treasure"; and
WHEREAS, Carl Clay is also the recipient of a National Library
Association Award for his groundbreaking film "Babies Making Babies," as
well as an International Film and TV Festival Bronze Medal Award for
"The Follower" and "Clear Vision"-two films about male responsibility in
teen pregnancy; and
WHEREAS, In 2000 and 2001 Carl Clay's film "Urban Encounters" and
"Justice is Done" were given National Black Programming PBS awards for
outstanding youth programming; he is also the recipient of numerous
city, state, and civic citations for outstanding professional
achievement; and
WHEREAS, Committed to the success of his community, Carl Clay has
served as a volunteer for the National March of Dimes, The Center to
Prevent Handgun Violence, The New York City Teen Pregnancy Task Force,
Operation Read Aloud, and The American Health Foundation; he is a member
of the Los Angles IATSE union, a Prince Hall Mason, and the co-chairman
of the Coalition for Theatres of Color in New York City; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Carl Clay upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the National Council of Negro Women-Queens County
Section; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Carl Clay.
