Assembly Resolution No. 873
BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes
MOURNING the death of Agnes M. Bain, longtime arts
administrator and executive director of the African
American Cultural Center, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of artistic significance whose creative talents have
contributed to the cultural enrichment of our communities and our
Nation; and
WHEREAS, Agnes M. Bain of Buffalo, New York, passed away on January
28, 2020, at the age of 78; and
WHEREAS, A native Buffalonian, Agnes M. Bain attended Fosdick-Masten
Park High School, and earned her degree in human services from Empire
State College; and
WHEREAS, Agnes M. Bain spent her entire career with the African
American Cultural Center (AACC), including 41 years as its Director; in
this capacity, she was responsible for the development and coordination
of administrative and programmatic organizational policies; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Agnes M. Bain was instrumental in
increasing the Center's budget to include grants from the United Way of
Buffalo and Erie County, the New York State Council on the Arts, the
National Endowment for the Arts, the Office of Children and Family
Services, the Western New York Congressional Delegation, the City of
Buffalo, the County of Erie, the Erie County Department of Youth
Services, the New York State Division for Youth Special Legislative
Grant, the New York State Department of State, and various corporations;
and
WHEREAS, Agnes M. Bain produced over 80 African American productions
working with many prominent artists, and under her luminous leadership,
thousands of young people participated in various programs offered at
the AACC such as the Paul Robeson Theatre, the AACC Dance & Drum
Performance Company, the Jumpin' Jambalaya Summer Program, and the Pine
Grill Jazz Reunion; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her impressive work with the AACC, Agnes M.
Bain was actively involved with the East Side Coalition of the Arts,
Niagara Frontier Folk Arts Council, the Collective Buffalo, Tashama's
Childrens' Repertoire Performance Workshop, New York State Council on
the Arts/Special Arts Service Program, Arts Council of Buffalo and Erie
County, and the Buffalo Arts Commission, and served as a panelist for
the Decentralization and Key Bank Art Grants sponsored by the Arts
Council of Buffalo and Erie County; and
WHEREAS, For her steadfast unremitting commitment to both her
community and the AACC, Agnes M. Bain was the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades including the 2019 Community Service Award from
Concerned Citizens Following the Dream Committee; and
WHEREAS, She also received various awards from the YMCA of Western
New York Women's Club, the Langston Hughes Institute, 1490 Jefferson
Black Achievers, Langston Hughes Institute, Kenfield/Langfield
Association, African American Cultural Center, Martin Luther King
Committee, Lighthouse Inter-Denominational Ministries, Inc., Cold Spring
Block Club, Buffalo Club National Association of Negro Business and
Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., Black Achievers, and Agape AME Church,
as well as Naomi Chapter No. 10 - Order of the Eastern Star Prince Hall
Affiliation; and
WHEREAS, Agnes M. Bain is survived by sister, Alforna Hawkins-Evans;
niece, Azizah Hawkins; brother, Donald Hawkins; and numerous community
members and young people who greatly benefitted from her outstanding
work with the AACC; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the importance of the
performing arts, which act to inspire, enlighten, and unify people from
all cultural backgrounds through the transcendent power of human
expression; through her tireless efforts, Agnes M. Bain truly added
strength, vigor and inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of
life in the communities of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her meritorious life, Agnes M. Bain touched many
through her kindness and commitment to service, and, as we recall the
loss of this incredible woman, we memorialize her remarkable life and
the enormous impact she had on everyone with whom she came in contact;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of a faithful
and passionate woman who dedicated her purposeful life and career in
faithful service to her community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Agnes M. Bain, longtime arts administrator and
executive director of the African American Cultural Center,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Agnes M. Bain.