Policy Resolution CYF-17-22

WHEREAS, Prince Rogers Nelson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 7, 1958;

WHEREAS, at the age of 17, Prince followed in his jazz musician father’s footsteps and signed a recording; contract with Warner Brothers’ Records, and would go on to sell over 100 Million albums worldwide;

WHEREAS, Prince became a household name with his innovative sounds, eccentric dress, and ability to write, arrange, produce and play an estimated 20+ instruments for his songs;

WHEREAS, in 1984 Prince starred in the blockbuster and loosely autobiographical film Purple Rain and accompanying soundtrack—becoming the first person to simultaneously hold a number one album and film;

WHEREAS, Prince’s music, a combination of funk, R&B, Rock, and gospel created what is known as the “Minneapolis Sound” which influenced other Twin City artists and producers such as Morris Day and the Time, Mint Condition, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis;

WHEREAS, Prince wrote and produced many songs for noted artists such as Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, Tevin Campbell, Sheila E., and his songs have been sampled or covered by Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, 2Pac, Tom Petty, and Madonna;

WHEREAS, Prince has received numerous awards for his groundbreaking work including NAACP Image Awards, an Academy Award for Purple Rain, 7 Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and more;

WHEREAS, Prince’s passion extended beyond his artistry to many philanthropic activities and a strong commitment to social justice. He donated his time and wealth to a host of issues that he was passionate about including Environmental Justice, Economic Empowerment, and overall social justice initiatives and campaigns;

WHEREAS, in 2015 in response to the protests surrounding the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Prince held a benefit concert in the city and donated a portion of the proceeds to the NAACP ACT-SO program;

WHEREAS, Prince’s influence can be heard in countless newer artists including Esperanza Spalding, Janelle Monáe, Andy Allo, Miguel, and Frank Ocean;

WHEREAS, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Prince into its esteemed institution in 2004, the first year that he was eligible for induction after more than 25 years in the music industry; and

WHEREAS, on April 21, 2016, Prince passed away at his home in Chanhassen, Minnesota. In the days and weeks after his premature passing, family, friends, and millions of adoring fans around the world took to the airwaves and streets to express their grief on this tremendous loss.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) pauses to celebrate the life and music of Prince and extends its heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution will be placed in the NBCSL archives and given to Prince’s family.

• SPONSOR: Representative Brenda Gilmore (TN)
• Committee of Jurisdiction: Children, Youth, Families Policy Committee Policy Committee
• Certified by Committee Co-Chair: Representative Raumesh Akbari (TN)
• Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 3, 2016
• Ratification is certified by: Senator Catherine Pugh (MD), President