MS SC564

Recognizes Mr. Ayuko Babu, Executive Director and Founder of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival, for naming their "Rising Star" Award in honor of late actress Beah Richards, a Vicksburg native.

Acknowledges actress Meagan Good as the 2012 recipient of the "Beah Richards Rising Star Award" at the 20th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival held February 9-20, 2012 in Los Angeles.

Highlights the Pan African Film & Arts Festival as America's largest and most prestigious Black Film and Arts Festival, screening over 150 films made by and about people of African descent and recognized as the largest Black History Month event in America.

Details Beah Richards' career accomplishments including a Tony nomination (1965), Academy Award nomination (1967), Emmy Award (1987), and appearances in notable films and television shows including "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "The Bill Cosby Show," "ER," and "Beloved."

Directs the resolution be presented to Mr. Babu at the festival, forwarded to the Mississippi Arts Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.