MS SC546

Recognizes Mr. Ayuko Babu as Executive Director and Founder of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival on the occasion of the festival's 21st anniversary held in Los Angeles, February 7-18, 2013.

Commends the Pan African Film & Arts Festival for naming their "Rising Star" Award in honor of Beah Richards, an Oscar-nominated actress and Vicksburg, Mississippi native who pioneered roles for African-Americans in film, television, and stage.

Notes that Beah Richards (1920-) had a distinguished career including a Tony nomination in 1965, an Academy Award nomination in 1967 for "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," and Emmy Awards for roles in "Frank's Place" and "The Practice."

Directs that the resolution be presented to Mr. Babu at the festival in Los Angeles, forwarded to the Mississippi Arts Commission, and distributed to the Capitol Press Corps.