Proclaiming March 16, 2014 as "Quiara Alegia Hudes Day" in Philadelphia for her award winning contributions to the world of arts, literature and theatre.

WHEREAS, Quiara Alegia Hudes was born and raised in West Philadelphia. She graduated from Central High School and became involved with Philadelphia Young Playwrights, who produced her first play during her tenth grade year. She continues to support the arts in Philadelphia by sitting on the board of PYP and serves as a mentor to aspiring young playwrights; and

WHEREAS, Quiara wrote the book for the Tony Award winning musical

In the Heights

(2008) and won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in Drama for

Water by the Spoonful

, a play set and grounded in Philadelphia.

Water by the Spoonful

made its Philadelphia debut in January 2014 at the Arden Theatre; and

WHEREAS, Her latest play

The Happiest Song Plays Last,

is currently running off Broadway, and deals with the familiar story line of family and finding your place in this world; and

WHEREAS, When discussing Philadelphia, Quiara asks, “What place better encapsulates all the promise and struggle of this nation?” She recalls childhood memories surrounding Philadelphia's landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence hall as providing insight to her writing. “Philly to me is a monument to progress and a call to arms.” She writes to, “Tell a story that has not yet been told, and to honor the extreme struggles and joy of everyday life,” and hopes that her “Friends and family in Philadelphia are honored,” by her work; and

WHEREAS, We are very honored and proud of Quiara, a Philadelphia native set on telling a story about the hardships and successes of a City and its people and feel it only fitting to honor her with a “Quiara Alegia Hudes Day” in her hometown; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we honor and recognize Quiara Alegia Hudes on her achievements and continued support of the arts in Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That and Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Quiara Alegia Hudes as evidenced of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End