SR 878: Cissé, Hajja Ayisha Jeffries; condolences

Senate Resolution 878

By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Wicks of the 34th, James of the 28th, Mangham of the 55th, Jackson of the 41st and others

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and legacy of Hajja Ayisha Jeffries Cissé; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Hajja Ayisha Jeffries Cissé served with distinction as Vice President of Global Affairs and Senior Policy Advisor to the President of the African American Islamic Institute

(AAII) under the leadership of the Honorable Shaykh Imam Tidjane Aliou Cissé and previously alongside its Founder, the Honorable Shaykh Imam Hassan Aliou Cissé; and

WHEREAS, through her visionary leadership at AAII, whose mission is to lead sustainable development promoting education, healthcare, the empowerment of women and children, poverty alleviation, and peace, she managed a portfolio of 35 global partnerships advancing humanitarian initiatives across Africa, the United States, and Europe; and

WHEREAS, her efforts facilitated historic collaborations, including partnership with AmeriCares resulting in the distribution of more than $1 billion in medicine and medical supplies throughout Africa via the Institute's Shifa Al Asqam Social Medical Center, funding support for the Fayda Radio Station in Medina Baye totaling $600,000, and a $250,000 Mobile Clinic Public Health initiative in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Senegal and United States Doctors for Africa titled "Building Bridges: Making the Possible from the Impossible"; and

WHEREAS, Hajja Ayisha Jeffries Cissé faithfully represented AAII as its principal liaison to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, elevating the organization's global advocacy and strengthening international partnerships for sustainable development; and

WHEREAS, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, she later made Atlanta, Georgia, her home, serving in the administration of the late Mayor Maynard Jackson as Budget Policy Analyst and Legislative Review/Governmental Affairs Liaison, contributing her expertise to public policy and municipal governance; and

WHEREAS, she was a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, earning a degree in economics, and further distinguished herself by obtaining a Master of Arts from the Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy at The New School; and

WHEREAS, she was recently named Chief Strategy Officer of Darultul Kitabi wal Hikmati, an international non-governmental organization chaired by Imam Shaykh Ahmad Tijani, Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque of Medina Baye, where she was poised to expand her strategic leadership in service to global communities; and

WHEREAS, within her Atlanta community, she was a devoted civic leader, serving as Co-Chair of the Congressman John Lewis Commemorative Plaza and the John Lewis Task Force, consultant to Nasrul Ilm America and Camp Butterfly Girls, charter member of the ASMA Society, Global Muslim Women's Fund, The Shura Council, and the Sufi Society; and

WHEREAS, she was a steadfast supporter of the High Museum of Art, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and AID Atlanta, reflecting her lifelong dedication to culture, the arts, and public health advocacy; and

WHEREAS, throughout her distinguished career, she received numerous honors and awards and served as a mentor to emerging leaders in political activism, inspiring countless individuals through her example of faith-driven service, intellectual excellence, and compassionate leadership; and

WHEREAS, her life's work strengthened international partnerships, uplifted vulnerable communities, empowered women and youth, and advanced peace and sustainable development across continents.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body honor the life and legacy of Hajja Ayisha Jeffries Cissé, celebrate her extraordinary contributions to global humanitarian efforts and civic leadership, and extend their deepest sympathy to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were blessed to know her. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Hajja Ayisha Jeffries Cissé.