[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 120 (Thursday, September 11, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H7253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON-LEE SALUTES THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE WHICH 
          CELEBRATES ITS NEW FACILITY WITH GRAND OPENING GALAS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment 
to recognize and salute the grand opening of the Ensemble Theatre in 
Houston, TX. Today, Friday, September 12, kicks-off The Grand Opening 
Galas, a weekend of performances, receptions, and entertainment that 
will be inspiring and fun for the entire community. As a longstanding 
supporter of the Ensemble Theatre, it brings me great pleasure to honor 
the theatre today.
  The Ensemble Theatre is the oldest and most distinguished 
professional theatre in the Southwest devoted to the African-American 
experience. Founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, this nonprofit 
organization was established to preserve African-American artistic 
expression. Out of a sense of frustration with the limited number of 
theatre opportunities for blacks, Hawkins used his own financial 
resources to found the theatre. He assembled a group of black artists 
dedicated to producing and presenting theatre to Houston's black 
community. Today, I rise to share and build upon his important legacy.
  In the grandest of styles and with pomp and pageantry that will 
include Houston's community and civic leaders, the Theatre opens the 
doors today to its new facility. Indeed, I am pleased to be associated 
with a campaign that began in 1993 to raise funds for the new facility. 
Nearly $4 million has been generously donated by 20 foundations, 35 
corporations, and 150 individuals, as well as the great city of Houston 
and the National Endowment for the Arts, headed by Jane Alexander.
  As the U.S. Representative of the 18th Congressional District in 
which the Ensemble sits, I am proud to commend this artistic jewel 
reflecting African-American lifestyles on good theatre for all of 
Houston. I look forward to bringing Jane Alexander to Houston to 
showcase this great House of theatre so that all the world will know of 
one of our prized possession in the midst of Houston's great art 
institutions. Congratulation to all the Ensemble Family.

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