[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S1454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            IMANI ART MUSEUM

 Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the 
goals of the proposed IMANI Art Museum in Americus, Georgia. I would 
also like to note the work of Dr. Ron Maxwell for working to make the 
museum a reality.
  The IMANI Art Museum will be dedicated to encouraging diversity and 
educating the community about contemporary forms of African art and 
African American art. Such a museum will help preserve the culture and 
history of African Americans so that future generations may fully 
appreciate their accomplishments.
  Furthering the museum's goals of education, the museum will feature a 
Children's Center, W.J. Robinson Center for Art Teaching and Learning, 
and a research library. The Children's Center will strive to increase 
youth self esteem and self respect through the recognition and 
acquisition of art skills and historical knowledge. The W.J. Robinson 
Center will serve as a valuable resource and training tool for the 
community's teachers in all aspects of diversity issues and educational 
curriculum. The research library will serve as a valuable resource to 
students and the community with regards to the African American history 
and culture.
  Once again, Mr. President, I commend the goals of the proposed IMANI 
Art Museum and the diligent work of Dr. Ron Maxwell. The museum will 
provide history and cultural richness for the citizens of Southwest 
Georgia as well as prove to be important to the economic development 
and tourism industry which is sorely needed in this region. As we 
continue to look for ways at bringing people together, let us look to 
intentions of the proposed IMANI Art Museum as a leader in this 
effort.

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