[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING KATHERINE DUNHAM UPON 90TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 1999

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in paying tribute to Katherine Dunham as she celebrates her 90th 
birthday.
  Ms. Dunham has made immeasurable contributions to American art and 
culture. She is an accomplished writer and performer, with appearances 
in films, theatre, opera houses and on television; however, she is 
probably best known for her work as a choreographer and dancer. Her 
choreography incorporates the ethnic and cultural dances she learned of 
during her travels to Africa and the Caribbean, as well as through her 
anthropological studies of these cultures.
  In addition, Ms. Dunham has spent a significant portion of her life 
dedicated to the betterment of her community, East St. Louis. She 
founded the Performing Arts Training Center in East St. Louis to 
provide area youths with an artistic and culturally diverse activity.
  Also in East St. Louis, the Katherine Dunham Museum provides others 
with the opportunity to share her cultural and artistic knowledge. The 
museum is expanding to include the African Artisanal Village, which 
will offer a performing center for children and the teaching of African 
Arts by Master Artisans, fulfilling one of Ms. Dunham's lifelong goals.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing a happy 90th 
birthday to Katherine Dunham, a truly remarkable woman.

                          ____________________