[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 71 (Friday, June 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER, 
                          BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2000

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, we celebrate the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of 
the establishment of La Pena a Cultural Center in Berkeley, California.
  La Pena Cultural Center is a nationally and internationally respected 
multi-cultural community arts institution working for social change 
while presenting culturally specific art from diverse sectors of the 
community.
  For the past quarter century, La Pena has raised the social and 
cultural consciousness of our community through projects that bring 
people together to work on transforming our future. La Pena mission is 
the belief that artists and cultural workers contribute to positive 
social change by creating understanding among people, by stimulating 
discussion and by presenting a powerful vision of the future.
  Throughout the year, La Pena presents many educational programs that 
increase understanding of different cultures and encourages the 
development of all disciplines that keep alive our cultural roots and 
diverse heritages. La Pena also operates a multi-purpose center that 
serves as a gathering place to support the Center's mission, as well as 
support the work of community organizations that are active in social 
justice.
  To ensure La Pena's long term continuity and growth, the Center is 
launching an Endowment Campaign to raise $500,000 over the next three 
years. This capital base will generate an unencumbered income of 
$30,000 annually to support the Center's needs. As this capital base 
grows, funds generated by The Endowment will enable La Pena's many 
programs to thrive.
  I proudly join people throughout the Bay Area in recognizing this 
momentous occasion of celebrating 25 years of extraordinary service by 
La Pena Cultural Center.

                          ____________________