[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINATIONS, THE ROSA PARKS STORY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DIANE E. WATSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2003

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to share the good news of the 
nomination of The Rosa Parks Story for an NAACP Image Award. It is 
nominated in the category of Outstanding Television Movie, Miniseries 
or Dramatic Special. Ms. Angela Bassett is also nominated for an award 
for Outstanding Actress for her portrayal of Rosa Parks. The film was 
directed by Ms. Julie Dash, who was also nominated for a Director's 
Guild of America award earlier this year. The Image Awards will be held 
this Saturday, March 8, and will air on television Thursday, March 13.
  The Rosa Parks Story stars Angela Bassett, Cicely Tyson and Dexter 
Scott King, the son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The film brings to 
life the peaceful dissent an exhausted Rosa Parks showed on a crowded 
Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955, and the Civil Rights Movement that 
ensued. The movie originally aired on television on February 24, 2002.
  It is difficult for African American actor, directors and others in 
the industry to seek recognition for their hard work. The NAACP Image 
Awards is a premier event that acknowledges achievements of talented 
African Americans involved in the industry.
  I was honored to host a congressional screening of the film, The Rosa 
Parks Story, last year prior to the film's television debut. I had the 
good fortune then of meeting Ms. Angela Bassett, Ms. Cicely Tyson, Ms. 
Julie Dash and many others who were instrumental in the success of this 
movie. I particularly want to acknowledge the contributions of Mr. 
Willis Edwards. His work as Executive Producer of the film was 
instrumental in its success.
  This film has held meaning and significance for me personally, and it 
brings me great joy to see this work nominated for an NAACP Image 
Award. I wish all those who were involved the best at the awards 
ceremony on March 8th!

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