[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 158 (Tuesday, November 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE AILEYCAMP AND KANSAS CITY FRIENDS OF ALVIN AILEY 
               RECEIVING THE 2003 COMING UP TALLER AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 2003

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the AileyCamp of the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey as recipients 
of the 2003 Coming Up Taller Award. The President's Committee on the 
Arts and the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, 
the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the 
Humanities presents this annual recognition to groups who encourage 
underserved youth to participate in the arts and humanities. The 
AileyCamp in Kansas City is one of 18 organizations to receive this 
prestigious distinction and $10,000 to continue their philanthropic 
efforts to bring the art of dance to our community's urban youth.
  I applaud the AileyCamp's undertakings to nurture a love for the arts 
and humanities in the next generation. The AileyCamp uses dance in 
varying techniques to develop skilled performers in ballet, jazz, tap, 
African dance, and other dance styles. This unique organization follows 
in the tradition of the accomplished dancer and choreographer, Alvin 
Ailey, who maintained an internationally acclaimed dance company and 
created 79 renowned ballets over his lifetime. His contribution to 
dance drew upon history, the blues and the gospel. Ailey envisioned an 
institution to instill appreciation for dance and culture especially 
for all young people.
  Our community's children in the AileyCamp are immersed in a six week 
program offering training by top dance instructors, visual artists, and 
social workers for 11-14 year olds. These middle school students come 
from disadvantaged families and at-risk situations throughout Kansas 
City. AileyCamp provides a safe haven for creative activity where 
students develop their imagination through storytelling, writing, 
music, photography, and sculpture. These multi-discipline activities 
enhance and build upon their ability to express creatively, to analyze 
critically, and to foster academic excellence. Additionally, the 
campers take part in field trips and attend classes on conflict 
resolution, self-esteem, and goal setting.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the AileyCamp of Kansas City 
for this award. The AileyCamp is a tremendous organization performing 
in the spirit of the celebrated Alvin Ailey to broaden the horizons of 
our youth so that their artistic talents may bloom. I salute Ms. 
Cynthia Rider, Executive Director of Kansas City's AileyCamp and the 
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey for their 2003 Coming Up Taller 
award.

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