[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 22 (Thursday, February 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO WBGO, JAZZ 88

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2004

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize a 
valued institution in my home city of Newark, New Jersey, WBG0 Jazz 88, 
as they celebrate 25 years of service to our community. Founded in a 
time when there were no New Jersey-based public radio stations, WBG0 
recognized the opportunity to use public radio as a means of engaging 
the community and raising cultural awareness. They saw that they could 
play a role in uniting people who were divided from years of racial and 
social unrest, as well as helping to rebuild a city that was in great 
need of revitalization.
  Newark Public Radio is one of 12 New Jersey cultural organizations 
that has been designated a ``Major Impact'' arts organization by the 
New Jersey State Council on the Arts. WBGO has been awarded this 
distinction for each of the past thirteen years. Within public radio, 
WBGO is regarded as a leader for its ground-breaking work in community 
and volunteer involvement, special events, and the presentation of jazz 
(including collaboration with local artists).
  WBGO has made it their mission ``to champion jazz . . . through 
radio, other technology, and events.'' Through education and 
entertainment, they preserve the rich heritage and cultural 
achievements of jazz, ensuring its place as an institution of American 
culture.
  Jazz music has been shaped by multiple influences and cultural 
experiences--a fusion of European and Caribbean elements--but has 
emerged as a uniquely American art form. Embedded in the African-
American experience, jazz tells a story of the American experiment from 
a new perspective.
  WBGO Jazz 88 brings this story to 15 of the 21 counties of New 
Jersey, all five boroughs of New York, and portions of Connecticut, 
reaching an estimated 405,000 listeners each and every week.
  I salute WBGO for their dedication to the arts, to public radio, to 
our community, and to jazz. I am proud to have them in my district, and 
I wish them continued success as they endeavor to bring the truly 
magical, truly American legacy of jazz to the 21st Century.

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