[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 63 (Friday, May 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MR. BRADLEY CHRISTIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN

                           of virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 2004

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
individual who, surrounded by culture in his formative years, had a 
vision to preserve an important aspect of the Virgin Islands quality of 
life. Mr. Bradley Christian, along with Norma Christian and Claudia 
Walker were the first officers of the St. Croix Heritage Dancer, 
founded by Enrique Santos.
  Mr. Christian has committed himself to preserving our cultural dances 
for future generations so that they may have an awareness of the rich 
culture to be found in the Virgin Islands, specifically on St. Croix. 
These dances are a combination of the influence of the seven flags that 
flew over our island and the ethnicities of the different people who 
have lived here. They have evolved into a performance that is second to 
none, incorporating the influences of the German and French quadrille.
  Mr. Christian and the St. Croix Heritage Dancers have performed all 
over the Caribbean and the United States, including being featured 
during the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in 1990. The St. Croix 
Heritage Dancers is celebrating their 23rd year anniversary with a 
Hibiscus Ball on Saturday, May 22nd. King Michael Dow and Queen Slyvia 
Stewart will rule over this year's celebration. The 2004 honorees are 
Eldred ``Edgie'' Christian, Jr. and Ernest ``Prince Galloway'' 
Galloway, Jr.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my family, staff and the people of the 
United States Virgin Islands, it is an honor for me to enter this 
tribute to Mr. Bradley Christian into the Congressional Record.

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