[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF RUDY EASTMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Rudy 
Eastman, from the 26th Congressional District of Texas, for his 
lifelong contributions to his community and to his fellow citizens. 
Eastman committed his life to the promotion of African-American theater 
through his service as a teacher for the Fort Worth Independent School 
District and later as the founder of the Jubilee Theater in Forth 
Worth. Eastman passed away on May 31, 2005.
  I would like to recognize and celebrate Eastman's life today. Born in 
Oklahoma in 1944, he later moved to Texas where he earned his 
bachelor's degree in 1966. That same year he began teaching in Fort 
Worth while studying theater at the University of North Texas and Texas 
Christian University. In 1972, he helped form the Sojourner Truth 
Players. While still teaching students who routinely earned recognition 
in State competition, Eastman in 1981 founded the Jubilee Theater.
  Through the perseverance of its founder, the Jubilee Theater would 
realize its goal of providing an outlet for African-American theater. 
Eastman produced innovative plays of his own, but also shared his 
knowledge with others, and helped many young talents realize their own 
dreams. Above all, he made African-American theater accessible to the 
people of Fort Worth and through this was able to positively impact 
race relations in the area.
  It was my honor to represent Rudy Eastman. I extend my sympathies to 
his family and friends. May the example of this man, whose 
contributions made richer the fabric of our American culture, be 
inspiration to all who seek their dreams and serve their fellow man by 
them.

                          ____________________