[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1360-E1361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN TRIBUTE TO GERALD WALLACE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2007

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
artistic leader and playwright from the Fourth Congressional District, 
Gerald Wallace. Mr. Wallace was instrumental in diversifying and 
enriching Milwaukee's artistic offerings by interjecting the voice of 
Milwaukee's African American artistic community. A prolific playwright, 
Mr. Wallace created works that reflected the full range of African 
American experience in this country.
  Mr. Wallace fulfilled his childhood dream when he founded the 
People's Theater. He created a 20-seat theater in a building located in 
the heart of the African American community through funds raised by 
providing evening studio performances in private homes. He expanded 
understanding of and appreciation for African American theater by both 
the actors and the audience with performances by People's Theater 
throughout the city and the State of Wisconsin.
  Mr. Wallace provided opportunities and mentored anyone interested in 
performing or learning other aspects of theater operation. He trained 
novices in speaking, projection, stage movement, and taught them to 
explore the depths of their characters in order to present a realistic 
portrayal on stage. Mr. Wallace exposed Milwaukee to the rich 
traditions of African American theater with the appearance of legendary 
actress Claudia McNeil, who performed with the People's Theater in 
James Baldwin's classic play, The Amen Corner. Many theater actors and 
actresses from Milwaukee began acting or honed their skills at the 
People's Theater. In fact, the founder of Milwaukee's African American 
Children's Theater had her genesis at the People's Theater.

[[Page E1361]]

  Mr. Wallace introduced students in Milwaukee Public Schools to 
theater through performances that involved both music and student 
participation. After observing his work in the community, Adolph 
Suppan, the former Dean of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's 
School of Fine Arts, hired Mr. Wallace to provide community outreach 
through work with the People's Theater.
  In later years, Mr. Wallace expanded his artistic interests by 
founding and operating a gallery showcasing the works by African 
American artists. Further, he provided classes to aspiring artists; for 
example Gullah basket weavers from South Carolina taught classes at his 
gallery. Mr. Wallace passed away on June 11, 2007; his influence and 
impact will be sorely missed in Milwaukee.
  Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. 
Gerald Wallace and his contributions to the artistic culture in the 
Fourth Congressional District.

                          ____________________