[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF EBONY EXPRESSIONS CULTURAL AWARENESS 
                                PROJECT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 26, 2008

  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th 
anniversary of Ebony Expressions Cultural Awareness Project in Madison, 
WI. Each year, Ebony Expressions auditions and selects students from 
Madison area high schools to take part in a program that uses music, 
dance, drama, and spoken word to deliver a positive and thought-
provoking message about the African American experience. Over the 
years, the performances have left a profound and lasting impression on 
audiences throughout our great State. Founded in 1982 under the 
direction of Ed Holmes, Ebony Expressions has fulfilled its mission to 
educate all people on the richness of the African American culture and 
community.
  Although February represents African American History Month, Ebony 
Expressions reminds us to recognize and value the cultural 
contributions of African Americans all year round. Since the time our 
Nation was just an idea, African Americans have been instrumental in 
creating and fortifying American culture through contributions in 
music, dance, and performing arts.
  In addition to highlighting cultural contributions of African 
Americans, Ebony Expressions also addresses important social and 
political issues affecting the African American community today. The 
young performers initiate an important public dialogue while 
transcending damaging stereotypes. Too often, our young people of color 
are not given the chance to express themselves in a positive light. 
Ebony Expressions gives students the opportunities they deserve to 
articulate their beauty and intellect and turn a debilitating label of 
``at-risk to fail'' into a success story of ``at-risk to succeed and 
become leaders.'' Thanks to the tremendous work of Mr. Holmes and 
others in the Madison area, we can and will achieve something better.
  To honor Ebony Expressions' 25-year legacy of dedicated service to 
our community, past and present performers will gather this week to 
present a special program titled ``The Best of Ebony'' to celebrate the 
most memorable performances over the last two-and-a-half decades.
  I would like to congratulate Ebony Expressions on this magnificent 
milestone and I wish everyone involved 25 more years of continued 
success.

                          ____________________