[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 146 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1740-E1741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HARLEM ARTS ALLIANCE, 
INC. AND IN CELEBRATION OF HARLEM ARTS ADVOCACY WEEK 2011 ``HARLEM ARTS 
                  & CULTURE: RESURGENCE AND RENEWAL''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 3, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great Harlem and cultural 
pride to recognize the 10th Anniversary of the HARLEM Arts Alliance, 
Inc. as they kick off their Fifth Annual Arts Advocacy Week 2011 at the 
Riverside Theatre at Harlem's New York City Landmark--The Riverside 
Church. The Riverside Church is the tallest Church in the United States 
known for its elaborate Neo-Gothic architecture, which includes the 
world's largest tuned carillon bell.
  The HARLEM Arts Alliance, HAA, is a not-for-profit arts service 
organization committed

[[Page E1741]]

to nurturing the artistic growth, capacity and development of artists 
and arts organizations based primarily in Harlem and the greater Harlem 
communities. With a membership of over 750 individual artists and arts 
organizations, HAA plays an essential role by helping to build the 
resources, network, and capacity of its richly diverse association. HAA 
also maintains strong partnerships with numerous arts organization and 
institutions throughout New York State, the region and the nation to 
maintain vital collaborative efforts to promote the arts in 
communities.
  Harlem Arts Advocacy Week events will take place from Sunday. October 
2, 2011 through Sunday, October 9, 2011 to highlight the importance of 
the artists, arts, and cultural institutions that have consistently 
contributed to the cultural and economic fabric and vitality of Harlem 
and beyond. This year's theme, ``Harlem Arts & Culture: Resurgence and 
Renewal'' will focus on the revitalization of selected Harlem cultural 
institutions during the challenges of the economic downturn and the 
shifting dynamics of Harlem.
  On Monday October 3, 2011, at The Riverside Church Theatre, the HAA 
will present the first Humanitarian Award to legendary Actor, artist 
and international human rights activist Harry Belafonte to kick off its 
Fifth Annual Arts Advocacy Week. The Alliance will also pay special 
tribute to award winning Actress and civil rights pioneer Ruby Dee with 
a Lifetime Achievement Award.
  Throughout its 75-year history, The Riverside Church has been an 
influential stronghold of activism and political debate on the nation's 
religious and political landscapes. Thus, it is very symbolic and 
appropriate that the Alliance honor these two giants, Harry Belafonte 
and Ruby Dee within this great Cathedral. Danny Simmons, a visual 
artist, philanthropist, and former Chair of the New York State Council 
on the Arts will receive the Alliance's Arts Leadership Award.
  The Harlem Arts Advocacy Week begins on Sunday October 2, where the 
New Heritage Theatre Group, Riverside Theatre and the City College of 
New York will present ``Through the Night'' a one-man play starring 
Obie, NAACP and Audelco award winner, Daniel Beaty.
  On Monday October 3, the HARLEM Arts Alliance and Hue-Man Book Store 
& Cafe present Harlem Arts Advocacy Week's opening reception and panel 
discussion with noted black female playwrights entitled, ``Black Women 
Playwrights: They Speak. Who Listens?'' featuring Esther Armah, Radha 
Blank, Kirsten Greenidge and Kymberle Joseph.
  On Tuesday October 4, the HARLEM Arts Alliance and the Greater Harlem 
Chamber of Commerce will hold their business membership meeting and 
present a discussion forum entitled ``Public Art: Advancing Diverse 
Perspectives.'' The forum will feature a presentation on the design and 
development of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Circle with visual 
artist and landscape architect Algernon Miller followed by a panel 
discussion moderated by Curtis Archer, President of Harlem Community 
Development Corporation.
  On Wednesday October 5, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black 
Culture in collaboration with the HARLEM Arts Alliance will host ``The 
Schomburg's Kick-Off to a Season on the Cutting Edge!'' The evening 
will include guided tours of two exhibitions: ``Malcolm X: A Search for 
Truth'' and ``Romare Bearden: The Soul of Blackness/A Centennial 
Tribute,'' a book signing by Center Director, Dr. Khalil Muhammad along 
with a performance showcase of Harlem Arts and Cultural organizations.
  On Thursday October 6, HARLEM Arts Alliance will host a panel 
discussion, ``Basic Legal Issues in Managing Human Resources,'' 
presented by Lawyers Alliance for New York, at The Dwyer Cultural 
Center.
  On Friday October 7, HARLEM Arts Alliance will host the opening 
reception for the Strivers Art Circuit Tour, a self-guided walking tour 
of Harlem Art Venues and Artist Studios. A reception will take place at 
The Strivers Garden Gallery. The New Heritage Theatre Group will also 
present a new play entitled ``SAVIOUR?'' by Esther Armah, directed by 
Passion and featuring Michael Green and Jimmy Aquino, at the Dwyer 
Cultural Center.
  Let me take this opportunity to thank all of our Harlem Arts Advocacy 
Week community sponsors, supporters and collaborators as we celebrate 
``Harlem Arts & Culture: Resurgence and Renewal'' during the Fifth 
Annual Harlem Arts Advocacy Week 2011. Mr. Speaker, the HARLEM Arts 
Alliance under the tremendous leadership of Chairman Voza Rivers and 
Executive Director Michael Unthink has contributed daily to the 
survival and enhancement of Harlem's beloved cultural artist and arts 
organizations.
  During these tough and economically challenging times, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in saluting and celebrating the 10th Anniversary 
of the HARLEM Arts Alliance as they continue their advocacy for the 
arts on behalf of a very grateful nation.

                          ____________________