[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 49 (Monday, March 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE SACRAMENTO AFRICAN-AMERICAN ART COLLECTIVE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 26, 2012

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
Sacramento African-American Art Collective (SAAAC), which serves to 
enhance cultural and artistic experiences in the Sacramento area 
community. SAAAC came together in 2010, and offers great opportunities 
for African-American artists to showcase their work in collaboration 
with local businesses. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring 
the artists, organizers, and businesses involved in this valuable 
cultural resource.
  SAAAC was founded as a means to increase the exposure of African-
American artists to the Sacramento community, and likewise to allow the 
Sacramento community to enjoy the unique messages and perspectives 
offered by African-American artists. Since its inaugural 1st Saturday 
Art Tour in February, 2011, SAAAC has become an integral part of the 
monthly art experience in Sacramento. Local businesses continue to 
volunteer their time and space to exhibit the work of these artists, 
all of whom are locally-based.
  In honor of Black History Month, and in collaboration with the 
California Governor's office, SAAAC exhibited several works in the 
Governor's Annex at the California State Capitol. The collection, co-
sponsored by the California Legislative Black Caucus, was titled 
``Family: Those We Love!'', and was available to enjoy from February 
20th, to March 2nd, 2012. This was the first such exhibit in the 
Governor's Office to acknowledge the contribution of African-American 
artists to the distinct cultural milieu that makes Sacramento great. 
The collection is now on display at the Kuumba Collective Art Gallery 
in Sacramento.
  Among the artists and community leaders I'd like to recognize are 
Gerry GOS'' Simpson, Frank Blackwell, Milton Bowens, Warren Spirling, 
Lawrence Sullivan, Daphne Burgess, Shonna McDaniel, Gene Howell, 
Mallory Knight, Lumumba, Marichal Brown, David Alexander, James and 
Renee Sweeney, John King, Kanika Marshall, Constance King, Marshall 
Bailey, Frankie Edwards-Lee, Cynthia Brooks, Janis Wade, and Daneshia 
Johnson. I would also like to recognize the dozens of businesses and 
sponsors that have collaborated with SAAAC, including the Sacramento 
Central Labor Council, AFL CIO, The Brickhouse Gallery, Crave The 
Spotlight, Pacific Housing Inc., and many others.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize these community members and 
their priceless contributions to the rich and diverse cultural 
experience that Sacramento offers. As artists, friends, and community 
leaders gather at the Kuumba Gallery, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring the Sacramento African-American Art Collective and its 
partners for helping to enrich our lives.

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