[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF MS. PAT JORDAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in recognition of a 
dynamic lady who has had a strong influence in promoting our 
community's cultural legacy. As we celebrate the artistic achievement 
of our high school artists at the annual Congressional Art Competition, 
it is appropriate to honor a patron of the arts, Ms. Pat Jordan. She 
knows Kansas City, Missouri, as this is where she grew up, attending 
Southeast High School in the heart of the City. She obtained a degree 
from the University of Missouri in Journalism, which gave her the tools 
to investigate, promote and educate what she loves most, the arts.
  The rich cultural history of African Americans who lived in a 
segregated Kansas City during the 1920's, 30's and 40's can be traced 
to the area centered on 18th and Vine. This is where the black 
community lived, worked, worshipped, and cultivated a unique lifestyle 
preserved in the arts, education and sports of the time. More than 
most, Pat realizes the importance of preservation of an era that was 
indigenous to the area but with time has faded. She understands that a 
culture uniquely African American must not be allowed to fade. Through 
the arts and education, this culture will be revealed and celebrated 
along with today's artist who expresses their interest through artistic 
discovery.
  While I served on the Kansas City, Missouri City Council and later as 
Mayor, my goal was to preserve the history of 18th and Vine by 
restoring the area. This is when I met the enthusiastic Pat Jordan, who 
I enlisted to spearhead the renovation of the Gem Theater. She worked 
on the Gem Theater bond fund that was essential in making the 
renovation of the Gem Theater a reality. She continues to promote the 
area with the Gem Cultural and Educational Center that promotes visual 
and performing artists.
  Presently, Pat serves as Co-Chair of the Mayor's Task Force for the 
Arts; Chairman of The Light in the Other Room for Kansas City African 
American Artists; Member of the Arts Committee for the Mayor's Google 
Task Force and President of Cross-Lines Towers, Inc. She has an amazing 
record of public service and has served on many advisory boards. She 
has been a long time supporter and member of the Advisory Boards of the 
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, the William Jewel Fine Arts Series 
and the Department of Architecture, Urban Planning & Design of the 
University of Missouri at Kansas City.
  This summer, Kansas City will host the 2012 All-Star Baseball Game. 
Pat is instrumental in efforts that will bring out-of-town guests to 
the heart of 18th and Vine. There, visitors will enjoy an iconic 
culture uniquely Kansas City at the Gem Theater, the Negro Leagues 
Baseball Museum, and the American Jazz Museum.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Ms. Pat Jordan for seeing 
beyond a concept, working to achieve a goal, and proudly promoting 
cultural enhancement through the arts. Through her outreach and events, 
local artists are introduced and Kansas City talent is exhibited. Her 
accomplishments are many as she is one of the gems for our community.

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