[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 60 (Friday, April 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE DEEP ELLUM FOUNDATION

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 13, 2018

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to 
recognize the great work of the Deep Ellum Foundation. Deep Ellum is 
the beating heart of Dallas, and the individuals behind this non-profit 
organization work hard to rejuvenate a district of great historical and 
cultural importance.
  True to the name, Deep Ellum boasts a deep-rooted history of business 
and culture, but also of inclusion. As undertakings such as the 
Continental Gin Company and the Ford Factory expanded the area, what 
started off as a small stop on the old Dallas railroad line, blossomed 
into a bustling community of industry and growth. As the neighborhood 
made its ascent, it attracted people from all walks of life, etching 
Deep Ellum as one of Dallas' first commercial districts to welcome 
African-Americans and European immigrants. Deep Ellum's population grew 
together as a community because of its rich diversity and unique 
culture, which still thrive today.
  The rise of music became a part of the culture that defines Deep 
Ellum to this day. It is in Deep Ellum that the ``Father of Texas 
Blues'' Blind Lemon Jefferson spent time crafting the sound that would 
inspire generations to come. Other musicians such as Robert Johnson and 
Alex Moore are also part of the legacy that found its birth in the 
1920s. This tradition is one we're proud to continue, as Deep Ellum is 
still one of the biggest entertainment districts in the state. It 
features 30 live music venues, and much of the local art, inspired by 
this culture, is reflected in murals and public buildings that decorate 
the City of Dallas.
  The Good-Latimer tunnel once welcomed local aspiring artists, and 
though it gave way for the city to expand with the building of the DART 
system, the Deep Ellum Foundation works tirelessly to ensure that 
influential paintings are displayed and artists are still welcomed. 
Every year, through the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, the foundation and 
the city highlight the district's vibrant culture by hosting over 100 
musical artists, 200 visual artists, and countless street performances.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Deep Ellum Foundation for 
recognizing the neighborhood's continuing importance. The Deep Ellum 
Foundation represents a community determined to build on its historical 
and cultural legacy. This organization is committed to allowing locals 
to grow together and to hosting Deep Ellum's Bark Park, Bike Friendly 
Deep Ellum, and projects like Foundation 45. All of these projects 
emerge from a neighborhood that lives its commitment to encouraging 
individuals to be active participants in their area and to determining, 
as one community, what defines Deep Ellum.

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