[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MAKEDA ``DREAD'' CHEATOM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JUAN VARGAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 2024

  Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Makeda ``Dread'' 
Cheatom, an exemplary community leader, who has served the 52nd 
District for more than 50 years, specializing in the visual and 
performing arts throughout the City of San Diego.
  Makeda grew up in San Diego, CA and has dedicated her life to music, 
art, culture, and the well-being of community members. In 1971, she 
opened the Prophet Vegetarian Restaurant, the first vegetarian 
restaurant and international cultural center in San Diego. The opening 
of the Prophet served as a catalyst to her career, collaborating with 
various international health advocates and artists, such as world-
renowned musician Bob Marley.
  Makeda began her music promoter career hosting her own radio show 
Reggae Makossa, which has been on-air for more than 30 years. She has 
also coordinated and hosted Bob Marley Day at the San Diego Sports 
Arena for more than 25 years. In 1989, she established WorldBeat 
Cultural Center, a non-profit multi-cultural center in Balboa Park 
Makeda currently serves as the Executive Director.
  The WorldBeat Center is dedicated to promoting, presenting, and 
preserving the African Diaspora and Indigenous cultures of the world 
through music, art, dance, multimedia arts, education, and STEAM 
research programs and events. The organization is leading as one of the 
most-important multicultural art and event centers in San Diego--a 
place to celebrate all cultures, all art, all music, all dance, and all 
people.
  She also established the WorldBeat Center's Children's EthnoBotany 
Peace Garden which is used to bring families outdoors and teach 
children of the origins of their food and science. The WorldBeat 
Center's Children EthnoBotany Peace Garden, honoring the great George 
Washington Carver, furthers the organization's mission to preserve and 
promote African and Indigenous art forms.
  Her work in the community has impacted the lives of thousands and has 
cemented her place in San Diego. She has been honored and recognized by 
the San Diego County Women's Hall of Fame, the African American 
Heritage Foundation, San Diego 10 News, KPBS, San Diego Unified School 
District, California State 78th Assembly District, UC San Diego Life 
Course Scholars, and California Senator President Pro Tempore Toni 
Atkins. In 2020, she had a mural dedicated to her career in music and 
community advocacy.
  She has participated in a four-year research project through the 
National Science Foundation and worked as a co-principal investigator 
with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She currently serves on the Balboa 
Park Cultural Partnership Executive Committee, the Balboa Park 
Committee, and the San Diego Natural History Museum's Canyon Initiative 
Advisory.
  Makeda exemplifies how music, art, dance and culture can unite people 
across varying cultures. Makeda's vision has brought past, present, and 
future generations of community members the opportunity to express 
themselves through varying art forms and gain a diversified outlook on 
life.
  Makeda was awarded the Cesar E. Chavez Humanitarian Award on March 
14th during the Barrio Station 54th Anniversary Dinner. She is 
celebrated for her dedication and lifelong commitment to community 
members as an inspirational director, mentor, and advocate.

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