[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13813]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



           KATHERINE DUNHAM CELEBRATES HER NINETIETH BIRTHDAY

 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to share with my 
colleagues a story about a most remarkable woman who is celebrating her 
ninetieth birthday. Her heroic existence embodies every element of a 
true American.
  Katherine Dunham is a studied anthropologist, a brilliant social 
worker, an inspiring dancer and a historic activist. She started her 
first dance school in Chicago in 1931, and later became dance director 
for the Works Progress Administration's Chicago theater project. In 
1967 she founded a performing arts center for inner-city youths in East 
St. Louis, Ill.
  One of her many accomplishments came on the night of January 15, 
1979, when she was presented with the Albert Schweitzer Music Award at 
New York's Carnegie Hall. The significance of this award was 
underscored as three generations of Katherine Dunham dancers and 
musicians offered spectacular renditions of her marvelous work. The 
dance and music roared, peppered with the rich flavor of American dance 
mixed with the anthropological roots of African American heritage.
  This kind and brave woman forged a path for less fortunate children, 
offering the arts as an outlet to their misfortunes. She gave of 
herself everything and asked little in return. Katherine Dunham was and 
remains a stellar addition to our rich American heritage.
  I hope you will join me in wishing Ms. Dunham a very happy 
birthday.

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