[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 21]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28954]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO MRS. SAJDA MUSAWWIR LADNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sajda 
Musawwir Ladner, an artist, community activist and educator.
  She is one of the founders as well as the Artistic/Executive Director 
of Universal Temple of the Arts (UTA). UTA is a non-profit, community 
based organization focusing on creative development, education, 
multicultural and entrepreneurial programs, that has served Staten 
Island since the late 1960's. These programs are held both on and off 
site and include classes in the New York City Department of Education 
system.
  She has worked intensively with young people as a Cultural Enrichment 
Specialist with organizations such as the YMCA, the Comprehensive 
Employment and Training Act (CETA) Youth Employment Program, 
Neighborhood Youth Corp, and the Board of Education. Presently, Mrs. 
Ladner is on the staff of Doing Art Together at the Metropolitan Museum 
of Art and the Staten Island Museum as an Art Educator.
  Sajda Musawwir Ladner is a Fashion/costume designer and owner of 
Saadia Fine Art Fashions. She has created costumes for many dance 
companies including Alvin Ailey II, the Fred Benjamin Dance Company, 
Eleo Pomare Dance Company, The Mary Anthony Dance Theater and the 
Nanette Bearden Contemporary Dance Theatre where she was resident 
costume designer and wardroom mistress.
  Mrs. Ladner is a professional dancer having had the honor of being 
asked to perform for President Nelson Mandela of South Africa when he 
visited New York shortly after his release from prison. She specializes 
in Jazz Improvisation and has worked with Barrie Harris, Reggie Workman 
and the Sun Ra Arkestra. Mrs. Ladner is a member of the On the Rock 
DanceTheatre based on Staten Island.
  Mrs. Ladner serves on the Board of Directors of the Northfield 
Development Corporation and the Children's Harbor Montessori School. 
She is a member of the National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP and 
Staten Island Peach Action.
  Mrs. Ladner has an administrative background in business and law. She 
represented Staten Island at the 13th Annual Harlem Mother's Day 
Parade. The parade honors mothers who work in the community. She has 
been the recipient of many awards for community service. Sajda Musawwir 
Ladner is the wife of Edward Ladner and mother of five daughters.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. 
Sajda Musawwir Ladner.

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