[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13918]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               ARKANSAS GOSPEL ANNOUNCERS GUILD HONOREES

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Madam President, today I recognize six Arkansans 
who were recently honored by the Arkansas Gospel Announcers Guild for 
their contributions to gospel music and the community. I commend them 
for their dedication to this beloved American art form, which has a 
strong tradition in Arkansas.
  Honorees were: Elijah and Belinda Mondy, KJIW Radio, Radio Broadcast 
Excellence; Charles Moore, Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir, Gospel Music 
Excellence; Irene Perkins, Irene's Productions, Gospel Promotions; C. 
Michael Tidwell, Centre for the Dansarts, Inspired Excellence--
Liturgical Dance; and Deacon Alvin White, KITA/KOKY, Lifetime 
Achievement.
  As a farmer's daughter from Helena, AR, who grew up in the heart of 
the Mississippi Delta, I have been surrounded by the unique traditions 
of gospel music all my life and am appreciative of its importance to 
the faith community in my State. With its roots in African-American 
culture, gospel music has grown beyond the church walls and is now 
firmly rooted in the American music tradition.
  Gospel music is an integral part of our Nation's history and 
heritage. Along with all Arkansans and all Americans, I honor these 
individuals who have dedicated so much of their time, energy, and 
talents to promoting gospel music in our State.

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