Political Quotes

“post offices are often designated in honor of individuals who have made valuable contributions to their Nation. Today, I am pleased to honor Ms. Katherine Dunham, the world-renowned dancer, choreographer, teacher, and social activist, by cosponsoring legislation that designates the U.S. Post Office at 950 Missouri Avenue in East St. Louis, IL, as the ``Katherine Dunham Post Office Building.'' Born in Chicago and raised in Joliet, IL, Ms. Dunham began dancing while in high school. She became one of the first African Americans to attend the University of Chicago and later earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in anthropology. In 1938, Dunham was hired as dance director for Chicago's Federal Theatre Project, where her fiery style would mark her work for several decades. In the spring of 1938, Ms. Dunham formed her own company, the Dunham Dance Company, and began to explore the connection of Caribbean dance to its African roots. In 1940, the company traveled to New York and performed a program titled ``Tropics and Le Jazz Hot.'' New York Times critic John Martin said: ``Her performance may very well become a historic occasion.'' Dunham's company undertook a national tour and performed on Broadway and in Hollywood. In 1945, Dunham opened the Katherine Dunham School of Arts and Research in New York. That same year, the company toured Europe with a program called ``Caribbean Rhapsody,'' which was already a success in the United States.…”