On the recordSeptember 28, 2006
Katherine Dunham was born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, in 1909, and from a very early age, she was passionate about the arts. She attended Chicago University and went on to earn a master's and doctoral degree in anthropology. In 1931, she opened her first dance school, and in 1948, she participated in a tour that was the first to bring African American dance to the European public. Upon returning from Europe, Dunham directed a production on Broadway, and in 1963, she became the first African American to choreograph for the Metropolitan Opera. Perhaps one of the most defining moments of her career, however, was receiving the Albert Schweitzer Music Award for a life's work dedicated to music and devoted to humanity at New York's Carnegie Hall. In recognition of her countless achievements and contributions to the arts, I urge all Members to join me in voting for H.R. 5929.
Source
govinfo.gov
