March 17, 1999 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 4847 the next millennium must be a global stand- loss, and severe muscle aches. The Centers winning documentaries as Eyes on the Prize, ard. Harmonization is important. Country-of-or- for Disease Control (CDC) headquartered in Voices of Freedom: An Oral History of Amer- igin labeling for fresh produce legislation is Atlanta, Georgia issued an advisory for people ica’s Civil rights Movement, The Great De- part of the current harmonization effort. Twen- not to eat Guatemalan raspberries until the pression, America’s War on Poverty, Malcolm ty-two of our trading partners have some type problem could be investigated, contained and X: Make it Plain, and Breakthrough: The of produce country-of-origin labeling or mark- eradicated. The average American was unable Changing Face of Science in America. In all ing requirement. These nations include, Can- to find out from what country were the rasp- Hampton produced or was responsible for ada, Mexico, Japan, and many members of berries in the grocery store. In the absence of more than 60 major films and media projects the European Union. There is no intent or labeling, concerned shoppers had no choice for the public and private sectors. Through means to discriminate against anyone or trad- but not to buy any raspberries. This hurts con- film, Hampton became a civil rights leader as ing partner with this bill. The office of legisla- sumers by limiting choice. It hurts growers well as an educator. tive counsel has incorporated into this bill lan- from all the other countries with which we im- Among his many industry awards and com- guage clarifying that this labeling reform ap- port. The current policy also hurts super- munity honors are the prestigious duPont-Co- plies equally to imported as well as domesti- markets, grocery stores, and family busi- lumbia and Peabody awards for excellence in cally grown produce. Otherwise, this text is nesses of all sizes. broadcast journalism, as well as six Emmys based on the amendment to the Senate Agri- CONCLUSION and an Academy Award nomination. Also, culture Appropriations bill that was offered last Unfortunately the nay-sayers have dis- Hampton received the 1993 Ralph Lowell year by the Senator from Florida (Mr. BOB missed the importance of this common-sense Award, considered the highest recognition in GRAHAM). practice all too quickly. Curiously, it is said public television, presented by the Public LABELING: SIMPLE, SOUND, AND INEXPENSIVE that giving the American consumer the infor- Broadcasting Service and the Corporation for Briefly, it is worth pointing out that U.S. law mation at the shelf or bin is somehow super- Public Broadcasting. In 1994, Hampton re- already encourages the labeling and marking fluous or confusing. I remind you that this in- ceived the first Harold C. Fleming Award rec- of fresh fruits and vegetables. The boxes of formation is already in the back of the store as ognizing ‘‘a lifetime of service in the field of imported produce, for example, are required to required by current law. political participation and community education indicate country-of-origin information. These I am very curious to see who will rise to op- against hatred in politics.’’ In 1995, he re- boxes go to the grocery store or retailer, but pose this legislation. Are there Members who ceived the first Heinz Family Foundation are often left in the back room. Thus, while do not want any families, children, or women Award in the field of arts and humanities. I this valuable information travels to the store, it to have the basic right to know from where commend to our colleagues the January–Feb- does not always make it to the mom, dad, or come the fresh fruit and vegetables they are ruary 199 About . . . Time article, title ‘‘An other consumer at the point of sale. serving at home? Are there Members who Eye for the Prize,’’ which tells of the great As our Founders envisioned, the states are want keep this information from consumers? contributions of Hampton. great laboratories for ideas. In Florida, the Are there members who want our citizens to AN EYE FOR THE PRIZE state enacted produce country-of-origin label- have different information from their foreign THROUGH THE ART OF FILM AND STORY, HENRY ing more than twenty years ago. The Florida counterparts? It is my hope that this is not the HAMPTON CELEBRATES THE SWEEP OF AFRI- experience is a marked success. Two major case. Certainly, the Members who have co- CAN-AMERICAN STRUGGLES AND CREATIVITY Florida supermarket chain stores have re- sponsored this bill answered this question de- By Wanda S. Franklin ported that this common-sense customer serv- cisively and in support of everyday Americans. The one thing he did right was the day he ice costs each store less than $10 per month. There is nothing in this legislation that is in- started to fight. With cameras and lights. Producers and editors. Historians and his- I am informed that the total cost for more than tended to be or shall prove discriminatory or the 25,000 retail stores in Florida is less than tory’s forgotten soldiers,’’ Boston Globe col- protectionist. Information is the most important umnist Derrick Z. Jackson wrote in a tribute $195,000 annually. It is an easy, low-cost pol- tool for consumers who have a right-to-know. to the life and works of Henry Hampton, on icy that has reaped enormous benefits for con- The information that will be easily displayed November 28, six days after the eminent sumers by giving them a right to know at the through this bill on a shelf or bin will empower film-maker died. Now, many African Ameri- grocery store. In addition, it has helped the consumers. And we will certainly continue to cans and others inspired by Hampton’s leg- stores better market their produce. import and enjoy produce from around the acy are beginning to take an accounting of THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WANTS THIS VALUABLE his work. world, as it is often the only source for fresh As founder and president of Blackside, Inc., INFORMATION produce when our growing season ends. The honest truth laying at the core of this Hampton made uniquely important contribu- This is common-sense legislation that will tions to the body of American documentary bill is that the people back home in our dis- lead to a uniform trade policy and benefit all film over the past 30 years right up until his tricts are curious and just want to know this consumers. I thank all of the Representatives death on November 22, 1998. He leaves behind valuable information. Today, virtually every- and Senators who have supported this policy a tremendous legacy that not only shaped thing in the supermarket bears its place of ori- in the past and those Members who are join- the world of documentary film, but also the gin, except meat and produce. A CBS/Public ing me today as original cosponsors. American conscience. Eye Poll taken last year showed that about 80 ‘I believe in the power of the arts to create f percent of the American public favor country- positive change,’’ said Hampton, the creator REMEMBERING HENRY HAMPTON and executive producer of the award-winning of-origin labeling. Why? So that they can have multi-part documentary, Eyes on the Prize. this useful information. There are many ways ‘‘EMINENT FILM—MAKER’’ The series, released in two installments for consumers to use this information. Individ- (with six episodes in 1987 and another eight uals who are concerned about international af- HON. WILLIAM (BILL) CLAY episodes in 1990), won the prestigious du- fairs and human rights can know if they are— OF MISSOURI Pont-Columbia and Peabody awards for ex- cellence in broadcast journalism, as well as and hopefully avoid—buying a product that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES may come from a regime that supports non- six Emmys and an Academy Award nomina- democratic or even racist policies, have poor Wednesday, March 17, 1999 tion. Eyes on the Prize is regarded as the de- Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, Henry Hampton, finitive film record of America’s civil rights child labor practices, or anything else from a movement. Hampton also co-authorized the range of legitimate other concerns. my friend and fellow student at St. Nicholas companion volume, Voices of Freedom: An It is relevant to give another example of how Catholic School in St. Louis, Missouri, was a Oral History of America’s Civil Rights Move- this is important on a practical level. This is prominent film-maker who shaped the Amer- ment. called ‘‘trace back.’’ In March of 1996, for ex- ican documentary world. While at St. Nicholas, In his years at Blackside, Hampton pro- ample, there was a very serious problem with a very small school with 100 students in duced or was responsible for more than 60 Guatemalan raspberries that were imported grades K–12, I was a high school student and major films and medial projects, including into twenty-states, including my home state of Hampton was a grammar student. Hampton several for J. Walter Thompson advertising agency, the United States National Institute California. These fruits were making people went on to graduate from Washington Univer- of Mental Health and the United States De- sick through cyclospora, a very serious para- sity in St. Louis. For 30 years right up until his partment of Commerce. site that invades the small intestine and death on November 22, 1998, Hampton raised Through his filmmaking, Hampton became causes extreme diarrhea, vomiting, weight the American conscience through such award a messenger, even a propagandist for justice,

VerDate jul 14 2003 09:13 Oct 01, 2004 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR99\E17MR9.000 E17MR9 4848 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS March 17, 1999 equity and fairness. The stories he produced are cast down toward us. He is watching to who struggled to transcend the racial stereo- became political weapons and tools for learn- see how we protect the prize. He is watching types of the minstrel tradition and reclaim ing. to see how well we hold on,’’ Jackson wrote. true elements of black culture. In New Orle- Hampton was executive producer for all of Unique aspects of history are sure to be re- ans, talented musicians create the innova- Blackside’s PBS film projects including. The peated again when another of Hampton’s tive and exuberant sounds of ragtime and Great Depression, America’s War on Pov- works, I’ll Make Me a World: A Century of jazz, music that comes to be identified as erty, Malcolm X: Make it Plain, and Break- African-American Arts, premiers nationally quintessentially American. Also, a powerful Through: The Changing Face of Science in on PBS February 1–3, 1999, at 9 p.m. ET new medium—film—allows black filmmakers America. His efforts presented unfold stories (check your local listings). A production of such as Oscar Micheaux to make motion pic- behind America’s most critical issues—lead- Blackside, Inc., in association with Thirteen/ tures that present the complexities of Afri- ership, the nature of democracy and freedom WNET, this unprecedented six-hour docu- can-American life at a time when many of expression. mentary series celebrates the extraordinary white filmmakers were promoting dangerous He worked around personal disabilities and achievements of the African-American cre- racial stereotypes. other illness. Hampton was struck by photo ative spirit in the 20th century. The second hour, ‘‘Without Fear or at the age of 15. He also battled lung cancer The work captures the stories behind 100 Shame,’’ takes viewers from World War I and pericarditis before he died from a bone years of tumultuous struggle for identity, through the Jazz Age to the Great Depres- marrow disease which arose from a treat- equality and self-expression by the artistic sion. This segment also reveals the intense ment for the lung cancer. Perhaps his suf- talent in the African-American community. debate that arises during the Harlem Renais- fering became his grace. Henry Hampton re- ‘‘This production is a soaring, celebratory sance between community leaders who want fused to be a victim. He learned how to listen and informative journey into the powerful to use the arts to uplift the race and some without being judgmental. interaction between African-American cul- younger African-American artists con- From the late 1960s through 1990, Hampton ture and the larger American society,’’ cerning what art should express—blacks in chaired the Museum of Afro American His- Hampton said after completing the documen- the best portrayals possible or the complex tory’s board of directors, leading that orga- tary. reality of life in the black community. The nization’s campaign to acquire and restore I’ll Make Me a World: A Century of Afri- works of Langston Hughes, Zora Neale the African Meeting House on Boston’s Bea- can-American Arts is the last production Hurston and the women blues singers ‘‘Ma’’ con Hill, the oldest standing African-Amer- completed by the late filmmaker. However, Rainey and Mamie Smith are highlighted in ican church building in the United States. Hampton was at work on two other major this segment. Hampton’s thirteen honorary degrees in- projects. Hopes on the Horizon: The Rise of ‘‘Bright Like a Sun,’’ the opening segment clude one from his alma mater, Washington the New Africa, a ten-part film project cov- of the second episode, shows African-Amer- University in St. Louis, Brandeis University, ering developments in Africa from 1945 to the ican artists adapting to life during the years Boston College, and most recently from present, is scheduled to be completed in 2001. of the Great Depression and World War II. Tufts University in Boston. Among his many The African American Religious Experience Viewers will see how artists such as sculptor industry awards and community honors is was completing the research and develop- Augusta Savage, jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie the 1993 Ralph Lowell Award, considered the ment stage and is expected to go into pro- and Charlie Parker and actor/singer/activist highest recognition in public television, pre- duction this spring. This project examines Paul Robeson steadily expand their visions sented by the Public Broadcasting Service the shifting role of churches that are being to produce works filled with new energy and and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. challenged to meet the spiritual needs of fueled by a new-found autonomy. Robeson In 1994, Hampton received the first Harold C. young people. These projects will be contin- uses his art to fight for social justice. Savage Fleming Award recognizing ‘‘a lifetime of ued by the Blackside Inc. production team. teaches art and develops and nurtures the service in the field of political participation I’ll Make Me a World: A Century of Afri- talent of youngsters, such as Jacob Law- and community education against hatred in can-American Arts definitely presents an- rence. Gillespie, Parker and other young mu- politics.’’ In 1995, he received the first Heinz other extraordinary work by Hampton, docu- sicians create Bebop—a controversial and in- Family Foundation Award in the field of arts menting compelling stories of struggle and novative style of music that transforms jazz and humanities. creativity in the black arts experience. The from popular entertainment into a recog- The success of his productions and numer- series gives voice to the jazz, blues and rap nized art. ous awards speak to his strengths as a vi- that have defined American music, and the The fourth, hour segment, ‘‘The Dream sionary and storyteller, as well as to his su- fiction and poetry that have challenged con- Keepers,’’ explores an era of firsts for Afri- perb filmmaking style. Hampton once said of ventional ideas about family, community, can Americans in the arts and other areas Eyes on the Prize, ‘‘I like big stories. One of race and democracy. It also showcases pow- and their impact on the nation as they over- the problems with history is that often you erful visual images, from canvas to movie come racial barriers. Some groundbreaking get marvelous small stories. But if you don’t screen that have interpreted the African- achievements include Arthur Mitchell’s put them in a larger frame, they don’t have American experience as well as the innova- debut performance with the New York City as much impact. Eyes on the Prize was suc- tive dance and theater that have created new Ballet as the first black male dancer in a cessful beyond my wildest dreams because it forms of expression embraced by enthusi- major American ballet company; and Lor- took history that people thought they knew astic audiences worldwide. raine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, the and gave it a sweep. We hit these high sto- I’ll Make Me a World is narrated by first play written by an African-American ries along the way and showed how they are Vanessa L. Williams. The star-studded roster woman to debut on Broadway. At the same part of a rising tide,’’ he told Paul Kahn dur- of artists, critics and scholars who will offer time, an artist such as James Baldwin, ing an interview for Very Special Arts Mas- insightful commentary and analysis also in- chooses exile in Paris as he struggles to sachusetts. VSAMASS is a non-profit organi- cludes Quincy Jones, Alice Walker, Wynton launch his literary career. zation that seeks to create and promote op- Marsalis, Gwendolyn Brooks, Bill T. Jones, The last evening concludes with a look at portunities in the arts and cultural main- Jacob Lawrence, Amiri Baraka, Spike Lee, the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and stream for people with disabilities. Ben Vereen, Melvin Van Peebles, Cornel how black artists continue to redefine and Hampton’s ability to see and evaluate the West and other on-screen witnesses. revolutionize not only African-American cul- strength and beauty in ordinary people and I’ll Make Me a World: A Century of Afri- ture, but American culture with their new to powerfully document their struggles and can-American Arts is a rich tapestry of sense of black pride and self-determination. accomplishments within the course of his- sights and sounds highlighting black artists ‘‘Not a Rhyme Time,’’ the first hour seg- tory is what made his work so memorable. of every creative discipline whose distinctive ment, shows black artists making inroads in He saw the value in the work of the foot sol- talents have shaped American culture in the Hollywood, Broadway and in popular music, diers as well as the leadership and acknowl- 20th century. What the viewer will see over most notably by way of the Motown sound. A edged both. The ‘‘prize’’ was inherent in the the course of the three evenings is a profile cultural revolution begins as this new sound struggle for one’s beliefs. of musicians, writers, visual artists, actors, dominates the airwaves. Visual artists such By presenting those powerful little stories dancers and filmmakers who forever changed as Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold and oth- of the ‘‘faces of the unfamiliar’’ was how who we are as a nation and a culture. ers offer an alternative vision in representa- Hampton ‘‘unveiled black people as civilized Each episode is divided into two, one-hour tions of black art that challenge the aes- warriors’’ and captured ‘‘the depth of com- segments. The series begins at the turn of thetics, power and ultimately the very exist- mitment of freedom marchers who went to the century with the artistry of the first ence of the so-called ‘‘mainstream.’’ By the jail with none of the publicity given to generation of African Americans born into 1980s, Alice Walker writes about a black movement leaders,’’ wrote Jackson. freedom and moves toward the Harlem Ren- woman’s quest for independence in The Color A challenge was also issued in Jackson’s aissance. Purple and wins both the Pulitzer Prize and Boston Globe column on behalf of the inde- In the opening hour, ‘‘Lift Every Voice’’ the outrage of some African Americans who pendent filmmaker. ‘‘Although Hampton has profiles the careers of artists such as vaude- condemn the images of black families she passed from us, I believe his eyes and spirit ville stars Bert Williams and George Walker, presents in her novel. In the last hour, ‘‘The

VerDate jul 14 2003 09:13 Oct 01, 2004 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR99\E17MR9.000 E17MR9 March 17, 1999 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 4849 Freedom You Will Take’’ explores the con- Sikhs of Khalistan, the Christians of Nagaland, PRIME MINISTER (ATO-KILONSER), temporary cultural landscape that is trans- the Muslims of Kashmir, and the people of the GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S RE- formed by the power of African-American other nations they occupy to decide this issue PUBLIC OF NAGALAND, film, performance, dance, rap music and spo- March 12, 1999. ken word art forms. Spike Lee is acknowl- in a free and fair vote, the way that democratic Hon. EDOLPHUS TOWNS, edged for his role in ushering in a new wave countries decide these things. Instead, they House of Representatives, of independent films by and about African have resorted to state terrorism against the Washington, DC. Americans. Viewers are also introduced to people in these occupied nations. (Through our good friend Dr. Gurmit Singh members of the younger generation of visual Aulakh, President, Council of Khalistan, 1901 and literary artists who dare to challenge Recently, there has been a wave of violence Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 802, Wash- convention. against Christians in India. Christians are ington, DC 20006) ‘‘People have looked to Henry Hampton’s merely the target of the moment. Sikhs, Mus- RESPECTED SIR: Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh work for a broader understanding of our cul- lims, Daltis (dark-skinned aboriginal people), sent us the proceedings and debates of the ture and history,’’ says Tamara E. Robinson, and others have been subjected to similar vio- 106th Congress (First Session) dated Wash- vice president and director of national pro- ington, 11 February 1999. We have gone gramming for Thirteen/WNET. ‘‘Airing this lence. through your presentation, Hindu Nation- series is a tribute to his legacy. It will give Numerous Christian churches and other reli- alist Continue To Attack Christians in ‘‘Sec- viewers insight into some of the most pro- gious facilities have been destroyed since ular’’ India, with much appreciation and vocative artistic contributions of the 20th Christmas by Hindu extremists affiliated with love. century,’’ she concludes. In the light of the assertion of the truth To keep the spirit of I’ll Make Me a the ruling BJP. A missionary and his two made by U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine World’s impact alive long after the series young sons were burned to death. Nuns have Albright ‘‘that ethnic groups demanding ends, and to provide more information for been raped. Priests have been murdered. A independence should be allowed to have their use in and out of the classroom, Blackside Christian religious festival was broken up by own nations’’ (as told to the Washington Inc. has added an educational component gunfire. Is this Indian secularism? Post in Paris on 24 February 1999), your that includes a website http:// statement that ‘‘we should openly declare www.blackside.com. This comprehensive The Indian government has killed more than U.S. support for self-determination for all database includes a 20th century chronology 200,000 Christians since 1947 and the Chris- the peoples of the subcontinent. By these of African-American art; profiles of the art- tians of Nagaland, in the eastern part of India, measures we can help bring religious free- ists featured in the series; descriptions of are involved in one of 17 freedom movements dom and basic human rights to Christians, dance, film, literature, music, theater and within India’s borders. India has murdered Sikhs, Muslims, and everyone else in South visual art education programs for students Asia’’ makes a lot of sense. Indeed, this is in grades K–12. The website will also contain more than 250,000 Sikhs since 1984 and over what the Indian-suppressed peoples have biographies, video clips and transcripts of 60,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, as been wishing for all these years. further in-depth interviews with the artists well as many thousands of other people. That, Sir, the principled stand you and featured in the series as well as classroom The holiest shrine in the Sikh religion, the other policy-makers of the U.S. have taken activities for middle and high school stu- in this all-important matter has inspired dents and teachers. Golden temple in Amritsar, was attacked by many nationalities and ethnic groups that Major production funding for I’ll Make Me the Indian government. Gurdev Singh Kaunke, continue to languish in the merciless world a World was provided by the Ford Founda- who was serving as Jathedar of the Akal of religious persecution and political sup- tion, the National Endowment for the Arts, Takht, the highest Sikh religious official, was pression. Kindly accept the heartfelt grati- the National Endowment for the Humanities, killed in police custody by being torn in half. tude of the Naga people. the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, The police disposed of his body. He had been Even as the Naga people pray with renewed public television viewers and PBS. Addi- hearts for their suffering brothers and sisters tional funding was provided by the LuEsther tortured before the Indian government decided belonging to the Christian, Dalit, Muslim T. Mertz Charitable Trust, Lila Wallace- to kill him. The very highly revered Babri and Sikh communities, it is our request that Reader’s Digest Fund, Dan Rothenberg, Ger- mosque was destroyed by Hindu militants. you persevere in your fight for the rights of aldine R. Dodge Foundation, National Black Next month marks two occasions, falling on these oppressed nations and peoples to free- Programming Consortium, Joyce Founda- dom and justice. May God bless you richly in tion, Camille O. Cosby and William H. Cosby, the same day, that should bring these issues your endeavor. Jr. into focus: the 300th anniversary of the Sikh Respectfully yours, f Nation and the birthday of Thomas Jefferson. TH. MUIVAH. It is an ironic coincidence that these anniver- CONGRESSMAN RECEIVES LETTER saries fall at the same time. f FROM CHRISTIANS OF SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS NAGALAND: AMERICA SHOULD Thomas Jefferson was one of the leading SUPPORT SELF-DETERMINATION voices for American independence and wrote Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, IN SOUTH ASIA the Declaration of Independence, which sets agreed to by the Senate on February 4, out the philosophical basis for the freedom 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS that we built into our Constitution and that we tem for a computerized schedule of all enjoy today. In light of this religious oppres- meetings and hearings of Senate com- OF NEW YORK sion and the statements of Secretary Albright mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and others, I urge the Congress to take strong tees, and committees of conference. Wednesday, March 17, 1999 measures in support of self-determination in This title requires all such committees Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Gurmit Singh South Asia. We should put ourselves on to notify the Office of the Senate Daily Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, record in support of a free and fair plebiscite Digest—designated by the Rules com- recently delivered to me a letter from the gov- in Punjab, Khalistan, in Kashmir, in Nagaland, mittee—of the time, place, and purpose ernment-in-exile of Nagaland praising my pre- and everywhere that people are demanding of the meetings, when scheduled, and vious statement of February, 11 on the op- the right to determine their own future. We any cancellations or changes in the pression of Christians in India. The letter also should impose the sanctions appropriate meetings as they occur. calls for self-determination for all the nations under the law for countries that practice reli- As an additional procedure along with the computerization of this infor- of South Asia. gious oppression and violence. We should In the letter, the Prime Minister of Nagaland mation, the Office of the Senate Daily strongly urge the President to declare India a quotes Secretary of State Albright as a sup- Digest will prepare this information for terrorist state. Finally, we should cut off U.S. porter of self-determination. On February 24, printing in the Extensions of Remarks aid to India until it begins to behave like a de- the Washington Post quoted the Secretary of section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD mocracy and respects basic human rights, in- State as saying, ‘‘ethnic groups demanding on Monday and Wednesday of each independence should be allowed to have their cluding the right to self-determination. week. own nations.’’ Currently, there are 17 freedom Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the letter Meetings scheduled for Thursday, movements within India’s borders. Yet the from the Prime Minister of Nagaland in the March 18, 1999 may be found in the government of India refuses even to allow the RECORD. Daily Digest of today’s RECORD.

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