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HRES 950 IH

Recognizing the 19th annual `Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities' which will be held from January 26, 2008, to February 3, 2008.

January 29, 2008

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Recognizing the 19th annual `Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities' which will be held from January 26, 2008, to February 3, 2008.

Whereas in it's 19th year, the Zora Festival is a multi-day, multi disciplinary event created to celebrate the life and work of the 20th century writer, folklorist, and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston;

Whereas this year's festival theme is `Ritual and Spirituality in the African Diaspora: An Exploration of the Zora Neale Hurston Legacy';

Whereas the `Zora Neale Festival of the Arts and Humanities' is held in venues throughout Orange County, Florida with the `Street Festival of the Arts' held in Eatonville, Florida, the Nation's oldest incorporated black municipality, established in 1887;

Whereas the festival is organized and presented by the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (`P.E.C.'), a membership-based, tax exempt, historic preservation organization established in 1988;

Whereas the festival has been a celebrated event of the central Florida community since 1990 and annually attracts over 50,000 locals and tourists;

Whereas this year's festival's line up will bring together scholars from Canada to the Caribbean, along with appearances from entertainers, including soul sensation Peabo Bryson, inspirational Gospel leader Dr. Bobby Jones, critically acclaimed actress C.C.H Pounder, beloved festival supporter and legendary actress Miss Ruby Dee, and more;

Whereas this multi-day affair has evolved into a national event, named `One of 25 Cultural Tourism Success Stories' by the National Trust for Historic Preservation;

Whereas received the `Regional Destination Award in the Humanities' from the Cultural Olympiad;

Whereas was named `One of the Top 100 Events in North America' by the American Bus Association and named one of Newday's `Top Picks';

Whereas the festival attracts world-renowned personalities from the scholarly, arts, cultural, and entertainment sectors; and

Whereas the festival celebrates the historical significance of Zora Neal Hurston's hometown, Eatonville, as well as the cultural contributions of people African ancestry have made to the United States and world culture: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives recognizes the 19th annual `Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities'.