THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY COHEN, BISHOP, BRIGGS, DeWEESE, DONATUCCI, D. EVANS, FRANKEL, GEORGE, GERBER, KIRKLAND, KULA, MANDERINO, McGEEHAN, McILVAINE SMITH, MELIO, PASHINSKI, SIPTROTH AND YOUNGBLOOD, FEBRUARY 9, 2009

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, FEBRUARY 9, 2009  

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and honoring Wynne Alexander for her career as a

journalist, author, composer, civil rights activist and

international recording artist; and commending her on the

publication of her new book, "Get It From The Drums."

WHEREAS, Wynne Alexander is the author of the first and only

music-infused civil rights curriculum in the United States,

contained in her ground-breaking new book, "Get It From The

Drums"; and

WHEREAS, That important work was originally commissioned by

Dr. Dennis Creedon, Director of Creative and Performing Arts for

the School District of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, "Get It From The Drums" focuses on the history of

the Civil Rights, Protest and Anti-war Movements of the 1960s

and 1970s and the music that was a profound part of those

movements; and

WHEREAS, A total of 17 legendary music stars, including John

Lennon, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Marvin Gaye, Pete Seeger, Janis Ian

and Kenny Gamble, donated the rights to their music and lyrics

on behalf of the history and learning in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Wynne's achievements in journalism, literature and

music established her as a formidable woman of Arts & Letters,

and her impressive work established her as a voice for social

justice at a very young age; and

WHEREAS, At under 19 years of age, Wynne Alexander joined the

prestigious new staff at radio station WDAS AM-FM in

Philadelphia, where she covered hard-hitting news, including

interviews and stories on Coretta Scott King, Muhammad Ali, Rosa

Parks, Ambassador Andrew Young and B.B. King, to name just a

few; and

WHEREAS, Wynne is also the writer/producer of

WDASHistory.org, chronicling the enormous social impact of this

cultural institution and the revolutionary milestones set by the

radio station in civil rights, broadcasting and music history;

and

WHEREAS, Wynne developed her fighting spirit and abilities

watching and continuing the Civil Rights work of her father and

grandfather; and

WHEREAS, Musically, Wynne's creative talents include work as

a composer and international recording artist whose music has

been critically acclaimed from Philadelphia to Paris, France;

and

WHEREAS, Wynne's musical recordings are available in Cote

d'Ivoire, Australia, Switzerland, Yugoslavia, France, Greece and

Canada; and

WHEREAS, Whenever Wynne and fellow musicians are on stage,

they are musical ambassadors, bridging cultural differences,

sending immediate signals of cultural embrace, artistic

excellence and unity; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives extend its

congratulations to Wynne Alexander on the publication of her

book, "Get It From The Drums," and for her life's work at the

intersection of music, civil rights and journalism; and be it

further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to

Wynne Alexander at 649 South Highland Avenue, Merion PA 19066.