In Recent Weeks , There has been Talk of renaming the John F Kennedy Center For The Preforming Arts. In fact a bill was Proposed to name it after our Current President and its chairman, Donald Trump. Perhaps it is time to rename it. That said there is no reason for the name to change from one political figure to another.If the center for our nations Preforming Arts is to be renamed, It should be after significant American preforming artist. 

I considered Cultural Icons such as Bob Dylan, James Brown, and Robert De Niro. But after review I narrowed it down to two, One Musician and One Thespian. Bruce Springsteen and Henry Fonda. Their respective works have had an impact on our nation. Above that Their respective Careers are two of the greatest artistic representations of our nation, its people, and its values. Both men gave voices to the silent. Americans who felt trampled and forsaken found solidarity in the Art of these two men. That is why I am today advocating for the Bruce Springsteen-Henry Fonda Center for The Preforming Arts.

For over fifty years Bruce Springsteen has been using the Power of song, to spread awareness of the troubles faced by many in our nation. His career broke out in 1975 after the release of his Third Album, Born To Run. On this album he illustrates a part of America that was largely forgotten. Not far from the bustling metropolis of New York City, Is an area known as Monmouth County, New Jersey. He used it as a backdrop to tell stories of Love and longing. Stories that reflected and connected with a growingly disillusioned American youth. He used art as a vessel to connect Americans through Their common Experiences, and help them feel less alone in this country.  

He changed the Formula with his Fourth and Fifth Albums. Darkness On The Edge Of Town and The River. The Characters populating these songs had become somewhat older and more world weary. Nonetheless they told the stories of Americans as they struggled to find their place, in our nations great experiment. Some were songs of Tragedy and other songs of celebration, celebrations of freedom that the protagonist had found in this American life. When our culture had largely forgotten about these people caught in between. Those not glamorous enough for Hollywood, had a voice. They had art that reflected who they were and the struggles they endured.

 These Themes continued through his Seventh Album Born In The USA. The title Track of which, served as a catalyst to bring Vietnam veterans to the forefront of discussion in our country. This Impact carried all the way up onto the national stage. Helping to spark conversations during the 1984 presidential election campaigns. Forcing the Plight of those with no power, to the forefront of President Reagan’s attention. In 2002 he released his album The Rising.  At this time our country was downtrodden in the aftermath of the September Eleventh attacks. His songs once again were universally praised for helping unite Americans who were depressed and confused. Reminding them of the American Promise and that as a nation we would overcome.

Henry Fonda portrayed the struggling everyman, in roles such as Tom Joad and Juror #8. Men who had the odds stacked against them. As Destitution and lynch mob mentality prevailed, His Characters stood up for the American Way. These Characters believed that through hard work and due process, everyone had a chance this country. More importantly they spoke out in favor of these values they held dear, when others around them were afraid. He is best remembered for portraying Patriots that were agents of change. While fictional they inspired acts of courage based on individual conviction, in many Americans. 

In conclusion I find it evident that these two Americans have stood out in their respective fields.  For their contribution to the culture of our nation. In addition they are two shining examples of how art has shaped and impacted our society. They have used their platforms to display why we need a cultural arts Center in the first place. This is why I am asking for your signatures in support of The Bruce Springsteen-Henry Fonda Center For The Preforming Arts.