letters of support

Mayor   Newark, New Jersey

Luis A. Quintana

May 15, 2014
c/o R. Ashton Wall
Founder/Executive Director
Colloquium Depot, Ltd.
Post Office Box 617
New York, New York 10159

Dear Newark Arts High School student “Together For A Better World” participants:

On behalf of the entire city of Newark, I would like to congratulate you and the Arts High School students and teachers who completed the “Together For A Better World” arts program at the Colloquium Depot in January of this year.

Bullying is a serious issue across our country, and it must be addressed by every method at hand. The arts are a means that communicates the evils of bullying, enhances the self-esteem of participants, and strengthens the talents of the artists. Your program enabled our young artists to display their excellence and expand their horizons.

We are grateful to you. Just as importantly, we are proud of and thankful to each and every young artist – and their teachers – for the energy and commitment they gave to this important project. We look forward to seeing more outstanding work from them, and wish you and them all the best for the future.

Sincerely yours,
Luis A. Quintana
Mayor, City of Newark

Member of Congress

Charles B. Rangel

September 13, 2012

c/o R. Ashton Wall
Founder/Executive Director
Colloquium Depot, Ltd.
Post Office Box 617
New York, New York 10159

Ms. R. Aston Wall, Executive Director
COLLOQUIUM DEPOT, LTD.
343 East 30th Street
New York, New York 10016

Dear Ms. Wall:

It was great hearing that you and your organization are continuing to provide new and innovative programs that can bring attention to the latest issues involving our young, by way of bringing youth and community together through inter-generational activities, education and the arts. I was certainly glad to learn that combating abuse and bullying were at the top of your list of … “Things to Do.”

Abuse awareness is, indeed, one of the most important issues of our times that concerns and plagues our youth; and yes, it should be the role of the elders to help them in fighting it. There is no question about the fact that abuse of all kinds has expanded and is continuing to grow, because of its ability to change at a moment’s notice; thus rendering it unrecognizable. The sad thing is, however, what is becoming increasingly apparent is that it is first being learned at home. You and your organization, COLLOQUIUM DEPOT, LTD., are to be complimented for your suggested plan to combat abuse by creating abuse awareness projects that can help give it a face.

I’ve also notice that you have expanded your experience base to include: program development for the at risk population using writing and performance as educational tools; play writing commissions and teaching artist residences; workshop facilitation around youth and educational issues; educational staff training; publications; basic educational programming for ex-offender, substance abuser and alternative-to-incarceration populations; and conflict resolution workshops. I agree that the idea of, teaching abuse like etiquette, in the form of curriculum in schools, community centers, and universities is indeed different, but a good start.

Do keep up the good work. I endorse your move to bring attention to abuse awareness and your new endeavor to put a BAN-ON-BULLYING.

Sincerely,
Charles B. Rangel
Member of Congress