(WASHINGTON D.C.) President Donald Trump has appointed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to serve on the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, one of the capital’s cultural gems. It’s an assignment the Hope native eagerly accepted.
Huckabee, a bass player for a half-century or so, has long championed music and the arts.
While governor, he signed legislation requiring public schools to provide weekly visual arts and music instruction for all students in first through sixth grades.
Rather than relying on volunteers, the schools were told to use licensed teachers who are certified in those subjects.
Over the years, Huckabee also worked with the National Association of Music Merchants, raising money to buy instruments for disadvantaged children.
Now, he’ll be helping to oversee one of Washington’s premier music and arts institutions.
Huckabee was one of 10 board members Trump named Tuesday. The list included business and philanthropic leaders as well as actor Jon Voight, Broadway producer Daryl Roth and Karen LeFrak, author of Jake the Philharmonic Dog, Jake the Ballet Dog and other children’s books. Their terms end Sept. 1, 2024.
Huckabee, a presidential candidate in 2008 and 2016, spent a lot of time with Trump on the campaign trail in 2015 and 2016.
After his loss in the Iowa caucuses, Huckabee dropped out of the race, but remained on good terms with his former adversary. While other Republicans were snubbing Trump, Huckabee chose to embrace him. And once Trump had cleared the Republican field, Huckabee worked hard to help elect him.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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