[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 58 (Monday, May 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E807-E808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO EDWARD JAMES OLMOS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 11, 1998

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Edward James 
Olmos. He will

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be honored by the St. Joseph Center with the ``Hope Through Empowerment 
Award'' for his tireless efforts in helping inner-city youth, kids at 
risk and his support of many humanitarian efforts.
  Known as the ``Olivier of the Latino World,'' Edward James Olmos is 
an individual flowing with talent and creativity. The talented actor, 
producer, director and community activist was born and raised in East 
Los Angeles and spent many years in theatrical roles until his 
mesmerizing performance in the musical play Zoot Suit, which led to a 
Tony Award nomination. He later recreated the role for film, then went 
on to star in a variety of other movies.
  From the beginning, Edward believed strongly that he had a 
responsibility to ``give back'' to his community and to the world. 
Edward spends much of his time talking with youth and children. Each 
year, he speaks on average at 150 schools, charities and juvenile 
institutions across the country--providing encouragement and counsel. 
He maintains that these visits with kids at risk serve as an 
inspiration to his acting. ``They are an extraordinary source of energy 
that I would not have otherwise,'' he says. ``After an hour of speaking 
with those kids, I walk away with a buzzing feeling inside. You're one 
person giving to more than three hundred people who are giving back to 
you.''
  Edward's most recent project, and the one closest to his heart is the 
Los Angeles Latino Family Festival. This festival celebrates a variety 
of areas, including books, the importance of culture in our daily 
lives, home ownership and travel.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring 
Edward Olmos. He is a role model to the citizens of Los Angeles.

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