[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 55 (Wednesday, April 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 9TH ANNUAL WILLIE VELASQUEZ HISPANIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

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                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 1999

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 9th Annual 
Willie Velasquez Hispanic Excellence Award. This Award is designed to 
honor the Foremost Distinguished Hispanic Citizen in the arts, 
education, business, public and community service realm within Houston.
  For nine years, the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the Tejano 
Center for Community Concerns, and KTMD-TV Telemundo 48 have sponsored 
this Gala event that is designed not only to award outstanding Hispanic 
citizens but to raise money to benefit Hispanic education. Recipients 
of the award are citizens who demonstrate extraordinary community 
service, particularly in the areas of education of the Hispanic 
community.
  It is appropriate that the award is named after Willie Velasquez. 
Willie was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his 
contributions to democracy. He spent his life ensuring that the 
Democratic voice of Hispanics would be heard, and he envisioned a 
society that would be empowered to change the world around them.
  The proceeds of the event benefit the Tejano Center and the National 
Hispanic Scholarship Fund. These organizations work to ensure that the 
growing needs of the community are met. They contribute scholarship 
funds to improve the educational opportunities for our children. They 
also provide neighborhood centers which provide a wealth of programs 
that not only benefit our children's social opportunities but works to 
ensure them a healthy and safe future.
  I would also like to commend Marcelo Marini of Telemundo Channel 48 
for organizing the yearly event. Without his hard work and perseverance 
neither this award, not the scholarship would be available. Therefore, 
Mr. Speaker I would like to ask all the Members of the House to honor 
the Willie Velasquez Award and the vital role that it plays in the 
community.

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