[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 27 (Thursday, March 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF THE LATE RAUL JULIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2004

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker I rise today as a supporter of 
H. Con. Res. 287 which honors and recognizes the life of the late Raul 
Julia. This is an honor that is well deserved for a man who dedicated 
his life not only to the performing arts but also to his community. I 
want to thank my distinguished colleague Representative Gutierrez for 
bringing this bill to the floor and giving appreciation for a truly 
outstanding human being.
  As an actor alone Raul Julia has made an outstanding contribution to 
this country. In New York City he obtained roles in Shakespearean plays 
that were often not given to Hispanic actors. In his 10 years on the 
Broadway stage he was nominated for four different Tony Awards. We all 
remember his role as Rafael the fix it man on Sesame Street. His 
performances were not only memorable but they made a lasting impression 
on those who watched him. His success made it possible for Hispanic 
actors to gain greater recognition.
  However, to say that Raul Julia was a great actor is only telling 
half his story. He was a tremendous activist for the elimination of 
hunger. It is fitting that after his death in 1994, the Hunger Project 
for which he had been a spokesman changed its name to the Raul Julia 
Ending Hunger Fund. It was his hope that so many Americans and people 
worldwide who were downtrodden would have a way to bring themselves up. 
His life and the efforts he made are an example to us all that success 
is not merely measured in the number of accolades you receive but in 
the number of people you touch. Raul Julia touched lives around the 
world, he was not merely content with success on the stage, he wanted 
to have the kind of success that was truly felt by people.
  The Hispanic community is the fastest growing community in America 
and with role models like Raul Julia the future for these proud people 
is bright. There are those who might say that a career in the arts is 
superfluous, but I have to strongly disagree with them. The arts are 
what inspire us, what allows us to believe that the impossible is 
possible. Raul Julia fulfilled that vision and more, his work allowed 
Hispanic actors to gain greater access to the stage. His work for the 
hungry and in his birth country of Puerto Rico lifted the spirits of so 
many. While his life was too brief, it was one that was well spent. Our 
nation needs more men and women of conscience and determination like 
Raul Julia, I feel confident that this nation's burgeoning Hispanic 
community will help produce them.

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