[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 68 (Friday, May 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE INAUGURATION OF THE RICARDO MONTALBAN THEATRE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2004

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Nosotros organization 
and the Ricardo Montalban Foundation for their exceptional leadership 
in creating and inaugurating the Ricardo Montalban Theatre in 
Hollywood, California.
  Over 33 years ago, the legendary film and television actor Ricardo 
Montalban had a vision for a place where Latino artists, and those in 
support of Latino artistry, could unite and work towards the common 
goal of ``improving the image of Latinos in the entertainment 
industry.'' Today, we are able to see Mr. Montalban's dream come true 
via his Nosotros organization and its partner, the Ricardo Montalban 
Foundation.
  After years of hard work and tireless leadership, tonight's opening 
of the Ricardo Montalban Theatre will historically mark the 
inauguration of the first major theatrical venue of its size in our 
country to be founded and named after a Latino artist. For generations 
to come, the Montalban Theatre will operate and present performances 
that will encompass the same ideals that its founders held nearly 34 
years ago.
  As reflected through its mission statement, the Ricardo Montalban 
Theatre will produce, present and support exceptional world-class 
theatre that examines issues of common concern for all people, as seen 
through the lens of the Latino experience. By offering theatre in an 
accessible and state-of-the-art facility that emphasizes artistic 
partnerships and community participation, it will also aim to establish 
a genuine cultural center for Los Angeles, and contribute to the 
development of a new vision for the American theatre.
  We are fortunate to have passionate and exceptional leaders like 
Ricardo Montalban, who has dedicated his career to improving the image 
of Latinos--both in front and behind the camera. I commend his 
leadership for expanding Latino employment opportunities in the 
entertainment industry; for training Latinos to become better actors 
and industry professionals; and, most notably, for reaching out to the 
community and encouraging talented young people to enter the 
entertainment profession.
  I wish Ricardo Montalban, the leadership of the Nosotros organization 
and the Ricardo Montalban Foundation continued success in their future 
professional and artistic endeavors. They exemplify excellence in 
American leadership today.




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