[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 93 (Thursday, July 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF GLORIA ANZALDUA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 7, 2004

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of 
Gloria Anzaldua, an internationally renowned scholar and activist who 
recently passed away.
  A highly talented and versatile writer, Gloria Anzaldua is recognized 
for representing the finest in the Chicano/Latino literature. She 
skillfully expressed her thoughts and feelings in a variety of genres 
including poetry, essays, children's books, and narratives. She is best 
known for her 1987 hybrid collection of poetry and prose titled 
Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza. This volume was a best seller 
and was listed among the 100 Best Books of the Century by the Hungry 
Mind Review and Utne Reader. Her other published works include This 
Bridge Called My Back (1981), Making Face, Making Soul (1990), Prietita 
and the Ghost Woman (1995), and This Bridge We Call Home (2002).
  Gloria Anzaldua was celebrated by some of the most well respected 
publishing and educational institutions. Her awards include the Before 
Columbus Foundation American Book Award, Lambda Lesbian Small Book 
Press Award, National Endowment for the Arts Fiction Award, and the 
American Studies Association Achievement Award.
  As one of the first openly lesbian Chicana authors, Anzaldua played a 
major role in redefining contemporary Chicano/a and gay/lesbian 
identities through her written work. A pioneer in developing an 
inclusive feminist movement, she won the hearts of countless readers 
from all walks of life and inspired many to become activists in their 
communities.
  Gloria Anzaldua passed away on May 15, 2004, at the age of 61. Her 
mother, Amalia, her sister, Hilda, and two brothers, Urbano and Oscar, 
survive her. Although she will be greatly missed, our nation will 
always remember her illustrious professional career. Her powerful 
vision will be embraced and cherished by future generations of 
activists, readers, and leaders from all walks of life.

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