[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 81 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1271-E1272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE TWENTIETH ANNUAL IMAGEN AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 17, 2005

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the 
efforts of the Imagen Foundation. Today, the Imagen Foundation will 
host its Twentieth Annual Imagen Awards and will bestow special 
achievement awards to a distinguished group of Latino talent for their 
outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.
  For the past twenty years, the Imagen Foundation has raised 
awareness, increased knowledge and encouraged positive portrayal of 
Latinos and the Latino culture in the media. Under the strong 
leadership of its founder and president, Helen Hernandez, the Imagen 
Foundation has fostered countless career opportunities to inspiring 
Latino actors, writers, and producers.
  It is with great pride that I highlight two distinguished individuals 
who will be recipients of Imagen's special awards tonight. Nina Tassler 
will be the recipient of Imagen's 2005 Career Achievement Award. As the 
first Latino to head a major television network, CBS, Nina Tassler has 
built a remarkable career. She oversees the network's entertainment 
programming and uses her heritage as a tool to help her be more 
proactive in showcasing diverse talent. Jose Rivera, a prominent Latino 
writer, will receive the Norman Lear Writer's Award. He is the author 
of the Oscar-nominated screenplay, ``The Motorcycle Diaries,'' and a 
two-time Obie Award-winning playwright whose works have been translated 
into seven languages.
  Through groups such as the Imagen Foundation and people like Helen 
Hernandez, more doors are opening for Latinos in the entertainment 
industry. Although we have seen significant progress, there is still 
much to be done and we need to continue to work together. I was proud 
to join the Imagen Foundation in hosting a workshop in my district to 
inform talented Latinos about the entertainment industry and how to 
break into it. With institutions such

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as the Imagen Foundation, who are committed to fighting prejudices and 
committed to bringing diversity and cultural sensitivity to television 
and society, I look forward to the accomplishments that are yet to 
come.
  The Imagen Foundation has been an amazing force working to develop, 
showcase and honor the talent in the Latino community. It is my 
privilege to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Imagen 
Foundation.

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