[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 130 (Friday, September 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1744-E1745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CARLOS GUERRA DAY IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 24, 2010

  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent, 
friend, supporter, community activist and long-time columnist for the 
San Antonio Express-News, Carlos Guerra. On Friday, September, 24, 
2010, friends, family members and loved ones will gather at El 
Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, to pay respect and 
honor to a man who has done so much for so many of us. On this day, 
Texas A&M University--Kingsville has designated September 24 as 
``Carlos Guerra Day in San Antonio.''
  Guerra grew up in Robstown, Texas, which happens to be my hometown, 
too. His parents were educators and owned a family restaurant. After 
graduating from Robstown High School, Guerra enrolled at then-Texas A&I 
University in Kingsville where he quickly became involved in the rising 
civil rights movement for Mexican Americans. In 1969, he earned his 
bachelor's degree in history. While enrolled at Texas A&I University in 
Kingsville, Guerra was a member of the debate team as well as on the 
staff of the student newspaper.
  He helped found the Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO) and 
Raza Unida Party, two of the primary civil rights organizations for 
Mexican Americans. Guerra's civil rights activist days lasted from the 
1960s through the 1980s, and he was a pallbearer in the funeral of 
United Farm Workers founder and civil rights icon Cesar Chavez in 1993.
  Guerra started his newspaper career in 1991 when he was a front-page 
columnist for the San Antonio Light. When that newspaper ceased 
publication, he moved to the San Antonio Express-News where he was a 
metro columnist for more than 18 years.
  Guerra has worked for several philanthropic foundations on the East 
Coast and has traveled extensively throughout the United States and 
Latin America. He has led all by example and continues to be a leading 
voice in the Hispanic movement.
  During his time as a columnist for the San Antonio Express-News, 
Guerra's opinion columns were syndicated in other newspapers throughout 
the country.
  In 2009, Guerra retired from the San Antonio Express-News. Today, he 
is a communications consultant and continues to be involved in civic 
engagement. Most recently, he helped launch a scholarship at Texas A&M 
University--Kingsville in the Communications Theater Arts Department.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the work, dedication, 
vision, leadership and commitment of a respected role model, friend and 
mentor, Carlos Guerra.

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