[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in observance of Hispanic 
Heritage Month, which is celebrated September 15th through October 
15th, and I am proud to honor the contributions of the Latino community 
to the diverse landscape of American life and culture. I would like to 
take a moment to recognize a few individuals for their impact on the 
Hispanic community and its progress in our Nation. Through their 
accomplishments in media and the arts, Jose Antonio Burciaga, Rosa 
Guerrera, Luis Jimenez, and Ramon Renteria have given a part of 
themselves to enrich the Hispanic community. On September 30th, these 
individuals are being recognized at the annual El Paso Community 
College's Hispanic Heritage luncheon celebrating 100 years of Latino 
art & media.
  To begin, I would like to honor the life and career of the late 
writer and artist Jose Antonio Burciaga, a native El Pasoan, for his 
exploration of the complex Chicano identity in American society. With 
the tools of language and art, he illuminated and articulated issues of 
identity, discrimination, and alienation facing the Chicano community.
  I would also like to recognize artist and educator Rosa Guerrero. 
Through her projects such as the International Folklore Dance Group and 
her film, ``Tapestry,'' Rosa Guerrero has made it her life's mission to 
promote cultural diversity and understanding, beginning with some of 
the first intercultural programs in El Paso schools in the 1970s.
  I would also like to remember the life of artist Luis Jimenez, whose 
powerful sculptures are on display nationwide in public spaces and 
museums, including the ``Vaquero'' at the Smithsonian American Art 
Museum. His creations, such as ``Blue Mustang'', which often depict the 
working man, are marked by vivid and fluorescent colors. They are 
purposefully striking yet accessible, often provoking strong reactions.
  And finally, I would like to recognize journalist and columnist Ramon 
Renteria for his decades of bold, quality reporting on a wide range of 
cultural and social issues. His past honors include the Guillermo 
Martinez-Marquez national award for Latin American reporting and a 
Texas Headliner Award for his feature story, ``Separate and Unequal: 
The Story of Kelli, Veronica and School Finance,'' as well as the Ruben 
Salazar Award from Cafe Mayapan. As a veteran journalist, Ramon 
Renteria has brought unique insight and experience to important topics 
in education, politics, and border issues in our community.
  I want to personally congratulate our honorees for their exceptional 
achievements and contributions to our community, Hispanic culture, and 
the rich tapestry of American life. They have left their mark on the 
Hispanic experience in America through the sharing of their cultural 
perspective and achievements in their respective fields. As the 
Hispanic community continues to grow in America, it is important to 
celebrate our roots as we grow in our journey as a part of this great 
Nation.

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