[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 126 (Monday, September 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN CELEBRATION OF THE 1ST ANNUAL TRI-CITY LATINO FESTIVAL IN COLUMBUS, 
                                GEORGIA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 23, 2013

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the start 
of a new tradition in Columbus, Georgia, the 1st Annual Tri-City Latino 
Festival, which will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the 
South Commons at 400 4th Street in Columbus, Georgia. The festival is 
being supported by the tri-city area of Columbus, Georgia, Fort 
Benning, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama. The festival will celebrate 
diversity within the Latino cultures found in the tri-city communities.
  The Tri-City Latino Festival came about from a vision to unite people 
from all walks of life for one unique purpose. This dream was shared by 
Harold ``Lefty'' Encarnacion and Evelyn ``Mimi'' Woodson and together, 
they began working to make it a reality. They brought on Carlos Huertas 
and created a board of members to form a plan of action. Unfortunately, 
a number of difficulties arose and the board faded out of existence. 
But the original members were persistent. After overcoming these 
obstacles, they formed a new group and consulted with Columbus Mayor 
Teresa Tomlinson, who was enthusiastic about supporting the event.
  Unfortunately, another obstacle presented itself and the event had to 
be cancelled again. However, the group brought on Roberto ``Tito'' Aron 
to contribute his talents and expertise. The group consulted with the 
Panamanian Association of Columbus, Georgia, who was thrilled to 
sponsor the event, and the planning continued in full force, 
culminating in this magnificent occasion.
  The Tri-City Latino Festival will kick off with a 5k Run at 10 a.m. 
There will be an opening ceremony at noon, followed by a Brazilian Jiu-
Jitsu tournament, Senorita beauty contest, Zumba demonstration and 
dominoes tournament. There will also be art displays by local high 
schools and a Kid's Zone for children. In the evening, there will be a 
main show by an international recording artist, followed by cultural 
dances, a dance contest, and performances by local and international 
musical groups. It is sure to be a day filled with innovative, vibrant 
and enjoyable displays of Latino art, talent and culture.
  The tri-city area has long had an exigent need for an event such as 
this. A large number of Hispanic countries are represented in the tri-
city area, and this is a great opportunity to educate the community 
about them and celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultures.
  Our nation is struggling today because of inefficient and ineffective 
laws from the past, a disagreement about how to address the 
consequences, and a divided interest in what is best for the future of 
America. These incongruities have a harsh effect on the lives of 
millions of people every day. A mother worries she will be separated 
from her children, a father puts in long, grueling hours of hard labor 
just to put food on the table, a high school graduate is denied the 
chance to go to college, all because they are unable to become citizens 
or legal residents of the country they call home.
  In the past year, our nation has taken a step forward in trying to 
repair our immigration system and lay the groundwork for a prosperous 
future. We cannot afford to lose the momentum we've gained and many 
working immigrant families cannot afford to continue to live in 
uncertainty. It is imperative that we continue working to keep the 
American dream in reach for all those who seek it.
  A Spanish proverb often cited says, ``A mal tiempo, buena cara'' or 
``in bad weather, a head held high.'' I believe this proverb is very 
accurate of the Latino people here in our area. In the face of 
adversity, they keep their good spirits and work harder, push longer, 
and believe greater.
  I am proud to be a part of an area that thrives on its diversity and 
unites members of the community to honor the struggle, sacrifice and 
success of their ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and 
Central and South America. This partnership between Columbus, Phenix 
City and Fort Benning has fostered the spirit of community that is so 
deeply anchored in these ancestral roots.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting the 
residents of Columbus and Fort Benning, Georgia and Phenix City, 
Alabama as they come together to celebrate the first Annual Tri-City 
Latino Festival. This spirited celebration is sure to be the beginning 
of a great tradition that brings people of all walks of life together 
to celebrate diversity, to rejoice at how far we have come as a 
society, and to reflect upon how far we have yet to go.

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