[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 59 (Monday, April 18, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. SEBASTIAN LUJAN ``BEN'' BENAVIDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 18, 2016

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Sebastian Lujan ``Ben'' Benavidez, a longtime Fresno civil rights 
leader, who passed away on April 4, 2016, at the age of 69. Mr. 
Benavidez will undoubtedly be remembered by the legacy he created 
through serving the community as a positive role model to all of those 
he encountered.
  Born on November 4, 1946 in Miami, Arizona, Mr. Benavidez was the son 
of Arizona copper miners. He moved to Fresno, California in 1962. He 
graduated from Washington Union High School, and continued on to attend 
Fresno City College. After college Ben worked for Parlier Unified 
School District. Mr. Benavidez is appreciated by many individuals 
throughout California, but he is especially treasured in the San 
Joaquin Valley, where he worked tirelessly to improve civil and 
economic rights for individuals throughout the region.
  Mr. Benavidez was a leader and spent decades advocating and working 
to improve the lives of immigrant families in the rural communities of 
the San Joaquin Valley and California. He became actively involved in 
the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA), serving as President 
for 13 years. As President of MAPA, Mr. Benavidez fought to expand 
opportunities in education, and led an effort to increase minority 
participation in local government. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he led 
boycotts and walkouts that helped more Latinos win city and school 
board positions. His efforts to expand opportunities for minorities in 
education decisions led him to take on Dinuba, and Kings Canyon Unified 
School districts in a battle to eliminate at-large elections, to ensure 
that school boards were reflective of the communities they served.
  Mr. Benavidez's unrelenting pursuit for social justice made him known 
to be fearless, and he demanded fairness. He fought for equality and 
improved educational opportunities for immigrant, migrant and minority 
children. He educated parents about their civil rights and their 
enormous political potential. Mr. Benavidez's contributions to his 
community, his philanthropic endeavors, and his work to expand small 
minority owned businesses led him to be honored by Parlier Unified 
School District with an elementary school named after him. In 2007, The 
Fresno Bee recognized Mr. Benavidez with the Latino Legends of the 20th 
Century Award, and in 2011, Mr. Benavidez was honored for his civil 
rights work, in advocating for minority civil and economic rights by 
the Greenlining Institute.
  Without question, Mr. Benavidez's integrity, honor and long-lasting 
involvement in the Central Valley made him a reputable man. He was well 
known, beloved, and shown enormous appreciation by anyone who had the 
pleasure of calling him a friend. Mr. Benavidez leaves behind his 
loving family, including his wife of 49 years, Gloria, their two sons 
and two daughters, their respective spouses, twelve grandchildren and 
great-grandchildren. It is my honor to join his family in celebrating 
the life of this amazing man, who will never be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to honor the life of Mr. Ben Benavidez. He 
will be remembered for his contributions and service to our country.

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