[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E94]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF ENEDINA CELIZ RAPAN

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 28, 2020

  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to remember and recognize the 
incredible life of Enedina Celiz Rapan, who passed away this month at 
the age of 93.
  I was raised in a farmworker community with farmworker parents in the 
eastern Coachella Valley, where, for many of us, hardship and injustice 
can feel like the norm; and if it weren't for women like Enedina Rapan, 
many of us would still believe that it is true, and we would not be 
standing where we are today.
  Enedina came to America at a young age to work hard, earn her living, 
and give her children a better life. And while she was working away in 
the fields, sweating in 120-degree heat with calloused hands, she 
witnessed the mistreatment of her fellow farmworkers and she saw their 
suffering.
  If there is one thing about Enedina, it is that, when she saw 
injustice, she would speak up and get to work to fix it. So, when she 
saw farmworkers laboring for hours on end with no bathrooms nearby, she 
fought to bring restrooms to the fields.
  And when she saw seniors in the community going hungry, she 
organized, asking for donations and cooking meals so they could have 
dinner to eat.
  And Enedina devoted her life to standing up for people who were 
mistreated, discriminated against, and vulnerable. There was no voice 
too soft that Enedina didn't hear and elevate.
  Enedina was a giant for our community, serving as a co-founder of 
Mujeres Mexicanas and Lideres Campesinas while working with the United 
Farm Workers of America and Cesar Chavez to stand up for the rights of 
farmworkers. She used her tireless will and unmatched strength to pick 
people up, fight for what is right, and make the Coachella Valley a 
better place for everyone who lives there.
  I am better off because of Enedina's work. My family and the entire 
farmworker community of the Coachella Valley, we are all better off 
because of Enedina's work,
  And she would not be happy with me for being up here talking about 
her, because she was so humble. A woman who elevated everyone's voice 
around her, she would never seek this type of recognition.
  Madam Speaker, today, I want to make sure the country knows Enedina's 
story. I want to make sure you know about her contributions to our 
community and her unrelenting pursuit of justice. Enedina will be 
sorely missed, but her presence will be felt and her life, an 
inspiration for years to come.

                          ____________________