[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 101 (Monday, June 1, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E505-E506]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING RAY ``GUMBI'' SALAZAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 1, 2020

  Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Ray ``Gumbi'' Salazar, a true giant of Arizona, who passed away on 
Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the age of 71. We will remember him as a 
civil rights pioneer who dedicated his entire life to the advancement 
of a more just and equitable Arizona. His unwavering positivity, 
artistic spirit, and commitment to education serve as an inspiration to 
our community and our state.
  Salazar was a changemaker who fought for opportunity and a brighter

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future for all. He was born in the Golden Gate Settlement in South 
Phoenix, which the government later razed through eminent domain for 
the expansion of the airport. His commitment to education was shaped by 
his early days at Phoenix Union High School, where students walked out 
over discrimination and educational inequities. For decades, Salazar 
served on the board of Chicanos Por La Causa, both as chairman and as a 
member of the Board Veteranos, where he never lost sight of the 
importance of education for the Latino and underserved communities. 
Today, education remains one of the organization's five mission pillars 
of impact.
  His dedication to justice was also evident through his work with 
youth and the formerly incarcerated. For 28 years, Salazar served at 
the Arizona Department of Corrections, where his steadfast belief that 
everyone deserves a second chance led him to working with persons who 
were returning to society. A longtime member of the Latino Peace 
Officers Association, Salazar actively participated in community 
education to combat the influence of gangs and drugs and encourage 
young people to choose lives of service.
  Salazar's creative spirit inspired generations of artists. At the 
young age of five, he developed a passion and vision for the arts. 
Salazar became an immediate sensation, moving audiences with his 
choreography, vocals, and live performances. He graduated from Arizona 
State University with a major in music and became a Latino trailblazer 
in music, both as a percussionist and vocalist. For more than six 
decades, his beloved music celebrated Mexican culture and brought 
enjoyment to countless Arizonans, forging the path forward for the 
young artists he shaped and inspired.
  Salazar gave all his time, heart, and soul to the betterment of the 
Latino community and all Arizonans. I wish to extend my heartfelt 
gratitude and appreciation for his service to our state; Arizona is a 
better place because of him. His legacy will continue to live on for 
years to come. Godspeed, Gumbi.

                          ____________________