[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 164 (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1005-E1006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING JOE GONZALEZ AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a tireless 
advocate for the Hispanic/Latino community--Joe Gonzalez. Joe 
immigrated to Iowa in 1957 when he was 5, along with his mother and two 
younger brothers. Like many Iowa immigrant stories of the time, his 
family followed his father who came to work on the railroad. Joe is a 
retired member of the Des Moines Police Department where

[[Page E1006]]

he worked for 42-years and he remains a vital liaison in the 
department's outreach to the Hispanic/Latino community. Gonzalez was a 
longtime volunteer for Iowa's Latino Heritage Festival. He took over 
the reins of the festival as the executive director of Latino Resources 
Inc. in 2015, and has shaped the festival to what it is today.
  In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed a week in September 
as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 
to a month-long celebration (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15). During this month, 
America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who 
trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of 
Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. September 15 was 
chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the 
anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa 
Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, 
Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and 
Sept. 18, respectively. There are 22 countries from Latin origin 
represented in Iowa.
  The Latino/Hispanic community brings so much value to our state, and 
Joe's work with the Latino Heritage Festival is a great way to 
highlight that value. The festival provides the public with a family-
oriented event filled with learning through music, dance, food, 
children's activities, arts, and cultural exhibits from various Central 
and South American countries. It also emphasizes the uniqueness of the 
culture by demonstrating the diversity within the Latino community. 
Lastly, it creates a venue to showcase Iowa-based performers, artisans, 
cultural craftsmen, and artifact producers.
  Through distinct activities and exhibits, this event educates the 
youth and gives them a better understanding of the Latino culture, 
while teaching them tolerance and appreciation of diversity. Part of 
the mission for Iowa's Latino Heritage Festival is to give back to the 
community through academic scholarships to Iowa high school and college 
students. The festival last year presented nine $1,000 scholarships to 
students.
  Joe's hard work and dedication to uplifting the Latino/Hispanic 
community in Des Moines has changed the lives of countless young people 
in the area. He has helped folks understand why it is important to have 
a diverse community in Des Moines, and he puts a spotlight on all of 
the wonderful the Latino community has brought to the metro area. It is 
my pleasure to honor Joe Gonzalez as Iowan of the Week.

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