[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING NINA OTERO-WARREN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, today I stand here to honor Nina 
Otero-Warren, a New Mexican educator, suffragist, and politician who 
created a legacy of civil service through her dedication and work.
  As the first female superintendent of the Santa Fe Public Schools, 
she advocated to improve education, especially for the Hispano 
communities of her beloved State. She preserved the language and 
cultural heritage of our communities.
  One hundred years ago, Nina made history in our country as the first 
Hispanic woman to run for U.S. Congress. She did so immediately after 
she led the suffragist movement and helped New Mexico sign the law. So, 
100 years ago, she led the effort and was the first Latina to run for 
Congress, and 100 years later, I am the first Latina to represent 
Congressional District Three and her Santa Fe home.
  Her work paved the way for Latinas like myself and my colleagues to 
raise their voices and the needs of our families and communities in the 
people's House. As we continue the fight for election reform here in 
Congress, it could not be a better time to honor her legacy with this 
year's American Women Quarters.
  She will join Maya Angelou, who we celebrated earlier this week. 
Maya's words still inspire so many of our colleagues. We are so happy 
that the women poets, educators, and astronauts will finally be the 
faces on the coins of our land.


           Protecting Human Rights of LGBTQ-Plus Communities

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, whether it is in New Mexico or 
across the world, no one should be in danger for living as their 
authentic self. Yet, in many places, lesbian, gay, bisexual, 
transgender, queer, and intersex individuals are continuously targets 
of horrifying human rights abuses. Many suffer cruel and inhumane 
punishment, imprisonment, and even death just for being who they are. 
This is unacceptable.
  That is why I proudly cosponsor and support the Global Respect Act. 
This bill demands accountability for individuals around the world who 
commit human rights violations against LGBTQ-plus communities. It also 
ensures that we track international human rights information more 
accurately so that we can help end these egregious crimes.

  Madam Speaker, I look forward to voting for this lifesaving 
legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. There is 
absolutely no justification for violating another individual's human 
rights for simply being who they are.


          Building on Black History's Foundations of Progress

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, Black history is American 
history. From the dream of Dr. King to the good trouble of Congressman 
John Lewis, Black History Month is a powerful reminder to honor those 
before us who built the foundations of progress for our Nation.
  Their unyielding dedication to the cultural, economic, and political 
advancement of all people paved the way for others to follow, but their 
legacy continues on in the Black leaders of today in New Mexico like 
Judge Shammara Henderson.
  I campaigned with her and met her and just came to rejoice in her 
wisdom. She is the first Black woman judge to serve on the New Mexico 
Court of Appeals and win a statewide election in New Mexico. She is 
blazing trails never traveled before.
  It is also through people like Dr. Charles Nwankwo, who served as the 
president of Clovis Community College. I had the honor of touring 
Clovis Community College and meeting with Dr. Nwankwo just a couple of 
weeks ago.
  His work opens doors and unleashes the potential of so many New 
Mexicans. He is truly dedicated to inspiring the next generation to 
achieve new heights and conquer new frontiers.
  It is through people like Beverly McMillan, who works at the Family 
Advocacy Center to support victims of domestic violence, child abuse, 
and domestic trauma. Every child, single mother, or victim of abuse who 
opens the door of a better future is a testament to the power of love 
and compassion.
  These are just a few of the many heroes we have in the great State of 
New Mexico writing the next chapter of leadership, courage, and service 
in the Black community.
  Judge Henderson, Dr. Nwankwo, Ms. McMillan, and so many more, thank 
you for the work you do to create a more just world.

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