[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 99 (Thursday, June 9, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H5430-H5431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LEGACY OF MANUELITA GARCIA

  (Mr. GARCIA of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Manuelita Garcia.
  Manuelita was a force to be reckoned with, a fierce advocate for 
justice, a true fighter for the community, and a longtime Little 
Village resident.
  On Mother's Day, 2001, Manuelita launched Madres de la Villita to 
demand the construction of a promised high school in our neighborhood. 
I joined her and others as they initiated

[[Page H5431]]

a 19-day hunger strike to push the school board to fulfill their 
promise.
  Her organizing led to greater support for educational equity and the 
eventual opening of the Little Village Lawndale High School.
  Manuelita will be remembered for her devotion to the youth of La 
Villita. She knew that when we invest in youth, we invest in our 
future. Above all, she will be remembered for her commitment to 
fairness, justice, and equity.
  Manuelita, thank you for your friendship. Rest in power, my friend.

                          ____________________