[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 201 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BESSIE RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2023

  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and legacy 
of Bessie Rodriguez of Dallas. Bessie was a loving mother who used a 
tragic experience to effect meaningful change in the name of Justice 
here in North Texas.
  On July 24, 1973, Bessie's life changed forever, when her 12-year-old 
son, Santos, was fatally shot by Dallas law enforcement. Santos meant 
everything to Bessie. However, she turned tragedy into action. She used 
the death of her son to start a movement to boost accountability and 
transparency in the police and community relations here that is still 
being felt in North Texas today. Just this year, Dallas commemorated 
the 50th anniversary of Santos' murder by holding multiple events to 
push for justice. The commemoration of this solemn anniversary would 
not have been possible without Bessie's work.
  I once again rise today to commemorate Bessie's legacy. I am praying 
for her extended family during this time.

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