[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 100 (Thursday, June 13, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3983-H3984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez) for 5 minutes.

[[Page H3984]]

  

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Pride Month, I rise 
today to honor Lisa Isadora Cruz, a passionate and committed advocate 
for the trans community in my district and beyond.
  Born in Puerto Rico, Lisa, like many of our trans neighbors, faced 
systemic and social challenges that motivated her to create and 
strengthen networks of community care, solidarity, and support.
  She eventually moved to Chicago, where she has committed herself to 
supporting marginalized communities, especially the LGBTQ+ community of 
color, through her work in health services, mental health care, and 
housing.
  In addition to the gratitude of her community, Lisa's advocacy has 
earned numerous awards, including the Transgender Leadership Award, the 
Rosa Parks Equality Award, and inclusion in Chicago's LGBT Hall of 
Fame.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I am proud to 
commend Lisa Isadora Cruz for courageously inspiring us to live our 
truth and for encouraging, supporting, and celebrating our communities.


                       Honoring Erika L. Sanchez

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Erika L. Sanchez, a 
writer rooted in Illinois-03 whose work has profoundly impacted 
literature and culture in our district and beyond.
  The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Erika's works of poetry, fiction, 
and nonfiction have moved so many eager readers. Her young adult novel, 
``I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,'' shares Julia's story, a 
story shared by many children of immigrants as she navigates family 
expectations, mental health struggles, and cultural stereotypes. Her 
beautiful story will now find a new life as a film directed by America 
Ferrera and screen-written by Linda Yvette Chavez.
  This Immigrant Heritage Month, I am grateful for storytellers like 
Erika who invite us into a deeper understanding of our immigrant 
experiences and encourage young people through art and literature.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend Erika 
Sanchez for her skill, for her creativity, and for her commitment to 
telling our stories.


                        Commending Alees Edwards

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the one and only 
Alees Edwards, a leader bringing diverse communities together in our 
shared struggle for justice and freedom.

  From West Humboldt Park, Alees is the founder and executive director 
of Drawn Out Ministries, a nonprofit providing hope and transitional 
housing for women returning to the community from prison. She is also a 
member of Westside Rising, Chicagoland United in Prayer, and Westside 
Community Leadership Fellows, and she is a councilmember for the 11th 
Police District, where she works to redefine community safety and hold 
the Chicago Police Department accountable to the people.
  As we observe Juneteenth, I appreciate Alees' leadership in the 1865 
Fest Coalition, bringing critical awareness to the day's significance 
and the struggle for Black liberation.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend Alees 
Edwards for her dedication to community and her relentless fight for 
our collective leadership.

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