[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ANITA NANEZ MARTINEZ

  (Mr. VEASEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Anita Nanez Martinez, a trailblazer whose leadership and dedication 
transformed the Dallas community and inspired Mexican-American 
generations.
  Born in 1925 and raised in Little Mexico, Anita Martinez demonstrated 
a passion for service from a very early age, leading grassroots efforts 
in her community as a teenager. Over the course of over six decades, 
she remained committed to uplifting others and strengthening her 
community.
  She founded the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico to instill pride 
and confidence in Hispanic youth through cultural education and the 
performing arts. Through this work, she empowered generations to 
embrace their heritage and pursue educational success, earning 
recognition at every level.
  In 1969 Ms. Martinez made history as the first Hispanic elected to 
the Dallas City Council and the first Hispanic woman elected to the 
city council of a major U.S. city. Her leadership brought meaningful 
change to underserved communities and advanced equity across Dallas.
  Today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Anita Nanez 
Martinez for her extraordinary contributions. Her legacy of leadership, 
cultural pride, and everything that she has done inspire all of us.

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