[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17896]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE LATE JUDGE ALBERT A. PENA JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2006

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and remember the 
late Judge Albert A. Pena Jr., who passed away July 4 of this year. He 
was a public servant who dedicated his professional and personal life 
to empowering the Mexican-American community and other minorities in 
the spheres of education, politics and the labor force.
  Albert A. Pena Jr. was born on December 15, 1917, in the city of San 
Antonio. He attended Tech High School and St. Mary's University prior 
to serving a commission in the United States Navy. Afterwards, he 
returned to Texas and obtained a law degree in 1950 from South Texas 
School of Law in Houston. Shortly thereafter, he joined his family's 
law firm of Pena, Pena & Pena.
  Judge Pena became politically engaged on multiple fronts. In the 
early stages of his life, his primary concern was advocating for school 
integration. He fought arduously for this cause by providing pro bono 
services in numerous suits brought against school districts across 
South Texas. His efforts resulted in the integration of schools in 
Lytle, Hondo and Natalia, Texas.
  From 1956 to 1972, Judge Pena served as Bexar County Commissioner 
and, in addition to promoting equity in the field of education, worked 
tirelessly to protect and defend minority rights. It was during his 
final tenure as Commissioner when Pena lost a re-election bid in 1972 
because he defended the right of Angela Davis, a black Communist Party 
member and assistant professor at the University of California at Los 
Angeles, to a fair trial--this at a time when Americans did not approve 
of those political beliefs. It was a true display of his dedication to 
safeguarding the liberties of not only Mexican Americans but that of 
all political and racial minorities.
  Judge Pena returned to the world of public service with his 
appointment as municipal court judge in 1977. As judge, he endorsed a 
doctrine of equity with the end goal of social justice in mind, a 
philosophy that guided his actions until he stepped down as presiding 
municipal court judge in 1992. In addition to his responsibilities as a 
public official, Judge Pena devoted much of his personal time to the 
community. He helped found the Mexican American Legal Defense and 
Educational Fund, the Mexican American Unity Council, organized the 
United Automobile Workers of San Antonio, and presided as the State 
Chairman of the Political Association for Spanish Speaking 
Organizations.
  On behalf of those influenced by Judge Pena's far reaching efforts, I 
stand today to applaud this great public servant. Judge Pena's labors 
are testimony to his life long dedication to the Mexican American 
Community, the City of San Antonio and its citizens. It is unfortunate 
he is no longer with us and I mourn his passing. Nonetheless, through 
commemorating his life's work we can ensure his legacy. Therefore, I 
urge you all to join me in honoring this great leader.

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