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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Angel Cruz |
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Resolutions would honor Hispanic community icons Chavez, Clemente
HARRISBURG, June 17 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., announced that two resolutions he introduced this year received support from members of the state House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee today.
Cruz said his resolutions would urge Congress to honor two important figures in the Latino community – Cesar Chavez and Roberto Clemente – by designating a day each year to their memory. Cruz said he introduced the resolutions because it is important for Americans to recognize the important contributions that both Chavez and Clemente made to the Hispanic community in America and to all of humanity across the world.
"These two men not only opened the doors for so many Latinos in America, but also were always focused on the greater good," Cruz said. "Their tireless efforts to make our country, and the world, a better place should be recognized and honored so that we can remind those who knew these men of their service to this country, and we can teach a whole new generation about these true role models and cultural icons."
Cruz said Chavez, who was a Mexican-American farm worker, led the charge to bring equality and fairness to farm workers across the country. He became a voice for the working poor, standing as a symbol for labor rights on America’s farms. He eventually grew into a civil rights leader who advocated not only for laborers but for all Latinos. Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. The resolution would designate March 31 of every year in his honor.
"It is important to commemorate the efforts of Cesar Chavez because he did so much for the poor and exploited in this country," Cruz said. "He gave a voice to the fight against injustices and prejudices that were occurring against Latinos not only on farms, but in communities across the nation."
Roberto Clemente, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 until his death in 1972, was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. Born in Puerto Rico, he won the 1966 National League MLB Most Valuable Player award and became the first Latin American to be elected to the Hall of Fame. He is the only inductee to have been granted a waiver on the mandatory five-year postretirement waiting period instituted in 1954.
Cruz said Clemente’s career and life ended in 1972 while on a relief mission to Nicaragua. He was delivering supplies to victims of a devastating earthquake when his plane crashed, ending not only his baseball career but his outreach to millions across the world.
"Roberto Clemente opened the door for many Latino players in Major League Baseball, but also was one of the most selfless people of his generation," Cruz added. "His humanitarian service to the people of this country and to millions across the world outshined his brilliant baseball career. Our kids need role models who put others before themselves and Clemente is a perfect example.
"In the Latino community, both Clemente and Chavez are heroes to so many," he said. "But their service to this nation goes way beyond that. They epitomize the American spirit and should be honored by all Americans for their service and sacrifices."
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