Congresswoman Barbara Lee Commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Sept. 17, 2008
Contact: Ricci Graham
(510) 763-0370
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) issued the following statement today in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins September 15 and ends October 15:
“Hispanic Heritage Month is about much more than the acknowledgement of the 45.5 millions of Latinos who reside in this country. Hispanic Heritage Month is about recognizing the many struggles that this community has encountered for generations and how - through perseverance and a love of this nation - they have overcome many daunting obstacles.
“It is during this time that we stand in solidarity with all Latinos in this country and recognize their capacity to survive and thrive as well as celebrate the social, economic and cultural footprints they have left and will continue to leave in America. Hispanic Heritage month also celebrates the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile.
“I have the privilege of serving a thriving and engaged Latino community in my 9th Congressional District. The progress that this community has made encourages me to continue working to help create a nation that is equitable, where everyone has an opportunity to live a rewarding and productive life regardless of race. As a member of the Tri-Caucus, which is comprised of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I am proud to advocate for members of the Latino community district.
“As we commemorate this month, let us remember that although this is a time of celebration, we must all remember to recognize the struggles and difficulties facing the Latino communities. And together, we will work to address the many critical issues facing Latinos and provide the support and resources needed to ensure greater success for members of this community for generations to come.”
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee (Oakland-D) is a leader in the fight against poverty both here and abroad. She authored legislation passed unanimously by the House of Representatives on January 22, 2008, H. Con. Res. 198, which sets the goal of cutting poverty in half in ten years. She is a founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus and Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus which are both dedicated to reducing the number of Americans who live in poverty. She is the only member of Congress serving on both the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education.