By: Martinez Fischer H.R. No. 407
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The documentary film A Class Apart will make its
broadcast premiere on February 23, 2009, on the acclaimed PBS
series An American Experience; and
WHEREAS, Produced and directed by noted filmmakers Carlos
Sandoval and Peter Miller, A Class Apart explores the struggles of
Latinos in the United States through the fascinating story of a
landmark yet little-known civil rights case; the U.S. Supreme
Court's ruling in Hernandez v. Texas was overshadowed by the highly
publicized Brown v. Board of Education ruling two weeks later, but
Hernandez marked the first time a Mexican American attorney
appeared before the supreme court, and the ruling extended the
protections of the Fourteenth Amendment to Latinos; and
WHEREAS, The documentary offers high drama, beginning with a
murder in Edna, Texas, and following the valiant efforts of Gustavo
"Gus" Garcia, Chris Alderete, James de Anda, Carlos Cadena, and
John J. Herrera, the Mexican American legal team, to find justice
before the supreme court; it also examines the discrimination and
bigotry confronting Hispanics in the post-World War II era and
highlights the grassroots movement that sprang up to support the
lawyers in the Hernandez case; and
WHEREAS, Reaching out beyond the television audience, the
filmmakers have coordinated with the Active Voice organization on a
long-range initiative to help create a community dialogue about
Latino heritage and civil rights issues; the Class Apart Project in
Texas is using house parties and community screenings to foster
intergenerational discussion; classroom curriculum materials are
being developed with the help of legal scholars, educators, and
experts in Latino history and culture; and
WHEREAS, A Class Apart illuminates an important juncture in
American history and broadens our understanding of the Latino
experience; moreover, the associated activities planned in
conjunction with national and local groups will continue to enhance
appreciation for the contributions of Latinos and help build a
foundation for future leadership in civil rights and social
justice; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature congratulate Carlos Sandoval and Peter Miller on the
broadcast premiere of A Class Apart and extend warm wishes for
continued success to all those associated with the film; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared
for Mr. Sandoval and Mr. Miller as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.