82R8261 RYA-D
By: Rodriguez H.R. No. 702
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Raul Salinas was posthumously recognized by the
Austin History Center in conjunction with its exhibit Mexican
American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County; and
WHEREAS, Honoring the important contributions made by
Mexican Americans to Central Texas, the Austin History Center and
its association joined with the Austin Public Library to organize
the show, which ran from August 21, 2010, through January 16, 2011;
Mexican American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County
celebrated the pioneering achievements of 32 remarkable men and
women and provided the public with an opportunity to learn more
about their lives; and
WHEREAS, One such individual, Raul Salinas, was honored for
his achievements as a poet and activist; born in 1934, Mr. Salinas
was a pioneer of Chicano poetry; influenced by jazz and the Beat
poets, he found his artistic voice, earned college degrees, and
developed his passion for social justice over the approximately 12
years that he served in prison, and he eventually produced a number
of critically acclaimed books of poetry, including Un Trip Through
the Mind Jail y Otras Excursions and East of the Freeway:
Reflections de Mi Pueblo; in 1981 he opened Resistencia Bookstore
in Austin, a resource that has served as a cultural and political
center for the community, and two years later he established Red
Salmon Arts, which hosts performances and other cultural events;
and
WHEREAS, A tireless champion for human rights, Mr. Salinas
worked with the American Indian Movement and El Centro de la Raza
and also advocated in behalf of prisoners; as his reputation grew,
he devoted a significant amount of time to teaching classes at St.
Edward's University and presenting workshops at youth correctional
facilities and community centers; and
WHEREAS, Through his outstanding accomplishments, Raul
Salinas made a positive difference in his community, and his legacy
is a source of pride and inspiration to many people; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Raul Salinas, a
Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.