83R27994 BK-D
By: Raymond H.R. No. 2015
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A monument honoring the legacy of Tejanos was
unveiled on the historic grounds of the State Capitol on March 29,
2012, and in the year since, it has served to educate visitors on an
important chapter in the story of Texas; and
WHEREAS, The initiative began in 2000 when Dr. Cayetano
Barrera, a physician in McAllen, raised a question about the lack of
recognition for Hispanic contributions to the state in the works on
the Capitol grounds; he brought his concern to state leaders, and in
2001, the Texas Legislature passed a resolution calling for a
statue honoring Tejanos; and
WHEREAS, Crafted by sculptor Armando Hinojosa, the Tejano
Monument features life-size figures of a Spanish explorer, a family
of settlers, and a mustang-riding vaquero herding a pair of
longhorns; each part of the monument signifies a specific
historical contribution by Tejanos and their ancestors, whose
influences continue to be felt in all aspects of daily life; and
WHEREAS, The grassroots campaign that carried the endeavor to
completion saw laborious but steady progress over the course of 12
years, as several administrative hurdles were overcome and more
than $1 million was collected by private supporters; in 2010,
design and final state approval was granted by the State
Preservation Board and bronzing of the statues and site preparation
could finally begin; two years later, the Tejano Monument was
unveiled to a crowd of more than 1,000 supporters and much acclaim;
and
WHEREAS, The enthusiasm engendered by the monument
additionally spurred the establishment of the Tejano History
Curriculum Project, which helps to foster among elementary school
students a deeper understanding of the significant accomplishments
of Tejanos over the centuries; undertaken by The University of
Texas College of Education with the support of corporate,
educational, and nonprofit partners, the program is slated to
expand to other universities and to school districts throughout the
state; and
WHEREAS, The Tejano Monument was realized in large part due
to the commitment and leadership of an intrepid group of executive
board members: Dr. Barrera, president, Homero Vera, Dr. Andres
Tijerina, and Renato Ramirez, vice presidents, Richard P. Sanchez,
secretary and treasurer, and Jaime Beaman, director; further aiding
in its success were advisory board members Benny Martinez, Loretta
Williams, Aida Torres, William Zermeño, Estella Zermeño, Judge
Emilio Vargas, and R. J. Molina, along with a host of other
tireless advocates; and
WHEREAS, Spanning nearly half a millennium, the history of
people of Spanish descent in what is now Texas comprises a broad
spectrum of achievements that have advanced the civilization and
shaped the cultural identity that so defines the Lone Star State; as
a tribute to the immeasurable impact of their accomplishments, the
Tejano Monument serves as a beacon and a source of tremendous pride
that will continue to enlighten and inspire Texans for generations
to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the one-year anniversary of the
dedication of the Tejano Monument and extend best wishes to all
those involved with the creation and establishment of the monument
and the Tejano History Curriculum Project.