84R4526 BPG-D
By: Alonzo H.R. No. 249
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Chicano History Week commences on February 2, 2016,
the 168th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe
Hidalgo; and
WHEREAS, A crucial document in the annals of both the United
States and Mexico, the 1848 treaty ended two years of war between
the nations; Mexico recognized the annexation of Texas by the
United States, accepted the Rio Grande as the state's southern
border, and gave up about half of its territory, including
modern-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of
Colorado, Nevada, and Utah; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 80,000 Mexicans lived in the ceded
area at the time, and the vast majority chose to become United
States citizens; although the treaty granted protection of their
property and civil rights, decades of land seizures ensued, and by
the end of the 19th century, most Mexicans in the region had lost
their land; and
WHEREAS, The Chicano movement that arose in the 1960s and
1970s focused attention on failed promises of the treaty; Hispanic
civil rights leaders raised awareness of the document's importance
in their struggle to promote social justice for Mexican Americans,
and, in working to gain representation and recognition, they also
developed an enduring consciousness of a long and rich heritage
that continues to inspire us today; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 2-8, 2016, as Chicano History
Week and encourage all Texans to learn more about the enormous
contributions made by Chicanos to the vibrant culture of the Lone
Star State.