SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 133
WHEREAS, Chicano History Week commences on February 2,
2017, the 169th 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 those 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, in exchange for $15
million; 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 and although subsequent adjudication
in Texas confirmed most of their claims, Mexican Texans in the
area between the Rio Grande and the Nueces River faced mounting
pressure and discrimination as the years passed and as more
Anglos moved into the region; within decades, Mexican Texans
owned almost no land at all; and
WHEREAS, Organized efforts to combat discrimination
against Latinos in Texas date to the early 1900s; in the 1960s and
1970s, members of the Chicano movement joined the long struggle
to win social justice for Mexican Americans; composed largely of
younger Latinos, the movement focused attention on failed
promises contained in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo; at the
same time, this movement insisted on the value of Mexican culture
and traditions and gave impetus to the inclusion of the Mexican
American experience in discussions of United States history; and
WHEREAS, The contributions of Mexican Americans are
integral to the story of this nation, and by gaining a better
understanding of Chicano history, we deepen our appreciation of
the rich heritage that is shared by all Americans; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 2 through 8, 2017, as
Chicano History Week and encourage all Texans to learn more about
the important role that Chicanos have played in the saga of the
Lone Star State.
RodrÃguez
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 6, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate