Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Rep. Becerra Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Student Artists
LOS ANGELES – Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31) celebrated Cinco de Mayo Saturday with student artists, teachers, and parents at the 31st Congressional District's 2007 Art Competition Awards Ceremony at the Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock. Rep. Becerra's annual student art competition drew over 55 contestants from high schools throughout the district, whose artwork reflected the theme "The American Multicultural Mosaic."
The first place winner of this year's competition, Julie Li, a senior at Franklin High School will receive a trip for three courtesy of Southwest Airlines to attend the National Congressional Student Art Competition ribbon-cutting ceremony in Washington, D.C. Her painting, "My Sister," will hang in the Capitol for one year. Yara Robles, also from Franklin won second place for her untitled piece, and Salma Vir-Banks from Ribet Academy won third place for "Our True Fore Fathers." Stephanie Argueta from Notre Dame Academy and Armando Guzman from Franklin both won honorable mention awards. All participants received a congressional certificate of recognition and tickets to attend a Dodger game this summer, where the winners will be featured on Dodger Vision before the game.
"It is fitting that today, Cinco de Mayo, we celebrate the cultural mosaic of America with student artists representing the many cultural backgrounds of our country," Rep. Becerra said. "Today provides an opportunity for all of us to celebrate our rich cultural diversity, and reflect on the importance of freedom, liberty and self-determination for all peoples and nations."
May 5 marks the historic triumph of the Mexican people over the invading French Army in the battle of Puebla in 1862. Increasingly in this country, Cinco de Mayo has become a celebration of the rich cultural heritage – music, art, language and tradition – that Latinos have contributed to the United States. Much of this heritage has become an integral part of today's American experience.
Reps. Becerra and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18) are coauthors of H.R. 512, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino Act of 2007, legislation that would take a major step toward ensuring that the cultural, artistic and historical contributions of American Latinos are recognized in a national museum in Washington, D.C. The bill passed by unanimous voice vote in the House of Representatives on February 6, 2007; an identical Senate version has been introduced by Senators Ken Salazar (CO) and Mel Martinez (FL).
"As we celebrate today, let us never loose sight of the need to ensure that every American – regardless of their heritage – is able to realize the American dream with the chance to build a better life," Rep. Becerra said.
