TITLE: Paying tribute to the life of Eustasio A. Cepeda, a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

SUMMARY: Paying tribute to the life of Eustasio A. Cepeda, a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Eustasio A. Cepeda 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, Eustasio Cepeda, was honored for his achievements in public service; after immigrating to Austin to escape the Mexican Revolution, he and others began advocating for the establishment of a Mexican consulate office in the Capitol City, and succeeded in their goal three years later; and WHEREAS, Deemed by some the unofficial first Mexican consul in Austin because of his efforts, Mr. Cepeda was an active member of numerous civic and patriotic organizations, and many of the state's elected leaders, including Governors Miriam "Ma" Ferguson, James Allred, Wilbert Lee "Pappy" O'Daniel, Coke Stevenson, Beauford Jester, and Allan Shivers, looked to him for advice and information; he passed away in 1972, and in 1998 the City of Austin dedicated the Eustasio Cepeda Branch Library in his memory; and WHEREAS, Through his outstanding accomplishments, Eustasio Cepeda 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 Eustasio A. Cepeda, a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County. Rodriguez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 721 was adopted by the House on March 17, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House