TITLE: Congratulating Susana R. Almanza on her selection by the Austin History Center as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Susana R. Almanza on her selection by the Austin History Center as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Susana R. Almanza was 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, Susana Almanza, was honored for her achievements in public health; she grew up in East Austin and began working in behalf of her community while still a teenager; as a freshman in high school, she joined the lettuce boycott, and she participated in the Economy Furniture workers' strike in the late 1960s; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to social justice, Ms. Almanza served as co-chair of the Brown Berets and worked to heighten awareness of civil rights issues such as police brutality, an absence of available youth activities, and the need for improvement in housing, education, and other services in East Austin; in 1991, she cofounded People Organized in Defense of Earth and her Resources, or PODER, an organization that strives to empower the community to address environmental and social justice issues as basic human rights; and WHEREAS, Susana Almanza has made a positive difference in her community, and her outstanding accomplishments are 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 congratulate Susana R. Almanza on her selection as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Almanza as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Rodriguez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 703 was adopted by the House on March 17, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House