AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today attended the dedication of a new
monument on the Texas State Capitol grounds honoring Hispanic
contributions to Texas History. The Tejano Monument is located on the south
lawn.
“This important monument reflects a larger truth about the origins of Texas,
about the contributions of so many Hispanic citizens to the creation of the
state we love and the lives we share,” Gov. Perry said. “These contributions
are ongoing with Latinos providing political, business and spiritual leadership
in communities throughout Texas. The future of our state is tied directly to
the future of our Hispanic population, and I believe we have a glorious future
ahead of us.”
The Tejano Monument was created by Laredo artist Armando Hinojosa and
consists of 11 life-size sculptures commemorating the 500-year role of
Tejanos in Texas and the Spanish-Mexican legacy in the state from 1500 to
1800.
Work on placing a Tejano Monument at the State Capitol began in 2001,
when legislators passed and Gov. Perry signed legislation establishing it. In
2007, the Legislature approved $1.087 million for completion of the
monument and an additional $1 million was raised through private donations.
Early Spanish and Mexican pioneers and their descendants have helped shape
the way of life in Texas, dating back to the 1500s. Today, some of our state’s
top Hispanic leaders include Secretary of State Hope Andrade; Texas Court
of Criminal Appeals Justice Elsa Alcala; Supreme Court Justice Eva
Guzman; Chancellor of the UT System Francisco Cigarroa; Austin Diocese
Bishop Joe Vasquez; and Presiding Officer at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage
Commission Jose Cuevas, just to name a few.
For more information about the Tejano monument, please visit
http://www.tejanomonument.com/.
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