78R12966 MW-D

By:  Gallego                                                    H.C.R. No. 9  


CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The citizens of Uvalde lost a distinguished community leader and Chicano activist on July 6, 2002, when Amaro Cardona passed away, leaving a host of friends and admirers to deeply mourn his untimely death; and WHEREAS, Born on August 17, 1950, Mr. Cardona demonstrated from an early age a firm resolve to challenge social injustice; as a high school student in Uvalde, he became involved in a local chapter of the Mexican American Youth Organization, which had recently been established in San Antonio; Mr. Cardona began organizing fellow Latino students in Uvalde, leading a protest against police brutality and encouraging pride in the students' Chicano heritage; and WHEREAS, He also developed a determination to address community and social issues through the political process; during his senior year in high school, he worked tirelessly in behalf of Gabriel Tafolla's race for the state legislature, and in the 1970s he gave support to the Raza Unida Party; and WHEREAS, Impelled by a genuine desire to serve his fellow citizens and possessing an instinct for finding solutions, Mr. Cardona ran for and won a seat on the county commissioners court in 1982; he was reelected in 1986 and won a third term in 2002, taking 51 percent of the vote in a four-way race; and WHEREAS, In addition to his efforts in the political arena and in public service, Mr. Cardona sought to effect positive change through his work for Texas Rural Legal Aid and for the 38th Judicial District probation department; and WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Amaro Cardona demonstrated an unyielding determination to correct society's injustices; his dedication and compassion, together with his cheerful nature and legendary sense of humor, earned him the lasting respect and affection of countless friends and community residents, and his spirit will forever brighten and warm their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay special tribute to the life of Amaro Cardona and extend sincere sympathy to his sons, Adrian and Rogelio, and to the other members of his family and his many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of Amaro Cardona.