By: Martinez Fischer H.R. No. 407

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The documentary film A Class Apart will make its broadcast premiere on February 23, 2009, on the acclaimed PBS series An American Experience; and

WHEREAS, Produced and directed by noted filmmakers Carlos Sandoval and Peter Miller, A Class Apart explores the struggles of Latinos in the United States through the fascinating story of a landmark yet little-known civil rights case; the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Hernandez v. Texas was overshadowed by the highly publicized Brown v. Board of Education ruling two weeks later, but Hernandez marked the first time a Mexican American attorney appeared before the supreme court, and the ruling extended the protections of the Fourteenth Amendment to Latinos; and

WHEREAS, The documentary offers high drama, beginning with a murder in Edna, Texas, and following the valiant efforts of Gustavo "Gus" Garcia, Chris Alderete, James de Anda, Carlos Cadena, and John J. Herrera, the Mexican American legal team, to find justice before the supreme court; it also examines the discrimination and bigotry confronting Hispanics in the post-World War II era and highlights the grassroots movement that sprang up to support the lawyers in the Hernandez case; and

WHEREAS, Reaching out beyond the television audience, the filmmakers have coordinated with the Active Voice organization on a long-range initiative to help create a community dialogue about Latino heritage and civil rights issues; the Class Apart Project in Texas is using house parties and community screenings to foster intergenerational discussion; classroom curriculum materials are being developed with the help of legal scholars, educators, and experts in Latino history and culture; and

WHEREAS, A Class Apart illuminates an important juncture in American history and broadens our understanding of the Latino experience; moreover, the associated activities planned in conjunction with national and local groups will continue to enhance appreciation for the contributions of Latinos and help build a foundation for future leadership in civil rights and social justice; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature congratulate Carlos Sandoval and Peter Miller on the broadcast premiere of A Class Apart and extend warm wishes for continued success to all those associated with the film; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Sandoval and Mr. Miller as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.