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SENATE RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the |
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citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Arnold García, who |
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died August 12, 2021, at the age of 73; and |
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WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan and trailblazing journalist |
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came from humble beginnings, and he built a life of great reward |
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and purpose as a journalist, editor, civil rights advocate, |
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mentor, and father; and |
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WHEREAS, The grandson of Mexican immigrants, Arnold García |
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was born on February 25, 1948, and he grew up in San Angelo; he |
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served with distinction in the United States Army and earned the |
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rank of sergeant, and he later served as a captain in the National |
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Guard; he began his career in journalism working as a police |
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reporter for the San Angelo Standard Times while still a student |
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at Angelo State University; and |
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WHEREAS, Arnold was hired by the Austin American-Statesman |
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as a courtroom reporter when he was 26 years old; he went on to |
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run the newspaper's Metro desk and to become a popular political |
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columnist before serving as the newspaper's editorial page |
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editor, a position he held for more than two decades; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. García was known for his vast network of |
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sources, from barrio locals to boardroom members to esteemed |
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politicians; he was an authentic voice for Austin culture and a |
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mentor to many journalists of color in a time when few doors were |
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open to Hispanic or Black news professionals; his work often |
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honored veterans and members of the armed forces and pushed for |
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accountability and affordability in local government; and |
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WHEREAS, One of his greatest accomplishments was his |
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success in having the Austin community honor and memorialize |
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Heman Sweatt, a civil rights activist and the plaintiff in Sweatt |
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v. Painter, the historic case that challenged Jim Crow-era laws |
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and was tried by Thurgood Marshall at what is known today as the |
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Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse in downtown Austin; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Arnold García was known for his gentle wisdom, |
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his kind spirit, and his uncompromising integrity in news |
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publishing; he was a devoted father and a cherished friend to |
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many, and he leaves behind a proud legacy of service that will |
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continue to inspire journalists and citizens long into the |
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future; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th |
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Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby extend sincere |
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condolences to the bereaved family of Arnold García; and, be it |
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further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas |
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Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in |
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memory of Arnold García. |