CHC ON WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM AWARD CEREMONY HONORING REP. EDWARD ROYBAL

Nov 24, 2014

Washington, DC- Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) and Members of the CHC released the following statements on the White House ceremony honoring the late Congressman Edward R. Roybal. The late Congressman was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard accepted the award on her father's behalf.

CHC Chairman Rubén Hinojosa: "The late Congressman Edward Roybal is among our most beloved Mexican-American heroes.  He was a relentless civil rights advocate whose work continues to make a difference in the lives of many Latinos and people of color today.  Enough cannot be said about the contributions the late Congressman made - from his work at the local level in Los Angeles to his time on the House Appropriations Committee where he championed federal funding for the most underserved communities.

CHC First Vice Chair Ben Ray Luján: “Congressman Edward Roybal was an important and inspirational figure for the Latino community.  As the co-founder of the CHC, and a driving force behind the formation of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEAO) and the Community Service Organization, he elevated issues facing Latinos to the national forefront and opened up opportunities for future generations of Hispanic leaders who share his passion to serve their communities.  In addition to his leadership, Congressman Roybal was a champion for the underprivileged and led the fight for public health, welfare, and anti-discrimination programs.  His dedication to public service and lifelong commitment to social justice merit this distinguished award.  This honor is a reminder of Edward Roybal’s enduring legacy and the impact he continues to have on the lives of all Hispanic Americans.”

CHC Second Vice Chair Michelle Lujan Grisham: “A New Mexican by birth, the late Rep. Edward R. Roybal spent his 30 years in Congress fighting for minorities and seniors and was unafraid to champion unpopular legislation to support the most marginalized populations. I am honored to serve in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus that he founded and join my colleagues in expressing my appreciation for his lifetime of service.”

Congressman José Serrano: “As co-founder of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressman Edward R. Roybal was a pioneer Latino politician figure who dedicated his life to fighting on behalf of Hispanics and our nation’s most underserved communities. It was an honor to serve and work closely with him in Congress for so many years. His life and legacy continues to be an inspiration for all members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. This well-deserved honor and recognition was long overdue."

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, daughter of the late Congressman Edward Roybal: “My family and I are deeply honored that President Obama is honoring our father by posthumously awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his life’s work.  Our father was a consensus builder who labored quietly and effectively on issues important not only to the communities he represented but also to the entire nation; Americans are healthier and better educated thanks to his unceasing efforts.  He was a pioneering Latino politician who co-founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and blazed a trail for generations of Latino politicians and activists to come.  My father has always been a role model to me and our family, and I trust that with this honor, he will become a role model for all Americans.”

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez: “Ed Roybal was an inspiration and a trailblazer in too many ways to count.  Whether it was affordable housing, police-community relations, economic development, or social justice, he always strove to protect the interests of the most vulnerable among us – minorities, children, veterans and the elderly.  A founder of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, his leadership in these and so many other areas paved the way for those of us who followed him.  We can say honestly that, when it comes to Ed Roybal, all of us stand on the shoulders of a giant.  It is fitting he receive this profound recognition from the President.”

Congresswoman Grace Napolitano: “This is a well-deserved recognition of a national leader who devoted his adult life to serving his country. Congressman Roybal pioneered many of the programs currently available to our young people regardless of race or creed, inspiring future generations of Hispanics to get involved in public service. His forward thinking in public health services helped fund Centers for Disease Control and Prevention buildings, stopping the spread of illness; his legacy continues with his daughter, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. Thank you, President Obama, for bestowing this highest honor upon such an extraordinary leader and champion for our community.”

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