Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva

• By: REFORMA
• On: 04/09/2025 13:10:16
• In: News & Announcements

WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished career, Representative Raúl Grijalva was a staunch supporter of public and school libraries, recognizing their crucial role in providing equal access to information and fostering a love of learning, particularly within underserved Latino communities; and

WHEREAS, Along with Senator Jack Reed, Representative Raúl Grijalva fought to expand access and funding for school libraries across the country through the Right to Read legislation; and

WHEREAS, Representative Raúl Grijalva was a tireless advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, healthcare access, workers' rights, and environmental justice, working to build a more inclusive society for all, especially Spanish-speaking, Latino, and Native American populations in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Representative Raúl Grijalva's leadership in Congress reflected his deep-rooted belief in the power of community and education, striving to ensure that every voice, particularly from Latino and Spanish-speaking communities, was heard and represented; and

WHEREAS, The members of REFORMA recognize and honor Representative Raúl Grijalva's dedication to social and political change, his courage in the face of challenges, and his significant  contributions to the legislative progress of the United States; and

WHEREAS, As a prominent leader, Representative Raúl Grijalva inspired countless individuals, especially in the Latino community, to engage in public service and advocacy for the greater good; and

WHEREAS, Representative Raúl Grijalva's life and work were supported and enriched by his wife, Ramona Grijalva, who was a respected leader in the library profession and served as the Treasurer of REFORMA, contributing significantly to its mission to promote library and information services to Latino and Spanish-speaking communities; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and community of Representative Raúl Grijalva; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that REFORMA acknowledges and celebrates the life and legacy of Representative Raúl Grijalva, whose visionary leadership and tireless dedication to justice and equality will continue to inspire future generations of activists, educators, and library professionals committed to serving the needs of the Latino community and beyond; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that REFORMA also honors and remembers Ramona Grijalva for her invaluable contributions to the organization and her dedication to the mission of promoting libraries and information access to Latino and Spanish-speaking communities; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be made available to the public as a tribute to the extraordinary contributions of our friend and ally, Representative Raúl Grijalva, whose legacy lives on in our collective pursuit of equity, education, and access for all.

MOVER: Alexandra Rivera, REFORMA President

SECONDERS:

REFORMA Executive Board:

David Lopez, Past President

Adriana Huerta, Vice President/President Elect

Isabel Vargas, Secretary

Serena Vaquilar, Treasurer

Elisa Garcia, Chapter-East Region Representative

Mary Pastrana, Chapter-Central Region Representative

Michele A. L. Vilagran, Chapter-West Region Representative

Ziba Perez, Member at Large

Mario Ascencio

Loida Garcia-Febo