The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF LEOPOLDO TREVINO-GUERRA
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HON. RAUL RUIZ
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, June 4, 2021
Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Leopoldo Trevino-Guerra, who passed away on March 25, 2021. As a champion of farmworkers and the Latino community, Leopoldo devoted his life to giving voice to the voiceless and fighting for what is right. His story is an inspiration to us all, and his impact will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.
Leopoldo's advocacy first began when his family settled in the Coachella Valley in the 1970s. There, he became a member of the United Farm Workers (UFW) and helped negotiate the first collective employment contract with the lemon agribusiness. As the chief representative of UFW in this landmark negotiation, Leopoldo was instrumental in securing workers' rights, including eight-hour workdays, rest periods, and higher wages.
His tireless will and unmatched strength have made the Coachella Valley a better place for everyone who lives there. As a principal founder of the Housing Rent Control Movement, he secured better conditions for farmworker housing--improving the quality of life for hundreds of families in our communities.
Leopoldo was a true trailblazer. In 1988, he co-founded the first entirely Spanish-language newspaper in the Coachella Valley, El Informador del Valle. To this day, El Informador del Valle delivers news to the Latino community in the Coachella and Imperial Valleys. Leopoldo's unrelenting pursuit of justice led him to establish his second Spanish-language newspaper seven years later. El Independiente actively covered social justice work in the Latino community until 2008. With his excellent leadership and vision at both newspapers, Leopoldo successfully uplifted Latino voices throughout the region.
Leopoldo faced numerous hardships in his life, but he overcame the obstacles that stood in his way to create a better future for his family. His 19 children, 44 grandchildren, and 34 great grandchildren are a testament to his outstanding legacy. Leopoldo's story is an example of the excellence, dedication, and service to our Nation that all should seek to emulate.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 97
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