Political Quotes

“I also rise today to honor Dr. Juan Tapia-Mendoza, a fellow Dominican immigrant and New Yorker who has fought tirelessly to achieve the American Dream--and that he did. Before Dr. Tapia-Mendoza opened his pediatric practice, he was a graffiti artist known only as ``C.A.T. 87,'' whose work was found all over the subway cars and across the city of New York in empty lots, particularly in northern Manhattan and beyond. Though he dropped out of school at a young age, his art showcased a strong motivation, and he was able to channel that motivation into his studies and return back to Santo Domingo to study medicine. Upon his return, Dr. Tapia-Mendoza, opened Pediatrics 2000 group, which now has two locations in my district and serves over 20,000 children, supporting not only the health of our children, but their education and literacy as well, fostering the next generation of young leaders in our community. His clinic is also an art gallery, a center that brings together young people in our neighborhood for healthy activities; uniting medicine and art to uplift our children. Dr. Tapia-Mendoza's incredible story was the subject of a recent documentary titled, ``The Graffiti Artist Who Became a Doctor,'' which was recently awarded an Emmy award. Mr. Speaker, I am here not only because he won that Emmy but because he also was there for the entire community during this horrible pandemic. He is a shining example of how tenacity, artistry, and community intersect.…”