Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an artist, an advocate, and a creator of community pride, Jesse Rodriguez, better known as Magnolia Grown. Last month, Jesse achieved something special for our community. His sculpture, ``Dale Shine,'' which you see behind me, was chosen to go to The Cheech, the finest private collection of Chicano art in the world, to become a part of their permanent collection. This is a first for Houston. It is a first for Texas. Jesse's work draws from deep cultural roots established while growing up in my district in Magnolia Park. His art is the art of our community, of growing up poor while living in full color, of a shared history ``de nuestra gente'' ``of the people.'' Jesse has become a community advocate in the East End portion of our district. He founded Magnolia Park Arts and Community to inspire the next generation to use art for action and to never forget where they came from. He puts people over politics. He puts arts over darkness. We are so proud of him and everything that he has done, and I congratulate Jesse. ____________________”