RECOGNIZING LITTLE PALESTINE ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH 2026

RECOGNIZING LITTLE PALESTINE ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH 2026

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2713-H2714] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING LITTLE PALESTINE ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH 2026 (Mr. Garcia of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, April is Arab American Heritage Month, and I rise today to celebrate Little Palestine, a vibrant community in the southwest region of Cook County, in my district. In the early 20th century, families from the small Palestinian town of Betunia immigrated to Chicago, attracted by the city's prosperity. Many found jobs in hotels, restaurants, and factories. Many of their U.S.-born children proudly served in the military and served their country. This entrepreneurial community soon began to open up bakeries, restaurants, markets, and specialty fashion stores. Now, there are more than 200 Arab-owned businesses in Little Palestine. Little Palestine also has cultural centers, community service organizations, and mosques, contributing toward making it a close-knit community that honors the rich culture, heritage, and spirit of the Arab-American community. I am proud and grateful for the contributions that the families, businesses, and cultural centers of Little Palestine bring to my district and to Chicagoland. Honoring Poet Gregorio Gomez Aguayo Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Gregorio Gomez Aguayo, a talented writer, poet, producer, and organizer. Gregorio has been nominated for the award of poet laureate of the State of Illinois twice and has been selected as part of Chicago's Newcity Lit 50, which highlights the city's 50 most influential people in Chicago in the literary scene. Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Gregorio has been a part of Chicago's artistic and spoken word community for almost 40 years. His poetry delves into themes of heritage, identity, and the human experience and navigates the duality of his Mexican roots and his American upbringing. Last weekend, in Chicago, Gregorio presented his most recent poetry collection, ``Requiem: Journey Thru a Poetic Odyssey,'' and I can't wait to read all of it. I congratulate Gregorio on his new work. Recognizing Mayda Del Valle Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate South Side native Mayda Del Valle, who has been named Chicago's next poet laureate. Mayda is a poet, educator, and interdisciplinary artist who will now serve as ambassador for our city's literary and creative communities. Rooted in her Puerto Rican diaspora, her work invites audiences to see themselves reflected on it. She challenges us to remember where we come from and imagine what we can build together. Mayda has been recognized as one of America's young innovators in the arts and sciences. She has performed on stages across the Nation. As a dedicated educator, Mayda has taught poetry in schools, colleges, and youth detention facilities, inspiring the next generation of artists. I congratulate Mayda on this extraordinary honor. Recognizing Arise Chicago on 35th Anniversary Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Arise Chicago, an organization founded by a coalition of religious leaders on the principle that all workers deserve dignity in the workplace. Its strategic vision includes effective education, advocacy efforts, and programs to empower workers to take action beyond their workplaces. Thanks to Arise Chicago's efforts, thousands of workers have recovered more than $10 million in stolen wages and compensation and increased their wages by over $6 million. In 2026, Arise continues to work to eradicate harassment and discrimination from the workplace, to ensure fair payment, and to educate immigrant workers about their rights in the midst of the anti- immigrant environment that our country is living in. I am grateful for Arise Chicago's work, and I look forward to continuing to partner with them. [[Page H2714]] ____________________