Recognizing Bad Bunny
Floor Speech
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Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, this Puerto Rican Heritage Month, I rise to recognize Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known for many of us as Bad Bunny, for his worldwide contribution to the arts, music, and culture.
Born and raised in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny is a global phenomenon. His songs transcend borders, sharing the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico with millions, while stirring a deep sense of pride and connection for Latinos across the globe.
His 2022 album ``Un Verano Sin Ti'' made history as the first Spanish-language album nominated for the Grammy Award Album of the Year. His recent album ``Debi Tirar Mas Fotos'' has inspired millions as a powerful tribute to Puerto Rico and his hope for its freedom, while reminding us of our shared struggle against imperialism, colonialism, and displacement.
In addition to his music, Benito, Bad Bunny, has used his platform to demand better from world leaders, condemn the xenophobia and anti- immigrant violence of this administration on the island and in this country, and inspire us all to resist and fight back against oppressive governments.
On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District and the home of Paseo Boricua or Boricua Town, it is my honor to commend Bad Bunny for using his artistry to unite diverse communities and give voice to our shared experience. Gracias to Bad Bunny.
(Spanish translation of the statement made in English is as follows:)
En este Mes de la Herencia Puertorriquena, Yo me levanto a reconocer a Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, mejor conocido como Bad Bunny, por su contribucion a las artes, la musica y la cultura.
Nacido y criado en Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny es un fenomeno global. Sus canciones trascienden fronteras, compartiendo la vibrante cultura puertorriquena con millones de personas en todo el mundo, a la vez que despierta un profundo sentimiento de orgullo y conexion entre los latinos de todo el mundo. El sabe que la musica y la cultura tambien transciende en el corazon.
Su album de 2022, Un Verano Sin Ti, hizo historia como el primer disco en espanol nominado al Premio Grammy como Album del Ano.
Su reciente album, Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, ha inspirado a millones como un poderoso tributo a Puerto Rico y su esperanza por la libertad, a la vez que nos recuerda nuestra lucha compartida contra el imperialismo, el colonialismo y el desplazamiento.
Ademas de su musica, Benito ha usado su plataforma para exigirle mejores resultados a los lideres mundiales, condenar la xenofobia y la violencia antiinmigrante en la lsla y en este pais e inspirarnos a todos a resistir y luchar contra los gobiernos opresores.
En nombre del Tercer Distrito Congresional de Illinois, casa de Paseo Boricua, yo felicito a Bad Bunny por usar su talento para unir a comunidades diversas y dar voz a nuestras experiencias compartidas.
Gracias, Bad Bunny.
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Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a creative designer, community cultivator, and artist--my constituent, Denise Ruiz.
Denise is a queer Boricua from the Humboldt Park community of Chicago and is the founder and director of The Honeycomb Network, a community empowerment space proudly calling Barrio Boriken home.
With over two decades of direct social service and educator experience, Denise has grown The Honeycomb Network to become a beloved community hub.
In partnership with therapists, educators, artists, and community care providers of diverse backgrounds, The Honeycomb Network provides a hive for community to cowork, create, and sustain one another.
Through healing workshops, a community library, cultural events, and beyond, the network has become a conduit for building community with our neighbors.
I commend Denise and the entire network of artists, healers, and creators who have shared their talents with the community, and I wish them the best as they transition to new physical space in Denise's home, Puerto Rico. Gracias and congratulations to Denise. Recognizing Justina Machado
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Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in this Puerto Rican and Immigrant Heritage Month, I rise to recognize one of Chicago's own, Justina Machado, a celebrated actress and proud ``daughter,'' ``hija'' of Chicago's northwest side.
Raised in a working-class Puerto Rican family, Ms. Machado's journey from Lane Tech High School, which is also in my district, to the Broadway stage and Hollywood screens is a testament to her talent, her perseverance, and her deep cultural roots.
From her roles in HBO's ``Six Feet Under'' to Netflix' ``One Day at a Time,'' and now the Tony-nominated Broadway adaptation of ``Real Women Have Curves,'' Justina has beautifully played characters with immigrant backgrounds.
Through her talent, she has brought visibility, dignity, and complexity to the lives of Latinos and immigrant families who are too often overlooked. Her performances speak not only to where she has been but to who we are. We are resilient, we are proud, and full of possibility.
On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend Justina Machado for using her voice and artistry to uplift our stories and communities with grace, humor, and truth. Gracias and congratulations to Justina.
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