From the Office of U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, today released a statement honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept.r 15 to Oct. 15:

“As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, I am proud to honor the history, culture and achievements of our Hispanic communities. In New Mexico, we know well the indelible mark that Hispanic communities have had on our culture. Our art, music, food, and traditions are all reflective of the long, proud history of more than 400 years of Hispanic influence in our state.

“Hispanic Heritage Month pays tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. Here in New Mexico, we have had a number of tremendous Hispanic Americans who have left an indelible mark, some notable examples include:

• Dolores Huerta, the activist and labor leader who co-founded what would become the United Farm Workers Union was born in Dawson, New Mexico;
• Senator Dennis Chávez from Valencia County, was the first Hispanic elected to the US Senate where he represented our state from 1935 to 1962;
• World Hall of Fame golfer, Nancy Lopez, a graduate of Goddard High School in Roswell went onto win 48 LPGA Tour events, including three major championships and is considered one of the greats of women’s golf, and its best player for more than a decade.
• María Benítez the dancer, choreographer and Director of the Institute for Spanish Arts in Santa Fe. A native New Mexican, Benítez is best known for popularizing Spanish dance through the work of her dance company, Teatro Flamenco.

“Let us join together this month to celebrate the incredible role that Hispanic leaders and Hispanic communities that have played in our state’s and our nation’s history.”