(San Antonio) – Texas State Board of Education Board Secretary Ruben Cortez (D- Brownsville) was honored as the recipient of the 2017 Cesar Chavez Spirit Award for Leadership by the Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Foundation (CECLEF). The CECLEF has a long history of social advocacy and established to preserve the life & legacy of Cesar E. Chavez, legendary American labor leader and civil rights activist.

Isidro Garza, Jr., CECLEF Board Member, stated "Through SBOE Member Cortez's continuous advocacy, leadership and uncanny ability to bring clarity and focus to political battles, the topics that matter most to Texans and the future of our children have been better approached by the Texas State Board of Education. He has been a policy-oriented champion for proper depictions of minorities in textbooks, strengthened educational resources and proper educational standards.Member Cortez's foresight and willingness to reach across the political aisle for the greater good of our Nation embodies the essence of the Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and solidified him as our Spirit Award for Leadership champion."

Secretary Cortez stated “The future of a strong Texas lies in people's ability to recognize wrong and do good by all Texans. I am proud of my work to have this Board recognize the contributions of Mexican-Americans throughout Texas and the US and unanimously reject that atrocious textbook. While it was a long road, full of uncertainty and political topics, I found strength and inspiration in the journies of figures like Cesar E. Chavez who fought for human rights and equity-- it was my duty to ensure that his legacy along with millions of others did not fall victim to politics. I am humbled to be recognized by the CECLEF and vow to continue embodying the spirit of Cesar E. Chavez.

Hon. Cortez will join notable figures like Mr. Charles Butt, HEB Chairman, and Mr. Jeff Moseley, CEO of Texas Association of Business.