RECOGNIZING NEW JERSEY BALLET

On 2026-09-15, Representative Analilia Mejia (D-NJ-11) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING NEW JERSEY BALLET" in the House.

RECOGNIZING NEW JERSEY BALLET

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)] [House] [Pages H5627-H5628] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING NEW JERSEY BALLET Ms. MEJIA. Madam Speaker, one of the most important aspects of the human experience is artistic expression. It builds bridges, connects communities, and exemplifies how beauty is found in the ordinary and extraordinary. That is why I rise today to recognize the New Jersey Ballet, an institution based in Florham Park that has brought artistic excellence to audiences across our State for nearly seven decades. Founded in 1958, the New Jersey Ballet is entering a new era under artistic director Maria Kowroski, a 25-year veteran of the New York City Ballet. The company continues to honor iconic works, while commissioning new work that shapes the future of dance. Through school partnerships, community programs, sensory friendly performances, and Dancing for Parkinson's, New Jersey Ballet is making the performing arts accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Since 2022, NJB has proudly served as the resident ballet company at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, bringing world-class performances to our district in Morris County and supporting local businesses. I am proud to recognize the New Jersey Ballet for inspiring generations of New Jerseyans and enriching our State's cultural identity. Recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month Ms. MEJIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the vibrant Latino communities across New Jersey's 11th Congressional District. Our district, at the crossroads of critical moments in history, is as diverse as it is historic. Communities from across the diaspora proudly call the 11th District home, including my own. Recognizing the impact of the Latino community, without naming the crisis our community faces would be a disservice at this moment, however. As the daughter of two Latino immigrants, I was raised by parents who recognized the importance of embracing my Nation, while holding on to who I was. Following the scores of immigrants who arrived upon these shores, Latino Americans have created communities that enriched their adopted and beloved land, while remembering the culture of their parents and grandparents. Like many, irrespective of their culture or ethnic backgrounds, we stand appalled at the way in which those at the highest perches of this land use racist tropes and dog whistles to divide a nation of immigrants yearning for liberty and justice for all. Across my district, this warfare is made evident by every unjust arrest, through the gutting of safety net programs, and the wholesale vilification of a community that loves this Nation enough to serve it, grow it, and defend it. Violent arrests, courthouse ambushes, the denial of justice all lay bare the willingness of some to turn away from what actually makes America great: ``one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'' Some say that upholding these words somehow takes away the freedoms and opportunities of those whose ancestors arrived upon these shores in generations past. This flawed thinking treats justice as if it were finite, as if it were cake, and sharing a piece somehow lessens what is placed upon your plate. [[Page H5628]] Well, Madam Speaker, justice, freedom, and opportunity are not cake. It does not run out if someone else gets a slice. ____________________