CELEBRATING THE EXTRAORDINARY CAREER OF MR. AL RENDON

On 2026-08-27, Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE EXTRAORDINARY CAREER OF MR. AL RENDON" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE EXTRAORDINARY CAREER OF MR. AL RENDON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 136 (Thursday, August 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 136 (Thursday, August 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E810-E811] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE EXTRAORDINARY CAREER OF MR. AL RENDON ______ HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, August 27, 2026 Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Al Rendon for receiving the Aguila Aztlan award from the Centro Cultural Aztlan for his instrumental work in documenting and photographing the soul of Tejano and Mexican American culture in South Texas. [[Page E811]] For over 50 years, Mr. Rendon captured reflections of the soul of a people whose music, food and daily activities connect the past with the present and future. A San Antonio native, Mr. Rendon developed an interest in photography from an early age. His mother shared her love for photography with him, and after she gave him her camera, the city quickly became his muse. As a student at Central Catholic High School, his passion grew, joining the school's yearbook staff and covering live concerts. Following graduation, Mr. Rendon pursued his passion and launched a career that would document iconic moments in the history of South Texas. Early in Mr. Rendon's career, he began making a name for himself in shooting rock concerts held at San Antonio's HemisFair Arena and Municipal Theater. After a decade in the rock scene, Mr. Rendon was recruited by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center to photograph several of their cultural events and Conjunto Festival. It was at these events that in 1986 Mr. Rendon pivoted his focus to capturing the Mexican American community of Texas. In doing so, Mr. Rendon reconnected with his culture and was placed on a path that has helped others do the same. He focused on documenting the legacy of the spirit of Mexican Americans in Texas. He has created exhibitions of Conjunto and Tejano artists, portraits of cultural leaders, representations of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Charreada photos, and more. Mr. Rendon's cultural focus has led to his work being held at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and the Mexican American Museum of Art in Chicago. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Mr. Rendon's extraordinary career. It is through his lens that stories of passion, determination, and community are preserved. He is leaving behind a powerful legacy for future generations to broaden their understanding of the world. ____________________