Senate honors America Carbajal Uranga with formal tribute

Senator Donna Gonzalez requested and was granted a moment of personal privilege on the Senate floor to read a formal tribute honoring America Carbajal Uranga, who died recently and was recognized for decades of community organizing in Colorado.

"The Senate of the Colorado legislature ... hereby extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of America Carbajal Uranga," Gonzalez read, summarizing Carbajal Uranga's life: born in Chihuahua, Mexico; trained in nursing and business administration; proprietor of a movie theater before immigrating in 2000; and an organizer who worked in living rooms and community meetings to help immigrants and low-income Coloradans access services and civic participation.

Gonzalez noted Carbajal Uranga's work with local and national groups, including El Centro (service to day laborers), the American Friends Service Committee, the ACLU of Colorado, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, SEIU Local 105, and others, and cited her founding of Fuerza Nacion de Mujeres Activas to support women entrepreneurs. The senator also acknowledged Carbajal Uranga's family members and the guests present in the chamber.

The Senate observed the tribute with recognition of Carbajal Uranga's contributions to immigrant rights, worker advocacy and community leadership; the formal statement was entered into the Senate record at the request of Senator Julie Gonzales.

The chamber then returned to routine business and announcements.