Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Last weekend, State Representative Terry Canales was presented with the “Señor Internacional” recognition by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) #12 as part of the annual Washington’s Birthday Celebration in Laredo, Texas. LULAC created the Señor Internacional ceremony in 1977 to honor outstanding society members on both sides of the border. This event, firmly rooted in tradition, pays homage to outstanding figures who have made significant contributions to enrich the Latino communities in the United States and Mexico.
The Señor Internacional Honoree representing the United States is Representative Terry Canales (D-Edinburg) who was first elected to the Texas House in 2012 and has served as the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee since 2019. Representative Canales was honored for his legislative focus on the expansion of Texas/Mexico trade and his family’s history of contributions to LULAC tracing back to Jose Tomas Canales (JT Canales), one of LULAC’s founders. JT Canales served 5 terms in the legislature at the turn of the 20th century and is best known for his work on behalf of Mexican-Americans and Tejanos in Texas, defending the civil rights of Latin Americans and other minorities.
The Señor Internacional Honoree representing Mexico is Marco Antonio González Valdez, who serves as the Secretary of Regional and Agricultural Development for State of Nuevo León and serves as Honorary General Director of the Laredo–Colombia Solidarity International Bridge
The official recognition took place at a gala event on February 17, 2024, at Los Patios Hall in Laredo, Texas at 7 pm. At the event, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) also presented a Congressional Resolution to Rep. Canales to honor him for his service. Both honorees also met at the center of the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge on February 18 for the Abrazos ceremony— a symbolic ceremony where dignitaries from both sides of the river meet in the middle of the international bridge and exchange a heartful “abrazo,” or hug — which symbolizes the continued goodwill and cooperation that the two cities depend on to prosper through international trade.
Rep. Canales made the following comments:
“I am truly honored and deeply humbled to receive the “Señor Internacional” recognition, an award that holds special meaning as it reflects my commitment to fostering stronger ties between the Latino communities in the United States and Mexico. This accolade is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and unity that defines our shared heritage. Having served as Chairman of the Texas House Transportation Committee for the past five years, my focus on international trade has been driven by a passion to create opportunities and build bridges between nations. This award is a recognition not only of my efforts but also of the collective dedication of all those who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of our Latino communities.
With a family history intertwined with LULAC, I am reminded that our journey is rooted in the values of service, inclusivity, and the belief that our strength lies in unity. As we celebrate this achievement, let us recommit ourselves to the continued advancement of our communities, both here in Texas and across borders. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, my colleagues, and the wonderful communities I have the privilege to serve. Together, we will continue to build a future that honors our past, embraces our present, and creates opportunities for generations to come.”
Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, is the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission. Rep. Canales represents House District 40 in Hidalgo County, which includes portions or all of Edinburg, Elsa, Faysville, La Blanca, Linn, Lópezville, McAllen, Pharr and San Juan. He may be reached at his House District Office in Edinburg at (956) 383-0860 or at the Capitol at (512) 463-0426.
