California Democratic Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán will introduce a resolution Wednesday to honor Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández for his role in promoting Latino culture.
Barragán, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, wrote the resolution in the context of Hispanic Heritage Month and amid the ongoing budget battle to fund construction of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall.
“Alejandro not only creates music that millions of people enjoy across the globe, but he’s using his platform and robust following to empower the Latino community through his artistic talents. He’s also been a strong advocate of our continued work to establish the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall,” Barragán said in a statement.
The museum project, decades in the making, enjoyed bipartisan support through its conception and initial planning stages, which culminated in 2020, when Congress passed a law approving its construction.
But the initial exhibit tied to the museum angered prominent Latino conservatives, who kicked off an effort to defund the entire project in 2022.
In July, the museum became one more chip in the ongoing budget fight, as Republicans in the House Appropriations Committee banned the federal government from spending any money on the project.
Fernández, known as “el Potrillo,” is among the best-known celebrity endorsers of the museum.
“Alejandro Fernández’s impact in uplifting the U.S. Latino community is an inspiration and goes well beyond his musical talents,” said Estuardo Rodriguez, president and CEO of Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino.
“We are grateful to him for using his platform for good, and we are proud to stand with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to honor his achievements and incredible contributions.”
In 2023, Fernández pledged to donate proceeds from his “Amor y Patria” U.S. tour to the museum project.
The son of ranchera legend Vicente Fernández, who died in 2021, the younger Fernández started his career in traditional Mexican music but branched out into pop.
His current 21-stop tour is a follow-up to his first post-pandemic tour, “Hecho en México,” which grossed more than $16 million.
Fernández donated $100,000 from that tour to help migrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border.
“I believe music is a tie that binds us together. We gather to celebrate life, love, and the rich Latino culture that unites us wherever we are in the world. I’m honored that my shows are also a vehicle for giving back and supporting causes that directly impact our community,” he said.