AUSTIN - Tejanos fight for many things. Two hundred years ago they fought for the State of Texas. Forty years ago they marched for civil rights. Today they fight for the right for their music to be recognized as a true American artform. On July 23, 2008... they got a little bit closer to winning that fight when Texas State Govenor Rick Perry proclaimed the Month of August as "Tejano Music Month".

."This is an important day for Tejanos everywhere.", says Veronica Sustaita, an aspiring young artist in the Tejano music industry. "Its important for Tejanos to be acknowledged for their contributions to the Texas culture in a positve way so that young people can take notice that this music represents them." Veronica was not alone in her sentiments as many Tejano stars came to show support for the historic day. Artists present for the proclamation included Ruben Ramos, Alfonso Ramos, Sunny Ozuna, Rudy Palacios, Rick Trevino, Jaime de Anda of Jaime y Los Chamacos, Max Baca, Joe Posada, and Javier Galvan.

The mood was light heartedas Govenor Perry asked the legendary artists if they knew the Texas State song. Contrary to popular belief the Texas State song is not "Deep in the Heart of Texas". It is in fact "Texas our Texas" and was adopted by the Texas Legislature in 1929.  Govenor Perry then broke into song without reservation to the delight of the Texas artists; "That was cool, he didnt hesitate at all. It made everyone more relaxed." says Sustaita.

"There is a lot of attention being directed towards Tejano Music," says Roy Ramos, Vice President of the DFWTMC and founder of the Tejano Music Network. " I think with the many Coalitions being organized across Texas and with Latin Pointe Network. " I think with the many Coalitions being organized across Texas and with Latin Pointe (Tejano Music National Convention hosts) bringing the Convention here to Texas, I think it reflects that Tejano Music is moving foward."

Ramos, a member of three Tejano Music Coalitions in Texas talks about the importance of the day. "As I stood there in the State Capital i saw Veronica Sustaita speaking with the legendary Alfonso Ramos and thought how great is that... two artists from both end of the spectrums brought together for the same love of Tejano Music. This was a good day."

     Copy of Govenor Perry's Tejano Month Proclamation