Recognizing and Honoring the Work of the League of United Latin American Citizens on their 75th Anniversary

RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE WORK OF THE LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS ON THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY-HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ (Extensions of Remarks - March 03, 2004)

HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to join my colleagues in recognizing and honoring the work of the League of United Latin American Citizens, LULAC, on their 75th anniversary.

Serving as the nation's oldest and largest Hispanic organization, LULAC has improved the lives of millions of Latinos across our nation, by never wavering from its commitment to advance "the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights" of our country's Hispanic population.

During LULAC's early years, they faced great opposition from those who did not wish to see the status and well-being of Hispanics improve. Many members were harassed and threatened. yet the dedication and determination of LULAC's founding members persevered. Today, this organization has become one of the greatest Hispanic civil rights organizations in America, with an all-volunteer membership and a glowing list of accomplishments.

Representing Latinos from all over the nation including, Guam and Puerto Rico, LULAC has taken the lead toward groundbreaking accomplishments for the Hispanic community.

One of these is particularly dear to me.

In 1945, LULAC took an active role in the fight against segregation in my home County of Orange in California. The Orange County School System kept its schools segregated on the grounds that Mexican children were "poorly clothed and mentally inferior to white children."

Eventually, LULAC was successful in their lawsuit to integrate this school system.

The following year, LULAC, along with Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez, filed the Mendez v. Westminister lawsuit that ended 100 years of segregation in the California public school system.

Thanks to this suit, I, the child of Mexican immigrants, was able to benefit from a great public education in Orange County.

Many don't realize that the Mendez case laid the foundation for the watershed case of Brown vs. Board of Education eight years later.

Mr. Speaker, one cannot deny the great impact this lawsuit had on bringing greater educational opportunities not just to Hispanic children, but to all children across the nation.

Yet, this is just one example of the great work LULAC has done since their founding in 1929!

This organization has fought for voting rights and the inclusion of Hispanics in the political process.

It has provided access to educational mentoring and tutoring, and has helped fund millions of dollars in scholarships.

And LULAC continues to fight for the betterment of Hispanic workers, especially in the area of Hispanic health issues.

I am very honored to be standing here today to express my appreciation for all of LULAC's accomplishments.

I wish them continued success in the future as they continue their work for improving the lives of Americans in the Hispanic community.

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