Press Release

For Immediate Release, July 6, 2004
Contact: Lorraine Quiroga, 202-833-6130

San Antonio (July 6, 2004)-The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today kicked off its 75^th Annual Convention.  Political leaders and supporters from around the country cheered on to celebrate the legacy of the organization’s Diamond anniversary. The six-day event is expected to draw an estimated 10,000 political, community and business leaders to discuss Latino issues including Texas Governor Rick Perry,  Secretary of Health and  Human Services, Tommy Thompson, and former Mayor of  San Antonio, Henry Cisneros. President Bush is expected to address attendees live via satellite.  Visitors will also enjoy the organization’s largest Expo, Career Fair, and College Fair, which boasts over 400 exhibitors.

Since the organization was founded in 1929, LULAC has worked towards advancing the quality of life for Latinos with successful programs that lead to Head Start and SER: Jobs for Progress.  These programs have touched many Latinos in the U.S. and the effects have been long lasting for generations. While much progress has been made, organization leaders say that millions of Latinos still face challenges everyday in their communities. LULAC continues to look ahead and define the strategies to overcome these obstacles.

“Although we have accomplished much in the past 75 years and built institutions that have significantly impacted civil rights, education and economic development, it is clear that the tremendous growth of our community has created challenges and opportunities that we- as advocates – must face in the days and years ahead,” said Hector M. Flores, LULAC national president. “This historic convention will give us the opportunity to assess our progress and forge a new Hispanic agenda for the future.”

“San Antonio was one of our founding cities and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, is home to over 671,000 Latinos.  To celebrate 75 years of accomplishments here in this vibrant city is truly an honor,” said Rosa Rosales, LULAC national vice president of the Southwest and San Antonio resident.  “We have planned our largest Expo ever, which is an excellent venue for the San Antonio Hispanic community to get information about products, services, career, health, housing and educational opportunities.”

Participating in the three-day Expo are over 500 corporations, government agencies, employers, colleges, and non-profit organizations. Opening on Wednesday, July 7, the LULAC Expo features a corporate plaza, a job fair, a government plaza, an armed forces plaza, a health fair, a college fair and a media plaza. Admission is free and open to the public.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States.  LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.

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