Washington, DC – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), founded in 1929, proudly announces its plans for the historic 2024 National Legislative Conference and Awards Gala, marking 95 years of unwavering dedication to social justice. The signature event will be hosted at the prestigious Mayflower Hotel on February 14-15, 2024.
Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President, expressed the significance of this milestone: “We are extremely excited and looking forward to this milestone, which precedes our Centennial as the nation’s preeminent Latino civil rights organization. What better way to mark the occasion than to celebrate the very aspect of LULAC, which has made us the most powerful voice for Latinos in the United States and Puerto Rico. Action defines who we are and what we do daily for the millions of Latinos who depend on us for advocacy.”
The 2024 conference will spotlight critical issues, emphasizing LULAC’s commitment to voter rights, repatriation of deported veterans, and ensuring equity and equality for Latinos in employment, education, healthcare, and housing. Garcia underscored the importance of LULAC’s presence in the nation’s capital during this pivotal election year, stating, “Especially during this all-important election year of the US president, LULAC’s presence is important in our nation’s capital. Also, we wish to recognize and honor those outstanding elected officials who advocate on our behalf in Congress and public policy institutions.” For a deeper understanding of LULAC’s impact on the Latino community, see their feature on the DiversityComm website here.
LULAC’s rich history is marked by transformative milestones in pursuing justice. In 1945, a California LULAC Council successfully sued to integrate the Orange County School System, challenging the segregation of Mexican children. Another landmark case, Hernandez vs. the State of Texas, was brought forth in 1954, highlighting the unconstitutional exclusion of Mexican Americans from jury duty. Since then, LULAC has been a stalwart advocate for political participation and equal educational opportunities for all Hispanics.
The organization remains at the forefront of civic engagement, with LULAC councils nationwide conducting voter registration drives, citizenship awareness sessions, health fairs, and tutorial programs. The LULAC National Scholarship Fund, in collaboration with LNESC (LULAC National Educational Service Centers), has provided crucial support to nearly 10 percent of the 1.1 million Hispanic students who have pursued higher education. Learn more about LULAC’s voter rights initiatives here.
Addressing the rise in xenophobia and anti-Hispanic sentiment, LULAC councils have organized seminars and public symposiums on language and immigration issues. Moreover, the organization has used various media platforms to protest against the “English Only” movement, advocating against limiting the use of minority languages.
As LULAC approaches its Centennial, the 2024 National Legislative Conference and Awards Gala symbolizes not just a celebration of the organization’s rich legacy but a reaffirmation of its commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latinos across the United States and Puerto Rico.
About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.
