Press Release

For Immediate Release, March 9, 2004
Contact: Brent Wilkes, 202-833-6130

WASHINGTON DC–  The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is celebrating 75 years as a civil rights organization servicing the Hispanic community.  For 75 years LULAC has been committed to ensuring “equality and justice” for all Latinos.  This year LULAC’s 75^th Anniversary Awards Gala will honor three outstanding champions that have made possible LULAC’s vision for a better tomorrow. This years Gala will be held on Tuesday March 9, 2004, at the J.W. Marriot in Washington, DC. 

Receiving one of two National Legislative Awards was Ruben Barrales, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs who serves as the President’s liaison to state and local election officials and is responsible for maintaining a close working partnership between the White House and the nation’s governors, legislators, tribal leaders and local officials. For her for her political activism and dedication to the Hispanic community, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Leader of the House of Representatives and the first woman in American history to lead a major party in the U.S. Congress was also recognized with a National Legislative Award.  Receiving the evenings Presidential Award was Honorable Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, representing California’s 38^th District and a leader on international trade, environmental protection, transportation and immigration. 

“Each year LULAC honors those individuals who have led the battle for the advancement of Hispanic Americans and made great strides in the Hispanic community through advocacy and action,” said Hector Flores, LULAC National President.  “  This year we are proud to recognize three very distinguished and accomplished individuals for their dedication to and fulfillment of LULAC’s mission.” 

With the explosive, continued growth of the Hispanic population, Hispanic issues have increasingly advanced to the forefront. The Legislative awards were established to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to support those issues that are most important to the Hispanic community.   The LULAC National Board of Directors selects just two Legislative Award recipients each year, and the LULAC President selects the recipient of the President’s Award. 

A high profile crowd including members of congress, ambassadors, federal officials and celebrities were in attendance to honor the award recipients.  Edna Schmidt, who co-hosts Univision/Telefutura’s “Noticias al Minuto” in Chicago, Illinois served as the master of ceremonies for the evening’s events which were made possible through the support of sponsors like Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Verizon Communications, the Altria Group, Univision Communications and Yum Brands, Inc.

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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