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Press Release

Senate Ratifies Resolutions that Venerate America's Latino Legacy.

April 16, 2008

For more information, contact:
Javier Dominguez, 202-833-6130 ext. 12
Gerardo Marquez, (202) 833-6130
 

Washington, DC.-On April 10th, the Senate ratified the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of American Latino Act of 2007 (S. 500/HR.512) and the Cesar Chavez Study Act (S. 327/HR.359).  Both initiatives celebrate and emphasize the American Latino community and its contributions to the fabric of American history and culture. 

The Cesar Chavez Study Act will initiate a study by the Secretary of the Interior that will determine locations that are historically significant to Cesar Chavez’s legacy in his accomplishments of agrarian labor rights.  The second bill, The National Museum of American Latino Act, will create a 23 -member commission that will evaluate the prospect of building a national museum in Washington, D.C. that would honor the culture, history and accomplishments of Latinos in the United States. 

“I am greatly encouraged that soon all Americans will be able to recognize and celebrate in full scope the many accomplishments and historic contributions that Latinos have bestowed on our country’s illustrious history,” said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales.  “Our history and culture is America’s history and culture, and an institution honoring this has been long awaited.  Furthermore, Cesar Chavez’s life and accomplishments affected more than farm workers, his life motivated all those who believe in dignity and equality that is allocated to all human beings.  Reverence for this great man’s accomplishments must not parish with time, but be reinforced and upheld for years to come. ”  LULAC has already endorsed HR. 76 which will establish a national holiday for Cesar Chavez.

Latinos have been a dynamic component in all forums of American history and have been underrepresented in the celebration of America’s diversity.  Latinos are the largest minority population and their contributions transcend the battlefields of our armed forces, into entertainment, academia, sports, business, etc…  These proposals are the first step in finally recognizing the Latin American contributions to our country.  These bills will return to the House of Representatives for a procedural vote before sending it to President Bush for final ratification.

The League of United Latin American Citizens 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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