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Mayor de Blasio, Sen. Bennet and Mexican Ambassador Join LULAC in Honoring Outstanding Service to the Hispanic Community

Oldest and largest U.S. Hispanic advocacy organization honors heroes Ruben Garcia and Kendrick Castillo

MILWAUKEE (July 12, 2019) – Today, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) gathered in the key electoral city of Milwaukee to celebrate its Presidential Awards Banquet, honoring individuals who have given outstanding service to the Hispanic community throughout the year. Hon. Martha Bárcena Coqui, Mexican Ambassador to the United States, joined LULAC for the celebration, along with Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO); New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Hon. Carmelo Rios, Puerto Rico Senate Majority Leader and NHCSL President, and Ruben Garcia, Director of Annunciation House and Ohtli Award Winner.

“LULAC is committed to protecting and defending Latinos across the United States and Puerto Rico,” said Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President. “We are proud tonight to honor those who have dedicated their lives to helping others and making this a better world. They are a powerful reminder of the qualities that make our community great.”

LULAC is proud to honor Ruben Garcia, Director of Annunciation House and Ohtli Award Winner, an honor bestowed by the Government of Mexico to those who have dedicated their lives to improving the wellbeing of Mexicans living abroad. Ruben Garcia founded Annunciation House in 1978 in El Paso, Texas, which aids immigrants fleeing violence in Mexico and Central America.

LULAC also honored Kendrick Castillo with the LULAC Medal of Honor for Heroism at tonight's presidential dinner. Kendrick was an 18-year-old who was killed while bravely trying to stop a gunman during the shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch. The medal was presented to Kendrick’s parents, John and Maria Castillo by President Garcia.

“For 90 years, LULAC has been very successful in organizing and raising the voice of the Latino communities in the United States,” said Martha Bárcena Coqui, Mexican Ambassador to the United States. “The Government of Mexico acknowledges the milestones reached by LULAC. As major challenges lie ahead, more than ever, the work of LULAC will be key to promote the advancement of the Latino community. The Latino community is a pivotal element of the past, the present and the future of the U.S.A.”

More about the LULAC’s 90th Annual Convention

Led by LULAC President Domingo Garcia and CEO Sindy Benavides, LULAC’s four-day convention will bring together over 20,000 Latino leaders from across the country for seminars and notable events, including a Presidential Town Hall with 2020 candidates: Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT); Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA); former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro; and former Representative Beto O’Rourke (D-TX). LULAC will host events on its National Stage featuring Second Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden (2009 – 2017); Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO); U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI); New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio; and Marianne Williamson. An agenda and list of speakers is available here. Select events, including the Presidential Town Hall, will be live streamed at www.lulac.org/live.

For more information on interview opportunities, please contact Cristina Rue at crue@skdknick.com or (937) 479-9330 or Mary Ellen Garrett at mgarrett@skdknick.com or (202) 510-2760. For your broadcast A/V needs, please reach out to Marcela Salazar at msalazar@skdknick.com or (202) 567-1163.

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