LULAC MARKS 97 YEARS OF DEFENDING CIVIL RIGHTS AND ADVANCING OPPORTUNITY

Nation’s Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Celebrates Record Expansion Across the US and Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today celebrates its 97th anniversary, marking nearly a century since its founding on February 17, 1929, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Established during a period of profound discrimination and segregation, LULAC was created to secure the civil rights of Latinos in the United States.

LULAC has built a legacy rooted in civic engagement, education, economic empowerment, and the defense of constitutional protections. From landmark school desegregation cases and expanding access to higher education, to combating voter suppression and advancing fair housing, workforce opportunities, and advocating for our military service members, LULAC has consistently stood at the forefront of transformative change.

“On this 97th anniversary, we honor the courage of our founders who gathered in Corpus Christi with a deep belief that Latino families deserved full equality and opportunity,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “Their conviction shaped a movement that has strengthened our democracy, expanded educational access, defended voting rights, and opened doors in every sector of American life. We are the living legacy of that determination.”

LULAC’s impact is also measured in the number of community programs built, scholarships awarded, young leaders mentored, neighborhoods revitalized, and civic participation strengthened. Through hundreds of councils nationwide, volunteers continue to address pressing challenges facing Latino communities, from digital access and economic mobility to healthcare equity and environmental justice.

“LULAC has remained at the vanguard of civil rights because our mission is clear: defend the dignity, rights, and future of Latino families,” Palomares said. “As we approach our centennial, we are not looking back with nostalgia — we are looking forward with purpose. The next century demands renewed commitment, bold leadership, and unity across generations.”

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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.