The oldest Latino civil rights organization in the United States began its annual national convention on the Las Vegas Strip. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) convention, now in its 95th year, is taking place at Caesars Palace until Saturday. LULAC CEO Juan Proaño mentioned that the organization has over 140,000 members and 500 councils across various U.S. cities.
The convention, themed “Empowering the Next Generation,” will include panels, immigration and soccer clinics, and a job fair. Most of the convention events are free to attend, and there will also be community events organized by LULAC. For instance, LULAC collaborated with Tyson Foods to donate 30,000 pounds of protein to the local Three Square Food Bank to support those facing food insecurity in Southern Nevada.
U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Santos will discuss the complexities of Latino identity, highlighting the importance of understanding the Latino demographic. Additionally, Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will visit local small businesses with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford.
Prominent figures like Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Nevada State University President DeRionne Pollard are scheduled to speak at the convention. Chicano actor and comedian George Lopez will receive a LULAC “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his contributions.
Discussions at the convention will cover various topics including the Latino vote, climate change, diversity, immigration, and artificial intelligence. Proaño emphasized the economic and cultural impact of the Latino population in the U.S. while also addressing wage disparities in the workforce. He assured that LULAC is committed to providing legal resources and challenging any legislation or executive orders that threaten the rights of Latinos and other minority groups.
The convention serves as a platform to address critical issues affecting the Latino community and to celebrate its achievements and contributions to society. It brings together leaders, experts, and advocates to collaborate and strategize on ways to empower the next generation of Latino Americans. Through discussions, presentations, and community engagement, LULAC aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
