LULAC

The League of United Latin American Citizens, one of the most influential American political groups of the twentieth century, was founded in Corpus Christi through the merger of the Order of Sons of America of Corpus Christi, the Knights of America of San Antonio, and the Latin American Citizens League of the Rio Grande Valley. The organizational meeting was held in Obreros Hall on Feb. 17, 1929, with 25 delegates and 125 observers, and local businessman Ben Garza served as chairman. At the first general convention in Corpus Christi in May 1929, Garza was elected president, Andres de Luna was secretary, and Louis Wilmot was treasurer. LULAC became a pioneer in developing social and educational programs for Hispanic-Americans, including assistance for the elderly and needy, adult basic education classes, prisoner rehabilitation, job training, preschool programs, and sponsorship of housing projects and youth organizations. As a nationwide organization, it continues to lead in developing programs for the betterment of the Hispanic-American community.

Corpus Christi, Texas · United States