Contested elections have LULAC in turmoil

OPINION

Last week I was honored to be present at the 85^th annual convention of LULAC in New York City. I was there as an author, signing my memoir along with several other Hispanic authors.

It was good to see so many old friends and pleasing to know that the oldest and largest Hispanic organization in America marshals onward. LULAC was founded in 1929, to protect the rights of Mexican-Americans who were victims of ethnic prejudice and blatant discrimination in south Texas.

While Mexican-Americans were routinely shot and killed by European settlers after the Mexican-American War, it became an especially violent time during the early 1920’s. Mexican-Americans weren’t allowed to share the same dining locations, bathrooms, or water fountains with Whites, thus it was common to see signs posted all over south Texas that read, “We serve Whites only, no Spanish or Mexicans.”

More Mexican-Americans were lynched during this period than Blacks during the Civil War. And also during this period it’s been reported that Texas Rangers and others killed over 200,000 Mexican-Americans in the Rio Grande Valley alone. It was this violence that prompted a group of Mexican-American men from Corpus Christi to form an organization they would initially name, the League of Latin American Citizens, only to change that name it to its present name, The League of United Latin American Citizens.

The historical significance of LULAC is recognized throughout much of the country, and at last week’s convention the tall order of sponsors, from Comcast to Coca Cola to Target was visible; this served as a reminder that this once struggling organization has raised itself to the forefront of American policy influence with strong corporate support.

Certainly the commitment and support of LULAC members contribute to its current success and endurance. Yet, sadly there was much infighting in the back rooms week regarding who was going to be the next National President of LULAC.

Contested elections

As of this week, reports are that the winner was a young woman from Illinois who has been a long time LULAC member by the name of Maggie Rivera. However, her opponent Roger Rocha of Texas and his supporters have decided to contest the election results.

There are several legal events that have brought this election to a standstill, but it basically comes down to this: Texans want to keep control of the organization. LULAC was not only founded in Texas, but has been led by Texans for 85 years. Yet, the lion’s share of the membership comes from different parts of the country so this may be the time to change venues, change attitudes and change leadership.

Those who insist that Texans should remain in charge are missing so much in these contested elections – they, like the Republicans, don’t realize the demographics around them have changed, and its time to welcome that change or be neutralized by the “they keep talking to themselves,” syndrome—which leads to becoming irrelevant.

LULAC has bigger fish to fry

If LULAC was a small non-essential organization, I’d say they could slug it out all they want, no one is watching. But LULAC isn’t a small irrelevant organization. It’s a major player in policy making in this country as it relates not only to Hispanics but also to those that are struggling to become a part of the American Dream, partly due to the discrimination that continues to plague this country.

As we speak, there is a long list of social issues that require the Latino community’s attention, beginning with immigration reform. The LULAC leadership should be front and center on this issue, talking with local, state and national leaders, and the White House on how to resolve not only the current southwest border crisis but how best to address immigration overall.

Instead, the LULAC leadership is bringing its fight to the national scene and coming across as “petty squabblers” rather than serious players on the policy end of things.

For years, Hispanics have long been accused by the media and non-Hispanics of not being able to get along. We have this reputation whether we want it or not, and this latest incident with LULAC doesn’t help to dispel the stereotype. Admittedly, Hispanics aren’t monolithic; we may speak Spanish and have Spanish surnames but our history and purpose for being in this country can be quiet different.

Regardless, as Hispanics we should be aware of LULAC’s motto coined by one of its founders, J. T. Canales: “All for one and one for all.”

This served their purpose in getting started 85 years ago and should serve the purpose to bring together the squabbling leadership of LULAC; they should heed the advice of their very own motto, otherwise LULAC risks becoming a non-player on America’s policy making scene.

SEE ALSO: LULAC president Margaret Moran to carry on with Hispanic Inclusion at HACR