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LULAC to hold state convention in Douglas

Larry Blaskey/The Daily Dispatch

The 55th Annual League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Convention will be held in Douglas in mid-may.

The convention's topic will center on "Border Issues and Civil Rights" from Friday through Sunday, May 19-21. The Gadsden Hotel, City of Douglas Visitor Center, and the Cochise College are the setting for this year's convention.

The event is sponsored by PPEP Farmworker Adult LULAC Council #1088 of Tucson, #1095 from Douglas and #1099 from Elfrida.

The LULAC State Convention provides professional development workshops and presentations targeted to the needs of Latinos. The Awards Banquet highlights the contributions that Latinos have made in Arizona and to this country.

This year's convention will feature workshops on civil rights, education, minuteman intrusion, immigration women issues, microbusiness and housing development, and issues for youth.

A special graduation ceremony for the PPEP-TEC Raul H. Castro Learning Center will be held on Friday May 18th beginning at 7 p.m. at the Cochise College. Most of those graduating are LULAC members.

Registration is $20.00 per person and $15.00 for youth (includes Awards Banquet); and the Awards Banquet Only: $25 per person or $250 per table.

For more information, contact Connie or Mayra @ 520-622-3553; Fax: 520-622-1480.

Douglas perfect spot

During the Monday Douglas Chamber of Commerce meeting, Ginny Jordan in speaking a bout the conference pointed out the importance of Hispanics in this community.

"Douglas has over 87% of its population Hispanic. Of those, it is estimated that when one goes home and walks in the door that 75% of us speak Spanish in the home," she said.

"Our good neighbor, Agua Prieta, is our primary customer in our businesses

"National Media is dictating how the world sees us. What we read and see on television can be so different from what we experience. We live a live on the border that most Americans do not experience.

We walk around quietly telling each other what we feel and being afraid to be looked at as un-American, she said

"This convention is important. We (Hispanics) need to unite and began to become more visible in decisions on how the world sees us, laws that impact our businesses, lives, and families.

Economic impact

This convention could have a great impact on the local economy - lodging, restaurants, and retail stores.

It is estimated that the convention will draw 250 participants.

Arizona states that for every visitor to your community they will spend $50 if they only spend the day; and $150 per day if they spend the night. The conference goes for 3 days and 2 nights.

If state's figures hold true, the direct economic impact will be at least $87,500, while the indirect economic impact to Douglas will be more than $200,000.

"This is a great opportunity for Douglas," she said.

LULAC

With approximately 115,000 members through out the United States today is the largest and one of the oldest Hispanic Organization in the United States. LULAC history is over 75 years old. Founded at a time when discrimination and prejudice were ramped to unite in "All for One....One for All".

LULAC's are community based and each council focus is on what membership deems a priority in their area. 1095 focus has been that of scholarship. To name a few

Historically issues have focused on:

* Scholarships

* Citizenship classes

* Voter registration drives

* Leadership training programs,

* Immigration issues, educational attainment

* Civil rights

Today in the United States there are more than 35,305,818 million Hispanics. Arizona is sixth in the Hispanic Population preceded by California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois.

Of the 35 million Hispanics 50 percent have origins in Mexico.

"Today as never before Hispanics need to step up to the plate and get involved. The LULAC state convention will be addressing the topic of Border Issues and Civil Rights. Topics that are or can be controversial in today's world. . . .But directly have an impact on Hispanics," Jordan concluded