The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is observing one of the most tumultuous times in American history with a renewed call to action encouraging Latinos to turn the dreams voiced by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. into organizing, mobilizing and turning out to vote in 2020.
“Standing on the hallowed ground with hundreds of thousands others on the National Mall during such a critical time where Dr. King spoke, we were still moved by his famous words that echoed in our minds, hearts and souls,” said Sindy Benavides, National Chief Executive Officer. “Somos Americanos, we are Americans too and today’s public action of non-violent protest is for the present generation, and as importantly, the generations to come of our children and their children. LULAC is again standing with Black Lives Matter in calling for every person qualified to vote to do so as our greatest act of protest and for a better America with justice and freedom for all, irrespective of the color of our skin, national origin or gender” she added.
The three-hour program provided a series of speakers an opportunity to add their voices to the rally cry, “Take Your Knee Off Our Necks” as part of an event organized by the Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network. “America won’t say their names, but we will never forget the names of those killed by lawless officers,” exclaimed Sharpton. “This President won’t say their names, his Administration won’t say their names and those who support him won’t either but we will never forget those murdered at the hands of police bent on doing violence to our people and our communities because of our skin color. Say their names! Say their names! Say their names!” he cried out.
“LULAC now enters the homestretch of this election season and our focus is laser clear and our determination strong,” said Benavides. “In the days and weeks to come, even with the pandemic still upon us, our members across the country and Puerto Rico will fan out deep and wide into their local communities practicing social distancing and virtually by smartphone, tablet and phone calls to get millions of their family members, friends and neighbors to cast their vote like never before. This is the time to let America know we are here and we will make our presence felt, not just in selecting the President of the United States, but every state, county and local elected office in the land!” she said.
