Jr. LULAC Council to Celebrate 55th Anniversary

A civic organization of Houston Latino teenagers founded in 1957 will reunite on September 15, 2012, at the Columns A Ballroom 1521 Austin Street in downtown Houston.  Established as the local youth branch of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the group will meet again for a party of reminiscence.  Known in the fifties as the Jr. LULAC Council, the group was a grassroots initiative to promote civic engagement and volunteerism among Hispanic young men and women in southeast Texas.

The event is being chaired by Irene Fuentes-Zermeno of Houston, but it was initiated by former group president Eugenia Ramirez of Branson, Missouri. “Our fellow members are always in my mind.  This is a reunion to see friends again and catch up with our lives,” said Ramirez.  “At the celebration we will recognize Eugenia as our ´madrina´ (godmother) for spearheading this great celebration,” added Fuentes-Zermeno.

In its early years, Jr. LULAC held monthly meetings, raised funds and distributed food baskets during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The group was also a source of leadership training for its members.

Many Jr. LULACs became community leaders and advocates of the rights of Latinos in different parts of the U.S.  Some club members are distinguished social activists.  Raul Coronado, for example, founded community groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  Lucy Rodriguez-Moreno led a movement to prevent the adverse effects of Houston ISD´s integration plans in the 70´s. Rudy and Aurora Rodriguez marched with UFW leader Cesar Chavez and became well known community advocates in California.

The Jr. LULAC was also an important support group and source of inspiration for its members.  Four Jr. LULAC founders found their spouses in the club. Others supported their peer´s careers in science, business and government.

The gathering event is expected to attract forty founding members from various parts of the country.  In attendance will also be Ernest Eguin, 92, the designated group sponsor when the club was established.

For more information contact:   Irene Fuentes Zermeno, (713) 436-1296

LULAC,a civil rights organization, was established in 1929 in Corpus Christi, Texas.  It is the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the United States.  Its mission is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil
right of the Hispanic population of the United States.