LULAC TO HOST WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH VIRTUAL TALK WITH DR. CYNTHIA OROZCO ON THE LEGACY AND LEADERSHIP OF LATINASNation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization explores the historic role of Latinas in shaping LULAC and the broader struggle for equality in the United States.Washington, D.C. — In observance of Women's History Month, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) will host a special virtual presentation by noted historian Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco on Tuesday, March 10, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, examining the evolution of Latina participation in the civic and civil rights struggle of Mexican Americans and Latinos in the United States. "Most people believe that Mexican American and Latina women were not involved in politics or civic life before the 1970s, particularly before the Chicano Movement," said Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco. "This presentation will challenge that myth by showing how women participated in civic and political life long before that era. It also confronts the stereotype that Latina women were passive or submissive. The historical record tells a very different story." Dr. Orozco, who serves as National LULAC Historian, is among the nation's pioneering scholars in Chicana and Latino history. She is Professor Emeritus of History and Humanities at Eastern New Mexico University–Ruidoso. She is recognized as the 13th Chicana in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in history, at a time when only about 120 Chicanas nationwide hold such a degree. Her research on LULAC dates back to 1978, when she began studying the organization as a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, launching a decades-long career documenting the civic leadership and political activism of Mexican Americans and Latinos. "LULAC was created in 1929 by men for men, and women were initially excluded," Orozco explained. "But women found creative ways to participate despite those barriers—organizing fundraising efforts, supporting civic campaigns, and forming Ladies Auxiliaries that helped sustain the movement. By the early 1930s, leaders recognized that excluding women had been a mistake, and the creation of Ladies LULAC councils opened the door for greater participation and leadership." Her talk will focus especially on the decades before the Chicano Movement, a period often overlooked in historical narratives but critical in understanding the foundations of Latino civil rights activism. "This history fills an important void," Orozco said. "Most of us learned little about Mexican American and Latina women's civic and political work between 1929 and 1970. When we uncover those stories, we're surprised. It builds pride and reminds us that earlier generations—women and men alike—faced even greater obstacles and still dared to step forward and fight for the welfare of our community." To join the presentation, click here 
# # # About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit www.LULAC.org. About Dr. Cynthia Orozco
Dr. Orozco's distinguished career includes numerous national recognitions, including the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies Scholar Award (2023) and the National LULAC Education Raymond Telles Award (2023). She is a Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow, a past board member of the Organization of American Historians, and has served on the New Mexico Humanities Council, appointed by former Governor Bill Richardson. She also received the Eastern New Mexico University–Ruidoso President's Award for Teaching and Service and national recognition in Women's Studies scholarship.
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