Delegates eye conference

By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the NEWS

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) remains a steadfast force in the Rio Grande Valley, where its members do more than advocate—they act.

From delivering food by boat to flood-stricken residents in Green Valley Farms to organizing peaceful protests for immigrant workers facing unjust removal, their work is deeply rooted in the soil of local life.

This spirit of service and resilience motivates their latest initiative: raising funds to send four delegates to the national LULAC conference in Long Beach, California, from August 6-8.

Elias Cantu Jr., Communications Director for the local council — LULAC Council 22347 – Juan Rivera Sr. & Veterans, and a 20-year member of LULAC, explains why attending the national conference is so important.

“It is important to have representation from our district at the national conference because there are resolutions that will be presented that were voted on during the state convention, and we want to make sure that those resolutions are passed at the national level,” he said.

Delegates from this area have already participated in the recent state convention held in New Braunfels, Texas. Still, funding will determine whether all four can make the trip to California. Their presence is vital.
According to Cantu, the issues discussed include civic engagement, civil rights, economic empowerment, education, health, housing, immigration, public service, and technology.

“LULAC will continue being the voice for issues that affect Latinos when it comes to our programs such as civic engagement, civil rights, economic empowerment, education, health, housing, immigration, public service, or technology,” Cantu said.

Locally, the council has not waited for resolutions to act. When immigration enforcement led to employees being removed from area restaurants, the council stepped up to organize a peaceful protest in downtown San Benito.

“We were the voice for the restaurants and the employees as we could see how this would affect the local economy, especially with the outcome being that businesses would be short-staffed and families were being separated without a guarantee of them having due process based on their basic civil rights,” Cantu said.

That protest not only brought awareness to a pressing issue but also strengthened the organization. “This event helped bring awareness to this issue and resulted in persons expressing interest in joining LULAC and becoming members by signing up at the peaceful protest,” he added.

In times of natural disaster, the council’s commitment has also been evident. Volunteers equipped with small boats and trucks navigated flooded roads to deliver food to those isolated by recent rains. These acts of hands-on support underline the group’s connection to the community they serve, making their presence at the national conference even more essential.

To fund the trip, the council has launched a turkey leg fundraiser. Each $15 leg will be cooked by Baldemar Ramirez, who volunteered to help after being contacted by LULAC District Director Federico Garza.

Smoked and generously portioned, the turkey legs offer a flavorful way for the community to support the delegates’ upcoming trip. The sale allows the group to raise money for travel, registration, and lodging without relying solely on traditional donations.

Proceeds will help cover the costs of registration, airfare, lodging, and ground transportation for the delegates. Orders can be placed by emailing eliascantujr@gmail.com or calling (214) 457-3869, with delivery available in the Harlingen and San Benito areas.

“We have members helping to sell turkey legs. We also have friends and family who have already placed their orders,” Cantu said. For delegates who have never attended the national conference due to financial constraints, this fundraiser offers a much-needed chance to participate on a larger stage.

“It would be greatly appreciated because several delegates have never attended the LULAC National Conference due to the cost involved, but this year we plan to change that,” Cantu said. “To make it possible, we do need your support.”

For Cantu, this is more than a fundraiser. It is a call for the community to rally behind those who voice their concerns. In the smoky aroma of each turkey leg, the hope is that local support will drive a journey of representation and change.