Driven to address the most pressing issues faced by the state’s
Latina population, the League of United Latin American Citizens met
at an inaugural conference in Monterey.
Driven to address the most pressing issues faced by the state’s Latina population, the League of United Latin American Citizens met at an inaugural conference in Monterey.
Mickie Luna, the state’s LULAC director and a Hollister resident, organized the weekend event that drew participation from representatives throughout the state.
“The purpose was to bring women together, to show support for each other and talk about concerns in the communities,” Luna said.
The California LULAC Women’s Summit also featured a prominent retired military speaker and several panels on education, criminal justice and health.
Consuelo Kickbusch, the summit’s keynote speaker, became the highest ranking woman in the Combat Support Field of the U.S. Army before retiring in 1996 after 20 years of service.
She spoke to the crowd of 123 people on her struggles with discrimination growing up in the barrios of Texas. She spoke of experiences with gangs and her rise through poverty. Kickbusch has previously given talks to more than 1 million children, according to the summit’s program.
“She was outstanding,” Luna said. “It was a privilege and honor.”
San Benito High School senior Leslie Vega – the state youth director for LULAC – had the opportunity to introduce Kickbusch. When Kickbusch finished speaking, she turned and presented Vega with a symbol of appreciation – an “oak leaf” emblem she earned as a colonel with the U.S. Army.
“There were so many emotions going through me,” Vega said. “I felt pride. I felt like I could do anything.”
Many in the crowd began to cry when Kickbusch offered the emblem, Vega said. She called the moment “a passing of the torch, of sorts.”
“Leslie was emotional,” Luna said. “She couldn’t speak. It was a touching moment.”
The summit’s three panels – organized by Rosie Murillo, the LULAC deputy state director – included professionals such as nurses, health promoters and educators, according to Murillo.
“We wanted to carry away knowledge, then go back, organize and work on these issues,” Murillo said.
The event succeeded in “highlighting” the necessary issues, Luna said.
“The Latino community for one is suffering from problems with diabetes and HIV,” Luna said. “We have to make sure people understand it has hit every ethnic group in the world.”
At the summit, LULAC formed action committees on such issues. One question brought up addressed the issue of services for Latinas who are released from prison.
“What is there for them?” Luna said. “Who’s there to hold their hands and encourage them to go to school, get a job. They are forgotten people who have a life to fulfill.”
Representatives at the summit recognized the issue as a serious problem and formed an action committee to find solutions. LULAC plans to address the California state legislature with the findings of the committees, Luna said.
LULAC also paid tribute to Helen Chavez, the widow of famous labor activist Cesar Chavez. Luna called the presentation given by Chavez’s grandchildren “the highlight of the banquet.” Helen Chavez could not attend because of last minute family obligations.
“Cesar was tired at times and ready to give up all the work he was doing,” Luna said. “Helen was there to support him.”
Participants from San Diego, San Francisco and Sacramento – to name a few – attended the event at the Hilton in Monterey, Luna said.
“It opened up my eyes and made me see some things that needed to be done,” Vega said.
Up next for LULAC is the second annual Legislative Gala Feb. 19 in Sacramento, an awards ceremony paying tribute to state legislators dedicated to issues facing the Latino community. Tickets for the event are $100. For more information call Mickie Luna at 637-1342 or 1-877-LULAC.
