National Council of La Raza

National Council of La Raza is a renowned Hispanic and Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, founded in 1968 by a group of Mexican-American activists, including Herman Gallegos, Julian Samora, and Ernesto Galarza. The organization has been a prominent voice for the Latino community, working closely with other organizations such as the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the League of United Latin American Citizens. Over the years, the organization has collaborated with influential figures like César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and Edward Roybal to advance the rights and interests of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

● History

The National Council of La Raza was established during a period of significant social change in the United States, with the Civil Rights Movement and the Chicano Movement gaining momentum. The organization's early years were marked by efforts to address issues such as voter suppression, discrimination, and inequality in education and employment, often working alongside organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Council of Churches. The organization's history is closely tied to that of other prominent Latino figures, including José Angel Gutiérrez, Reies López Tijerina, and Bert Corona, who played important roles in shaping the organization's mission and activities. The National Council of La Raza has also worked with Hispanic-serving institutions, such as Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and National Hispanic University, to promote higher education and career development opportunities for Latino students.

● Mission and Activities

The National Council of La Raza's mission is to improve the lives of Hispanic and Latino Americans through advocacy, community development, and social justice initiatives. The organization has been involved in a range of activities, including voter registration drives, census outreach, and health care reform efforts, often in partnership with organizations like the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund. The organization has also worked to promote financial literacy and economic empowerment through initiatives such as the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda and the Latino Coalition. Additionally, the National Council of La Raza has collaborated with corporate partners like Walmart, Target, and Bank of America to support Latino-owned businesses and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

● Controversies and Criticisms

The National Council of La Raza has faced criticism and controversy over the years, particularly with regards to its stance on immigration reform and its relationships with corporate sponsors. Some critics, including Glenn Beck and Lou Dobbs, have accused the organization of promoting open borders and amnesty for undocumented immigrants, while others have criticized the organization's acceptance of funding from corporations with questionable labor practices. The organization has also faced criticism from some Latino activists, who argue that it has become too mainstream and establishment-oriented, losing sight of its original social justice mission. Despite these criticisms, the National Council of La Raza has continued to work with a range of organizations, including the AFL-CIO, the Service Employees International Union, and the United Farm Workers, to promote the rights and interests of Latino workers.

● Rebranding and Name Change

In 2017, the National Council of La Raza announced that it would be changing its name to UnidosUS, a move that was seen as an effort to rebrand the organization and appeal to a broader audience. The name change was met with both praise and criticism, with some arguing that it marked a significant shift in the organization's mission and identity, while others saw it as a necessary step to remain relevant and effective in a changing social justice landscape. The rebranding effort was led by Janet Murguía, the organization's president and CEO, who has worked to build partnerships with organizations like the Ford Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to support the organization's mission and activities.

● Programs and Initiatives

UnidosUS has launched a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting Latino empowerment and social justice, including the UnidosUS Action Fund, the UnidosUS Institute for Hispanic Education, and the UnidosUS Affiliate Network. The organization has also worked to promote Latino representation in media and entertainment, partnering with organizations like the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Hispanic Media Coalition to support diversity and inclusion initiatives. Additionally, UnidosUS has collaborated with health organizations like the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association to promote health education and health care access for Latino communities.

● Leadership and Governance

UnidosUS is led by a board of directors that includes prominent Latino leaders and activists, such as Henry Cisneros, Antonia Hernandez, and Arturo Vargas. The organization's leadership has been recognized for its commitment to social justice and Latino empowerment, with Janet Murguía receiving awards and honors from organizations like the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda and the Latino Leaders Network. The organization's governance structure includes a range of committees and task forces focused on issues like education, health care, and economic development, which work to inform and guide the organization's mission and activities.