The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) first began in Corpus Christi in 1929. Since that time, it has grown to be one of the most respected Hispanic civil rights organizations. It was created at a critical time in the country’s history, when Latinos were racially profiled and oppressed. The founders of LULAC created the organization with the intention to empower its members and create and develop opportunities where they are needed most. As of today, LULAC is a part of many high schools, community colleges and universities such as Wilmer Hutchins High School, UNT Dallas, SMU, TWU and Dallas College Eastfield, which is currently the only Dallas College campus with a LULAC chapter.
Eastfield’s relationship with the LULAC chapter has a rich history. Although the chapter opened in 2014, it was shut down due to the COVID Pandemic.
However, in recent years, it has made a resurgence thanks to Cecilia Cruz, the former president of LULAC, and her E-Board who — with determination and perseverance — were able to revive it to its former glory. Its mis
sion is much clearer than before — to stand strong as an organization that has done so much to help people and its community, from setting up scholarships and volunteer work to defending people’s civil rights that have been violated.
The revamp of Eastfield’s LULAC Chapter is credited to a new generation of young leaders. The current LULAC committee includes Eduardo Aguilar, president of the LULAC Dallas College chapter, and his executive board: Cynthia Margarita Cruces, a first-generation college student and the new SGA President at Eastfield; Esmeralda Aguinaga; Monica Chavez; Christopher Rodriguez; and Osvaldo Reyes. Aguilar emphasizes that LULAC is “a place where everyone can have a voice, gain confidence, become a leader, build connections, and — most importantly — have a place to belong,” Aguilar said.
One board position remains open to any student who is interested in becoming a part of LULAC and making a difference in the community, advocating for people and being involved in social justice issues. Joining LULAC means empowering students, helping the community and providing a platform where members can fight for better opportunities. President Eduardo Aguilar Alarcón is fueled by the power to give back, as he describes LULAC as “a platform to students so they can reach their biggest potential so that they can help their community and be the change we need for the future.” Vice President Cynthia Margarita Cruces implores students to join and become active in creating a more unified and diverse LULAC organization by “ensuring student voices are included in our decisions, programs and outreach.” The overall purpose of the LULAC Council #22506 is to foster a supportive environment for Dallas College students by providing access to resources and volunteer opportunities through both the local community and at Eastfield College. The council aims to strengthen cultural connection, encourage community involvement and promote political activism. For more information, visit, League of United Latin American Citizens. LULAC, lulac.org.
