Title: The Origins and Contributions of LULAC · South Texas Stories · Bell Library Exhibits
Headings: 
The Origins and Contributions of LULAC
By: Malcolm Konicek
Bibliography

Content: This sparked the beginning of a unified organization that would play a direct role in the American civil rights movement. The post-World War II era was a major turning point in Mexican American politics because LULAC had more members and involvement than ever before. Mexican American veterans believed they have proven, through their brave military service that they have the right to be considered “equal” in American society. [ 8] Mexican Americans created a political agenda centered on institutional reform, social integration, and equal opportunity. From 1945 to 1965, one of LULAC’s goals was fighting communism through community literacy programs, working for elimination of poverty, organizing citizenship classes, curbing juvenile delinquency, helping to eliminate school dropouts, creating equal employment opportunities, and encouraging all programs to educate their people. [ 9] This became an important context LULAC established because the Cold War was going on during this time between the United States and USSR. LULAC members saw themselves as joining the fight against communism and protecting capitalism but in order to do this, they wanted to blend into American society. The first problems they faced involved a contradiction between their love of the country and its widespread racism. [ 10] This guided LULAC’s focus with racist ideology in the nation and turned their attention to discrimination. One of LULAC’s long-term accomplishments was their attempt to desegregate the segregated schools in Texas.