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: Over 500,000 Mexicans immigrated to the United States between 1921 and 1929. [ 5] This caused fear in the Anglo-American population but also steered towards the creation of political organizations such as the Order of the Sons of America. Ben Garza, Jr. contacted smaller organizations and held meetings to possibly merge all these organizations into one in 1926. [ 6] Other Mexican American organizations including the Older Sons of America, the Knights of America, and the League of Latin American Citizens created and formed LULAC. [ 7] These organizations teamed up for a cause and brought together their ideas in fighting for Mexican-American civil rights. 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. [