This article was contributed by Diana Lopez with the BenitoLink Junior Journalism Project.
Leadership skills and friendships were built during the 2019 League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) State Convention. The state convention hosted a variety of youth, young adult and adult councils from places like San Benito County, Riverside County and more. The gathering took place in Anaheim, CA from May 17-19.
The convention featured a number of speakers. There was a women’s luncheon on the May 18, where many strong women gave inspirational speeches. Chandra Lopez-Brooks, former vice-chair of the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women and co-director of the San Jose Women’s March, spoke about being informed and empowered. She mentioned her book “Black, Brown, and Political” in the process.
A variety of workshops took place at the state convention. Pat Alviso, Ed Garza, and Lisa Pederson presented one workshop called Youth Activism. That workshop focused on countering militarism on campus. Joel Lehi presented a workshop on LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and more) that educated everybody on what each letter represented and how to support anyone who represents those letters.
The next LULAC Youth Council meeting will be on May 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the San Benito High School campus. Contact Mickey Luna at (831) 673-2009 for more information.
BenitoLink Junior Journalism, Latinx and Inclusionx programs come from the generous support of United Way of San Benito County, AT&T Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Taylor Farms. These programs enable local San Benito County youth to develop professional and employable skills that help pave their way for a more successful future.
