LULAC Council #654

LULAC: "All for one and one for all" is still the motto"

For several generations a large portion of the southwestern United States has been plagued by a prejudicial attitude directed at a large segment of American Citizens, commonly referred to as Latin Americans, for purposes of differentiation of origin or extraction. Prejudicial attitude and discriminatory acts had reached such extreme proportions in various localities in the southwest United States, and especially in Texas, that Americans of Spanish and Mexican descent began founding organizations of all types, as defensive measures against such un-American practices.

These groups were, for the most part, centered between San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Harlingen and Laredo. In the summer of 1927, representatives of these groups met and agreed in principle to merge these organizations into a cohesive voice that would speak for all "Mejicanos". The first organizational meeting of all the groups met in Corpus Christi on February 17, 1929. One of its first rules was to prepare our people as first class citizens, to develop men and women for professional careers, and to claim our rights by a constant struggle in ending racial prejudices and other injustices that prevented our advancement and welfare.

LULAC was born in San Marcos in the winter months of 1974. A group of 15 young Hispanics -- most of them Vietnam Veterans - met in the Old First National Bank Building (presently the courthouse annex) and submitted a request to the State LULAC Office for a Charter.

The idea for a LULAC charter in San Marcos was conceived by Frank Arredondo, who at the time was an Administrative Aide in the Office of Governor Dolph Briscoe. He noticed that LULAC representatives had access to the Governor's Office and had direct lines to the White House. After researching the purpose and aims of LULAC, he was convinced that San Marcos had a need for such an organization that would spearhead education issues, intervene for less fortunate and take stands against discriminatory practices.

Frank Arredondo, along with Richard Cruz, discussed the possibility of organizing a LULAC council in San Marcos. A list of names was developed with criteria of enthusiasm, energy and commitment to the purpose and aims of LULAC. The State LULAC Director, Manuel Gonzales of Waco, was so impressed with the caliber of these young enthusiasts, he was determined to create a new district for San Marcos.

LULAC Council #654 was chartered with Frank Arredondo serving as President for the first two years.

San Marcos LULAC has also been successful in local elections, having members as Mayor, Councilmen, School Board Trustees, and appointment to the Appraisal District, Charter Review Committees, Zoning and Planning Commissions, Parks and Recreation Board, and Blue Ribbon Committees. LULAC has helped raise funds for the Hospital, Courthouse restoration, Playscape Park, Little League Teams, Boy Scouts, PeeWee Football, as well as helping pay fees for youngsters to attend workshops for leadership training and many other civic activities.

San Marcos LULAC also sponsors the "VIVA! Cinco de Mayo Celebration" and State Menudo Cook-Off! This activity has become the premier attraction in the State. Tejano Music Superstars headline the San Marcos "VIVA" nearly every year.

We have provided scholarships in excess of $200,000 over the last twenty years to San Marcos High School graduates. In addition, we have helped sponsor participants to the Lorenzo de Zavala Legislative Leadership Session.

San Marcos #654 has also assisted families and individuals that have suffered catastrophes.

Charter members Frank Arredondo, Richard Cruz, Pete Islas, Joe Lucio and Albert Sierra are still active members. San Marcos LULAC is proud and says "All for One and One for All".

Current OfficersCurrent MembersCharter MembersPast Presidents

Last Updated: March 22, 2006

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