LULAC Honors Community Leaders

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Local Council #3006 and in recognition of WaysOut Academy Family and Youth Services for twelve years of service to the Latino community, members and clients for both organizations gathered and selected two outstanding Latinos for their commitment and work with the Latino community and community at large.

Dr. Angelo A. Christopher was selected from the private sector for the Cesar E. Chavez Humanitarian Award for his long time dedication to the improvement of the quality of life for the poor, marginalized and the underdogs in the community.

Mr. Luis Velez, Colorado Springs Chief of Police, was selected from the government sector for the Casimiro Barela Public Service Award (Named after the Perpetual State Senator from Trinidad) for implementing innovative Police Department approaches and procedures to improve the safety and community relations with newly arrived immigrants and the Latino community.

Twenty-seven nominations were submitted to LULAC and WaysOut Academy. Twelve nominations were received for the Cesar E. Chavez Humanitarian Award and fifteen for the Casimiro Barela Public Service Award and included educators, professionals, business people, women, youth, social workers, Anglos and elder advocates.

LULAC president, Luis Cortez, stated the “The Latino community is neglectful for not recognizing and affirming individuals from the Latino community who make significant contributions to the quality of life for the total community. LULAC is pleased and proud that the two individuals selected will receive small recognition for work well done. LULAC plans to continue making these awards to deserving community members who for too long have gone without recognition for their hard work and dedication to the betterment of the total community.”

Eugene Cortez, Chair of the Selection Committee said, “The selection was difficult and required many hours of meeting and deliberation. However, two great individuals were selected.”

The committee was made up of diverse segments from the Latino community including youth, elders, rich, middle-class, poor, men and women. Members from the majority community were also included and made for an interesting discourse as the process moved along. The process was rewarding and LULAC and WaysOut Academy look forward to making the awards an annual event and recognize those in our community that are making a positive contribution,“ stated Eugene Cortez.

The awards will be made in the early part of the New Year.

LULAC is the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the United States formed to advance the economic conditions, educational attainment, access to healthcare and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs at more than 600 councils nationwide.

WaysOut Academy was founded December 3, 1992, in Colorado Springs. WaysOut focuses on advocacy, education, civil rights, immigration issues and employment opportunities for the Latino community.

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