CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS (CHC) MOURNS THE LOSS OF CIVIL RIGHTS PIONEER MARIO G. OBLEDO

(Washington, DC) - The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) issued the following statement regarding the passing of Mario G. Obledo:

“Mr. Obledo had an impact on every Latino in the United States,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “He had the vision and dedication to cultivate the community’s political power by helping establish organizations like the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the Hispanic National Bar Association, and the National Coalition of Hispanic Organizations. His work to increase Latino representation at all levels of our government and society created the foundation on which the CHC stands today, and for that we are eternally thankful.”

A trailblazer, Mr. Obledo was the first Latino to head California’s Health and Welfare Agency, served as President of the League of United Latin American Citizens and Chairman of the National Rainbow Coalition. He was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998 by President Bill Clinton.

“I join San Antonians in mourning a great loss,” said Congressman Charles Gonzalez, First Vice Chair of the CHC. “Mario Obledo was a catalyst of change and a role model to many Latinos, including myself. His legacy will live on in the many important movements and organizations he started.”