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Title
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National Chicano Advocacy Groups: MALDEF, SCLR and SVREP
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Description
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Mexican American Legal Defence and Education Fund (MALDEF)
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) was established in 1968 to battle voter suppression tactics, using the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund as a model. In 1970, MALDEF successfully challenged a Texas legislative initiative that had created “mega districts,” which the U.S. Supreme Court later ruled unconstitutional for inhibiting minority voter participation. This ruling led to the Voting Rights Act of 1975.
Southwest Council of La Raza (SCLR)
The Southwest Council of La Raza (SCLR) was founded in 1968 in Phoenix, Arizona, by Herman Gallegos, Dr. Julian Samora, and Dr. Ernesto Galarza with the goal of reducing poverty and discrimination, and to improve life opportunities for Latino Americans. Their initial efforts were focused on the Southwestern states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado. In 1972 they opened a national headquarters in Washington, D.C. with a new name, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), which reflected their expansion into communities across the United States. These actions supported advocacy, developed resources, and helped strengthen Hispanic community-based organizations.
Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP)
One of the most successful advocacy groups was founded in 1974 by William C. Velásquez. The goal of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP) was to mobilize and empower the Latino community by facilitating voter registration drives and initiating legal challenges. By 1988 a total of 75 lawsuits had been filed to help undo gerrymandering and eliminate language barriers and other voter suppression practices.
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Identifier
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B4SV Exhibit Topic Six: Slide 006
