August 7, 2019

From the Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Incorporated.

The members of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. are heartbroken over the recent wave of mass shootings, which has led to the deaths and injury of dozens of individuals throughout the country. These tragedies are compounded by the notion that the shootings in El Paso, Texas were racially motivated, carried out by a domestic terrorist with white supremacist ideology that purposely targeted people of color, and specifically Latinos, people he considered “invaders” in these United States.

La Unidad Latina was founded to uplift and empower the Latino community, and we cannot stand by when there are those who want to destroy lives simply because our community exists. We condemn in the strongest terms the ideologies of white nationalism and white supremacy, and the growing anti-Latino sentiment perpetuated by those of power and privilege who are purposely scapegoating Latinos to distract others from tackling the real challenges that face this country.

La Unidad Latina believes that there is more that unites than divides the people of this great country. Our membership includes individuals from almost all 50 states and territories. It includes veterans and active service members, law enforcement, government officials and  first responders. We include teachers, doctors, lawyers and financial professionals, artists and activists, non-profit leaders and entrepreneurs. All make this country great with their innovation and dedication to service and community. Though we may differ by socioeconomic status, politics, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or ability, we call each other HERMANO, because we understand that these very differences allow us to bring our unique experiences and skills to the table, and work together to accomplish our common goals and dreams.

We know the United States will overcome this era of fear and division. We know that our fellow countrymen will come together and see the Latino community, not as invaders needing to be attacked, but as brothers and sisters that should be embraced. We know that true patriotic Americans know to reject the hateful language and ideology infecting our national discourse. We know this because we see the good in people every single day.

Our membership will continue to work toward uplifting our community. We ask that all Americans stand with us, condemn these brutal attacks, and speak out against divisive rhetoric and ideologies. We ask that people pressure their elected representatives to do the work of the people, and make this country safer, not only from enemies abroad, but from enemies within.  We ask that the media recognize White nationalism and White supremacy for the terrorist ideology that it is, and call out those who perpetuate these ideologies, overtly or implicitly.

Our hearts go out to the families of all those whose lives were cut short in these tragic days.  We stand with you, as do the best that is this country. To our Hermanos with family in El Paso, we stand with you, Para Siempre. We ARE America, and America is us.

The Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc.

Bronx, NY - September 15, 2018

Bronx, NY – On Saturday September 15, 2018, over 80 Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc gathered at Havana Bronx Cafe to celebrate brotherhood. The purpose of the event was to reignite the fraternal passion within a select group of Hermanos who joined the fraternity in 1982 – 2002.

The luncheon attracted Hermanos from Rhode Island to Maryland, and as far west as Texas. One dedicated Hermano who lives in Australia successfully arranged a work trip to be present for this occasion. In attendance were 6 past National Council Presidents, 4 Past Chairmen of the Board of Directors, and numerous Hermanos who have served La Fraternidad in various capacities, such as chapter Presidents, members of the Board of Directors, National Council officers or on Regional Leadership teams.

The focus of the event was to promote fraternal relevance, and to underscore how the fraternity can continue to play a role in the lives of Hermanos who are now in their 40’s and 50’s. La Unidad Para Siempre does not end when adult life begins and it can continue to inspire camaraderie and connection as our alumni age gracefully. Brotherhood evolves and this gathering was the first of many future efforts to demonstrate how the fraternity can evolve too.

During the event, a new partnership was unveiled. The fraternity, in conjunction with La Unidad Latina Service and Education Fund (SEF), announced a groundbreaking opportunity by recognizing a class of SEF donors as lifetime Hermanos. By donating $1,750 to the newly created “Gold Gives Back” fund, Hermanos will be eligible to receive a Lifetime Hermano designation, regardless of their dues-paying status. This dedicated fund through SEF allows Alumni Hermanos to make tax-deductible donations of $1,750 and to be recognized as Lifetime Active Hermanos of LUL. This restricted fund will be disbursed to LUL by SEF on a grant application basis and will only fund programs and initiatives that serve SEF’s purpose – to fulfill Las Metas of La Unidad Latina.

This announcement was received with such enthusiasm, that approximately $40,000 was pledged to SEF that day. With a sustainable financial operation, the goal is to ensure these grants serve as a catalyst for initiatives to focus on accelerating the growth of seasoned Latino leaders who strive to reach the highest rung of the ladder as community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, professionals or as parents.

Together, LUL and SEF are committed to fulfilling this vision.