February 19th, 2020
La Unidad Para Siempre, Hermanos!
As we celebrate 38 years of Para Siempre, let us take a moment to acknowledge not just our history but our legacy!
Almost 40 years ago a group of men sought to fill a need and gap they witnessed and lived as Latino men pursuing higher education in a predominantly white institution. To provide a safe haven, support and a sense of brotherhood to men of shared experiences. To ultimately be the change they wished to see. Their idea prioritized providing the academic, social and community support Latino students needed to be successful. On February 19, 1982, that dream became more than a reality, it became an action.
Through our highs and lows, our successes, challenges and lessons learned, we have become a stronger organization. Our leadership over the years has brought us to the precipice of continued greatness and tremendous future possibilities. I thank all of our past leaders (National Council and Board of Directors) for their tireless commitment and leadership. We have come this far because of you and we hope you will help in contributing to a sustainable future.
Our future is built and strengthened with each line that crosses. It is guided by Hermanos celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 38 years of Hermandad. That future is sustained by all of us working together, sharing and learning from one another. We must collectively contribute to ensuring a future and leaving legacies that provide a foundation for what’s next.
Today, we are a brotherhood approaching 3,000. We are diverse, inclusive, and still leaders among our peers. This does not mean we can rest on our laurels. There is still much to do and accomplish. We are going through a period of growth and transition; walking through the proverbial fire. We will emerge on the other side renewed, reawakened, and with a broader more encompassing commitment to sustainability.
As we take a moment to pay homage to our Founding Fathers, I urge each of you to also honor your Chapter Founders and all the lines since that have built our organization, taken La Fraternidad across the country, contributed to the Hermanos we are today, and afforded us brotherhood and bonding…Para Siempre!
“All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.” – Jim Rohn
Thank you for all you do for La Fraternidad and our Hermandad! Happy Lambdaversary, Hermanos!
Para Siempre,
Hermano George Bouldin Gates, MBA
National President
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.