Contact: Catherine Easby-Smith
(202) 833-0060
manacatherine@aol.com

Washington, D.C., July 1, 2004 – The President and CEO of MANA, A National Latina Organization (MANA), Alma Morales Riojas, will attend an event at the White House today commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act, passed by Congress on July 2, 1964, was a landmark attempt to improve quality of life for minority groups in the United States.

The legislation enforced the constitutional right to vote, outlawed discrimination in public education and public areas, extended the Commission on Civil Rights, and created the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, among other changes.

“This week, we commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Many citizens have benefited from passing of the legislation; unfortunately, the overall goals of this act have not yet been realized,” stated Alma Morales Riojas, President and CEO of MANA. “There continues to be a need for constant review of the disparities that minorities face in our country. Since the 1920’s when the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) was founded and the 1940’s when Dr. Hector P. Garcia, founder of the American G.I. Forum, marched for the civil rights of Mexican Americans in the Southwest, Hispanics have sought equality and the equal opportunity to make the American Dream a reality. Our society and government deserve recognition for the strides that have been made but must continue to strive for the changes which are long overdue.”

MANA and Ms. Riojas continue to address issues of civil rights through advocacy, community service, and leadership development for Latinas.

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MANA, A National Latina Organization, is a nonprofit, advocacy organization headquartered in the nation's capital, Washington, D. C. With chapters across the country, it is the oldest National Latina membership organization in the United States. MANA, whose mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy, envisions a national community of informed Latina activists working to improve the quality of life for all Hispanics.

MANA also has the only national young Latina's mentoring program for girls 11 to 17, "HERMANITAS®" which brings over 200 girls to Washington DC to a summer institute that includes a briefing at the White House and a visit to the girls' Congressional representatives.