Washington, D.C. (June12, 2001) - Important legislation to honor the contributions of minority women to women's suffrage and to make America a more just nation will be introduced in Congress, Wednesday, June 20th, 2001. MANA, A National Latina Organization (MANA), as a group that is dedicated to working for and with women, urged lawmakers to sponsor this bill that will create a monument to commemorate the contributions of minority women's suffrage and to recognize the accomplishments of minority women in the United States.

The bill that will be introduced into The House of Representatives calls for the creation of a monument that will include depictions of African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Jewish American and Native American women.

"Thousands of people visit the Rotunda in the Capitol each day, many of these visitors are young people," said Alma Morales Riojas, President and CEO. "Currently, there are no depictions of minority women and their contributions to America in the Capitol," she continued. "The lack of representation of minority women in the Rotunda may lead visitors to think that minority women did not contribute to the history of America. Minority women have played a major role in American history and our story as well as our contributions should be a permanent part of the People's Capitol."

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 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. For more information please e-mail us at hermana2@aol.com .