United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mourns Loss of Civil Rights Pioneer Dr. Mario Obledo

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) which represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses and over 200 local Hispanic chambers of commerce nationwide, joins the nation in mourning the loss of a great leader in the passing of Dr. Mario G. Obledo.

As a leader in Hispanic affairs for over fifty years, Dr. Mario G. Obledo worked tirelessly to advance the civil rights and concerns of Hispanics in our nation. As founder and President of the National Coalition of Hispanic Organizations and co-founder of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and the Hispanic National Bar Association, he was responsible for bringing national attention to issues affecting the Hispanic community.

United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairman David C. Lizarraga said: "While saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Mario Obledo, I celebrate the life of this humble Latino giant and pioneer. His imprint on the lives of the common man and woman is a legacy that will impact our children and our children's children for generations to come. Commonly referred to as simply "Mario," Dr. Obledo was an eminently well-educated and accomplished visionary, advocate, and change agent, who knew the importance of penetrating the system and changing it from within, while still remaining accessible and responsive to the needs of our community."

Dr. Obledo served on several influential boards and was a faculty member of the Harvard School of Law.  He also held local, district, state and national offices in the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). As past Chairman of the National Rainbow Coalition, he aimed to politically unite and mobilize the various ethnic, racial and religious groups in America. However, his "greatest accomplishment in life" was bringing thousands of Hispanics into state government as California Secretary of Health and Welfare.

Dr. Obledo was the recipient of the OHTLI award, the highest award bestowed by Mexico on a foreigner. In 1998, he was recognized by then President William J. Clinton with the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award.  He held a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Doctorate of Law degree (J.D.) from St. Mary's University in San Antonio.  Dr. Obledo received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the California State University, Sacramento in May 2010. 

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate nearly $400 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce