NCLR Begins Countdown to 2017 Annual Conference Paying Tribute to the American Journey

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NCLR Begins Countdown to 2017 Annual Conference Paying Tribute to the American Journey

PHOENIX—At a morning press briefing today, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) President and CEO Janet Murguía joined Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego and NCLR Affiliate leaders to unveil the lineup of featured speakers and events for the 2017 NCLR Annual Conference and National Latino Family Expo®, which will be held July 8–11 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

With Phoenix—the city of NCLR’s founding—as our backdrop, this year’s Conference theme, Nuestro Movimiento: Our American Journey, will pay tribute to the organization’s evolution from a community-based nonprofit into the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization leading a network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations. The events will reflect on NCLR’s decades-long service and contributions to the Latino community, and will set the stage for the work that lies ahead. The theme is particularly timely this year as the organization approaches its 50th anniversary.

“We are excited that Phoenix, a city with such a vibrant Latino community and where NCLR was born in 1968, will be the site of this year’s NCLR Annual Conference and Expo. During these challenging times for our nation, we are looking forward to welcoming thousands of leaders from across the country to get them informed, energized and active in helping to move the Latino community forward and also have the opportunity to celebrate the progress we’ve made since our institution was founded 49 years ago,” Murguía said.

“Welcoming NCLR home to Phoenix is going to be huge because Latino leaders and decision-makers from across the country will gather here to discuss major civil rights issues and strategies for moving our country forward,” said Mayor Stanton. “This will be one of the most important conversations in our country—and it will be happening right here where I would argue that it will have the most impact.”

“I’m excited to welcome NCLR back to Phoenix for their Annual Conference and Latino Expo, and to welcome thousands of leaders who are working hard every day to improve the lives of Latinos across the country. At a time when so much is at stake, it’s more important than ever to cultivate leadership, empower communities, and invest in those who are working to address the critical issues we face today. After nearly half a century of working toward those goals, it’s fitting that NCLR is returning to the city where they were founded—our vibrant, diverse home—to celebrate and build upon their progress,” said Representative Gallego.

The NCLR Annual Conference, title sponsored by Toyota, is the premier event for the nation’s largest gathering of community leaders, activists and changemakers. The event brings together a wide array of prominent voices and influential leaders representing the political, philanthropic and corporate sectors to address critical and timely issues impacting the Latino community. Some of our high-profile guests have included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; former Governor of Maryland Martin O’Malley; Attorney General Eric Holder; Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; and former President Barack Obama. Through a series of informative town halls and cutting-edge workshops, the NCLR Annual Conference offers attendees a three-day forum to engage, strategize and learn from the work being done in the areas of immigration, education, economy, health and workforce development.

Complementing this year’s slate of speakers and town hall sessions is the National Latino Family Expo, one of the largest events in the country focused on resources and activities for the Latino family. One of the main attractions of the Conference, the National Latino Family Expo will feature more than 100 exhibitors showcasing their products and services, as well as live entertainment and giveaways, free health screenings, and demonstrations. UPS, Health Net of Arizona and Cenpatico Integrated Care are co–title sponsors of the National Latino Family Expo.

To obtain media credentials for the 2017 NCLR Annual Conference, visit http://www.cvent.com/d/gvqj43/4W.