The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest Latino advocacy organization in the United States, is changing its name to UnidosUS to make it less polarizing and more inclusive.
President and CEO Janet Murguía said the name change was three years in the making and was in response to NCLR members who felt the term “raza” was outdated and didn’t resonate with them.
“‘Unidos’ literally means ‘united.’ It is our belief that in unity there is strength, and in strength there is power,” Murguía said in a video announcing the change. “And UnidosUS spotlights our commitment to uniting all communities across the U.S. and reinforces Latinos’ role as a unifying force and voice.”
Murguía said that Unidos is a call to action for all Hispanics. “But also signals a message for others to join us and to come together united in the best interests of our country and all Americans,” she said. “So we invite you too to join us in our pursuit to strengthen and unite all communities across the U.S.
Together, we can achieve an America where economic, political, and social advancement is a reality for all–including Latinos – where our community’s contributions are recognized, and where everyone can thrive. We are UnidosUS,” she added.
