LULAC Salutes Latino Dads On Father's Day!

Nation's Largest and Oldest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Roles for Papá Vary Depending on Generation, Background, and Location

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is celebrating Father's Day with an invitation. Consider how fathers in the United States and Puerto Rico see their lives and responsibilities transforming in a fast-changing society.

Many first-generation immigrant Latino fathers see their work as the primary breadwinner to be the most important job as a dad. The conclusion comes from a study funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of America's essential farmworkers. Many dads' sunrise to sunset workday is not as involved in their children's education. Also, they may seldom communicate with their children's teachers. Instead, they rely on their wives or other family members. Sociologists recommend that teachers include new cultural information into children's curriculum that reflects Latino fathers in a positive light more accurately.

"My father was up before dawn and worked hard every day in construction and other labor jobs, so that meant he couldn't come to see me play sports in school or be there as much, and yes, it bothered me growing up," says Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President. "There were also those days when he took me with him to work all day in the sun. I have to tell you; it was not something that, as a kid, I wanted to do. Later, as I grew up, I realized why my father did this and that he was with me every day. My work ethic and achievements as an adult resulted from the example he had set for me. His way of life taught me that hard work is a blessing, not a curse, and sacrifice is what fuels success. I respect those essential worker fathers for what they do daily, and we need to celebrate, not judge them."

Another changing dynamic for fathers is that at least three-in-ten children in the United States and Puerto Rico do not live with their dads, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The latest findings show that 21.4% live with their mother, only 4.4% with their father, and 4.0% do not live with a parent. Research at California State University-San Bernadino reveals that Latino single dads and non-custodial fathers are seeing their children more likely to grow up in poverty and struggle in their education and personal lives.

"LULAC still has a significant role to play with Latino fathers in America, 93 years since our founding as an organization," says Sindy Benavides, LULAC National Chief Executive Officer. "Now, more than ever, our programs can support dads with civil rights that offer them, and their families hope and a voice, as protected by our Constitution. This goal is why LULAC is advocating for alternatives to the prison pipeline for Latino men, many of whom grew up with abusive dads or no father in their lives. May we each recognize these new realities and help address the needs we face in our changing communities. Committing to getting involved gives us reason to celebrate this Father's Day truly."

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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/