LULAC Announces Passing of Eduardo “Ed” Peña Jr.

Civil Rights Leader, White House Special Advisor and Washington Attorney Led LULAC As Its 38th President

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) announced the death of Eduardo “Ed” Peña Saturday in San Antonio, Texas culminating a life that included more than a half-century of public service.

“We are deeply saddened over the loss of a dear friend, tireless advocate and a lifelong champion of social justice,” said Sindy Benavides, National Chief Executive Officer of LULAC. “President Peña will be remembered as a LULAC leader who was known for being a calm but fierce defender of the civil rights of Latinos and he did it using the principles of law which he held dear and to which he devoted his entire career. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ada and the family,” she added.

Peña practiced law in Washington, DC for more than 20 years and was General Counsel to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute since its founding. He is credited with writing the organization’s Articles of Incorporation, which established its mission and vision. He was a Special Advisor to President Johnson with the Committee on Mexican American Affairs and helped organize and charter numerous other Latino organizations.

Former LULAC National President Belen Robles remarked about Peña, “We have lost a pillar of strength and a big giant in leadership for the Mexican-American and entire Latino community. He and Ada were trailblazers in Washington, DC since 1963 and on Capitol Hill he worked with both sides of the aisle to achieve what was best for us. His nature was that of being amicable, friendly, committed and dedicated to anything he was focused on. My late husband Ramiro and I were close friends with Ed and Ada and I consider them part of my family. May we never forget that he and his law firm, with the assistance of Attorney Mari Carmen Aponte led the fight in many lawsuits that resulted in victory for Mexican Americans in the United States.”

Peña was elected National President of LULAC during its 50th anniversary and served as a founding member of the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia. His career also included assignments with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the U.S. Senate, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). He was a two time recipient of the DOL's award for meritorious achievement.

“The battles in which we are engaged today continue the legacy left by President Peña and LULAC is fortunate to have had such a leader among us,” said Domingo Garcia, current National President. “Our job now is to make sure that we honor his contributions and sacrifices by defending the civil rights of Latinos with the same vigor, passion and determination that he did because we have too much at stake and Ed would expect nothing less of the organization he loved,” he added.

Funeral arrangements are pending.