No resting on laurels for the Quad-City chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens.

Just days after celebrating LULAC Council 10’s 50th anniversary, the group announced a trip to observe the one-year anniversary of the immigration raid on Agriprocessors Inc., in Postville, Iowa — proof positive that after 50 years, LULAC’s contributions to Iowa are needed more than ever.

The Quad-Cities grandly celebrated the LULAC chapter’s 50th anniversary at an April 30 festive RiverCenter soiree. There is much to celebrate. LULAC has been a powerful, compassionate presence in 

the Quad-Cities since 1959, when 21 Hispanic Quad-Citians gathered to launch Council 10. 

LULAC has distributed hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars in college scholarships over 50 years, using money raised here to draw generous matching contributions from LULAC’s national organization.

Council 10 made it 50 years largely by working with community groups, not just protesting. In 1971, LULAC reps accompanied Davenport school officials to recruit Hispanic teachers in Texas. Council 10’s persistence created a political and social force that led Hispanics to elected office and many community leadership positions.

LULAC Council 10 shows no signs of letting up. The group leads a bus trip to Postville departing at noon Tuesday from the Davenport Diocese office at 2706 N. Gaines St., Davenport, and returning about 10 p.m.

Council 10 enters its 51st year without breaking stride from the effective activism that benefited our entire Quad-Cities for its first 50 years. Congratulations. And thanks.