Raices 2006

September 11, 2006

SLU Annual RAICES Week

The Latino Impact on the U.S. Economy

New York, NY – The Hermanas of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. are preparing for the sorority’s annual RAICES (ROOTS) Week, which celebrates the Latino heritage and culture. This year, RAICES will take place from Sunday, September 24th through Saturday, September 30th, 2006.

RAICES is a sorority-wide event that is put on by each chapter of the organization. Hermanas across the U.S. conduct various events and community service projects at their respective campus and within their local community. Chapters carry out a minimum of four events that focuses on cultural enrichment, women's issues, community service and scholarship, which revolve around the sorority’s yearly theme. This year’s RAICES theme is Our People, Our workers: The Latino Impact on the U.S. Economy.

Based on reports provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistic, the number of employed Latinos rose from 10 million in 1992 to 14.5 million in 2000. The Latino unemployment rate fell from 11.6 percent in 1992 to 5.0 percent in 2000, its lowest level since the bureau began to collect monthly statistics on Hispanics in 1973. In addition, the Latino unemployment rate fell significantly in each of the eight largest states; for example, in California, the Latino unemployment rate dropped from 13.1 percent in 1992 to 6.5 percent in 2000.

"As an organization, we strive to bridge the gap between the Latino community and the campuses we represent; in doing so our annual RAICES week highlights a topic important to us as an organization. Our Hermandad stems from a multitude of nationalities, many of which are first generation college students from families who immigrated to the United States in order to build a better life for themselves. Our theme pays homage to these families, our friends and supporters who have and continue to shape this country. It is our aspiration to educate others on the many visible yet less known facts on how Latinos are building a legacy all around us,” says Melody Rivera, National Board President of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc.

Join the festivities! Log onto www.sigmalambdaupsilon.org and click to e-mail the chapter nearest you.

Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. was founded on December 1, 1987 at Binghamton University as an organization that would provide sisterhood and support while also promoting academic achievement, service to the community and cultural enrichment. Today, the sorority's purpose remains to unite women committed to seeking the political and social advancement of the under-represented populations. Through the Hermanas leadership, the sorority has 27 undergraduate chapters at over 30 campuses, 13 graduate -professional chapters and has touched the lives of hundreds of women.

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