PHOENIX – In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) celebrated the 50th anniversary of Los Abogados, Arizona’s Hispanic Bar Association, with a Congressional Record recognition honoring the organization’s five decades of service, advocacy, leadership, and commitment to expanding opportunity within Arizona’s legal community.
“It is an honor to recognize Los Abogados and the incredible work they have done to build community, create opportunities, and advance the interests of Arizona’s Latino communities,” said Rep. Ansari. “At a time when we are seeing fundamental rights come under attack this work is more important than ever. I will continue fighting in Congress to protect Arizonans’ rights and conducting oversight to ensure accountability and equal justice.”
The celebration hosted at Univision Studios in Phoenix featured the unveiling of a commemorative 50th Anniversary artwork by Los Abogados’ Artist of the Year, Michael Padilla, and a panel moderated by Congresswoman Ansari with Danny Ortega, Marian Zapata-Rossa, and Salvador Macias on the organization’s history, impact, and future.
READ TEXT OF ANSARI’S CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
Mister Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of Los Abogados, Arizona’s Hispanic Bar Association.
Founded in 1976 by Latino lawyers and law students, Los Abogados has spent five decades building community, creating opportunities, and advancing the interests of Arizona’s Latino communities within the legal profession and beyond.
Today, Latinos comprise only approximately roughly 5% to 6% of all licensed lawyers in the United States. Through programming, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement, Los Abogados works to address the systemic and cultural barriers that Latinos continue to encounter throughout their legal careers.
For 50 years, Los Abogados has remained steadfast in its commitment to diversity and inclusion, advocacy, and education. The Hispanic Bar Association actively promotes diversity within Arizona’s legal and judicial professions. Supporting Latino lawyers and expanding their representation is essential to narrowing the significant representation gap and ensuring that our legal system better reflects the communities it serves.
Los Abogados’ Civil Rights Committee supports the equitable and just application of civil rights, advocating for Arizona’s Latino communities. The committee organizes “Continuing Legal Education” seminars to update legal professionals about current voting rights, civic engagement, and racial profiling positions. Additionally, Los Abogados hosts citizenship fairs, providing essential immigration resources and assistance to Arizonans.
As we commemorate this important milestone, we recognize Los Abogados for 50 years of service, advocacy, and leadership. I congratulate its members, past and present, and commend their enduring commitment to strengthening Arizona’s legal community and ensuring greater access, representation, and opportunity for all.
On behalf of the United States Congress, I extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to Los Abogados on their 50th Anniversary.
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