Saturday, December 14, 2024

Civil Rights Leader Named U.S. Ambassador to Dominican Republic

Last week, the U.S. Senate confirmed Raul H. Yzaguirre as Ambassador to the Dominican Republic.

Yzaguirre, currently a professor at Arizona State University and President Emeritus of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), is a recognized civil rights leader and figure in the Latino community.

“Ambassador Yzaguirre is well recognized and deeply respected by U.S. presidents and international heads of state as a civil rights leader with more than 50 years of service to our country.  He is a perfect choice to represent the very best ideals and values of the American people on the international stage,” Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO, said.

President Barack Obama also hailed Yzaguirre’s confirmation by the Senate.

“As we work to bolster our relations in the global community and place our nation on the path to prosperity once again, I’m confident that these people will be able to represent our nation with dignity. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you in the next months and years,” Obama said.

Murguia called Yzaguirre’s confirmation, which had been delayed since April by an anonymous “hold,”   long overdue.  In a statement, NCLR said that Yzaguirre, who served as the non-profit’s President and CEO from 1978 to 2004, “made an indelible mark on American society.”

“His legacy of building strong American institutions that have advanced the Latino community in the U.S., of which Dominican Americans are a growing segment, make his confirmation as U.S. Chief of Mission to the Dominican Republic particularly fitting,” Murguia said.

Dominican Today