Preparations are underway at the Wisconsin Center for the League of United Latin Americans (LULAC) National convention. The event is expected to draw in 20-25,000 people.
According to the organization, they are the largest and oldest civil rights based group in the nation. Benavides said their members chose Milwaukee to host the convention over three years ago.
"As individuals and a collective, we have a role to play in our democracy, and when we work together we can make a greater impact," said LULAC CEO Sindy Benavides.
The convention will host a variety of free workshops for young adults and professionals. Speakers will touch on issues like immigration and the citizenship question on the 2020 census. On July 11, a presidential Town Hall will feature four presidential candidates; Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Julian Castro, and former Rep. Beto O'Rourke. Benavides said this one of the largest VIP lists the organization has had in their 90 years.
"I think it speaks to the importance of the growing Latino community," said Benavides.
Wisconsin is a key swing state in the 2020 election. District 8 representative Jocasta Zamarripa said she is not surprised politicians are attracted the state.
"I see it in many ways as a dry run for the DNC next year, and folks are seeing we are the fast-growing city on the cutting edge with young professionals," said Zamarripa.
Gov. Tony Evers and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will also speak at the convention.
The events are free and open to the public but you must register. To register to click here
