FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2011
Contact:
Jackeline Stewart
(202) 785-1670
Washington, DC—NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, today released the following statement from NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía on the passing of R. Sargent Shriver, founding director of the Peace Corps and vice presidential candidate:
It is with great sadness that we note the passing of R. Sargent Shriver yesterday at the age of 95. Mr. Shriver had an illustrious career as a successful attorney, businessman, and statesman. Yet it is his role as a true leader and his life of service that have inspired millions of Americans, including those in the Latino community, to serve their community, their country, and the world.
Shriver holds a special place in the hearts of many Latinos here in the United States and in Latin America. As founding director of the Peace Corps, he brought renewed and heightened attention on Latin America and helped create a global focus on alleviating poverty and fostering peace in the region. And after providing invaluable assistance throughout the continent, thousands of American Peace Corps volunteers returned home with a deeper appreciation and understanding of Latin America.
During his tenure in the Johnson administration, Shriver ushered in one of the most successful government programs in the history of this country: Head Start. Head Start has provided, and continues to provide, millions of Latino children with the preschool education necessary to achieve future academic success. On a personal note, I also want to express our deep appreciation to Mr. Shriver for his contributions to NCLR. Working with Mr. Shriver and the Office of Economic Opportunity, my predecessor Raul Yzaguirre honed the skills and expertise that helped him build NCLR into an American institution.
Even as he battled health problems late in life, Shriver still contributed by tirelessly helping his daughter Maria raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on the American family. His legacy as a man who devoted his life to the poor, minorities, and others in need is a reminder and model for future generations and for us all.
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