María Elvira Salazar: “As a Hispanic who grew up in the Southwest, I can say that the impact of MALDEF's establishment has been profound. As…”

“As a Hispanic who grew up in the Southwest, I can say that the impact of MALDEF's establishment has been profound. As the Hispanic community's legal advocate, MALDEF has taken on cases throughout the country. In my own State, their work has helped improved access to equal education for Hispanics. Judge DeAnda was also actively involved with Hispanic organizations like the League of United Latin American Citizens, LULAC, and the American G.I. Forum. By working with MALDEF, they ensured that Hispanic veterans, who gave the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield, were not denied burial in our veterans cemeteries. Judge DeAnda's leadership was visionary and was recognized by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, who nominated him to serve as a Federal judge in the Southern District of Texas. At the time of his appointment, he was only the Nation's second Mexican-American Federal district judge. Despite all of his contributions to the Latino community, Judge DeAnda never sought the limelight. He only strove to ensure equal rights for all in this country through his thorough representation and fair consideration of those who came before his court. I find his own words to be the most telling. He is said to have told a group of law school students once, "You will find law to be a most satisfying career because of the service you can give your fellow man. I know of no other endeavor in which you can bring about healthy change and make a decent living.…”