The Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento deeply regrets the death of the Hispanic leader Mario Obledo. It also participates that a mass will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Following the mass, there will be a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. and a public viewing through midnight. On Friday, August 27, the community is invited to celebrate a funeral mass beginning at 9:00 am. All services will be held at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament located at 1017 11th Street, Sacramento, California.
Mario Obledo was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1932, the son of Mexican parents who had immigrated to the United States in 1915. Among several positions, he served as President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). He was also the co-founder of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), which is one of the most influential Hispanic advocacy groups in the United States. Besides, he was appointed Secretary of Health and Welfare for the state of California by Governor Jerry Brown.
Through his work Obledo enabled minorities to have positions in government service, an achievement he believed to be the greatest in his life.
Until the end of his life he lived in Sacramento, California. He was, above all, a tireless social activist, widely recognized worldwide. Among the awards he received, the Government of Mexico distinguished him with an OTHLI award in 1985. He was also awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded in 1998 by President Clinton.
Rest in peace, dear Mario Obledo.
