Mario G. Obledo Papers

Title: Mario G. Obledo Papers

Dates: 1957-1997

Collection Number: D-239

Creator/Collector: Obledo, Mario.

Extent: 151 linear feet

Repository: UC Davis. Special Collections

Abstract: Correspondence, subject files, daybooks, video and audiotapes, posters, and other materials relating to his career as a civil rights advocate, government official, educator, and consultant.

Language of Material: English

Collection is open for research.

All applicable copyrights for the collection are protected under chapter 17 of the U.S. Copyright Code. Requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Regents of the University of California as the owner of the physical items. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

[Identification of item]. Mario G. Obledo Papers. Collection Number: D-239. UC Davis. Special Collections

Mario G. Obledo was a civil rights pioneer and called the “Godfather of the Latino Movement” by the Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy. Obledo was born April 9, 1932 in San Antonio, Texas. Obledo was one of thirteen children of Mexican immigrant parents. His father died when Obledo was 5, compounding his family's struggle with poverty. Despite socioeconomic obstacles, Obledo continued to pursue his education as he entered University of Texas-Austin in 1949. In 1951, Obledo joined the Navy, specializing in radar technology while serving on a US vessel during the Korean War. After his service, Obledo returned to the University of Texas-Austin, completing a prestigious degree in pharmacy. Obledo began participating in activism during this second stint at UT Austin. In 1955, he formed a campus chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) after pledging at the LULAC state convention to help his community. While remaining an active member, Obledo graduated from the University of Texas-Austin and earned a law degree from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 1960. Obledo briefly ventured into the private sector before switching to public service, and in 1965 he accepted a position at the Texas Office of the Attorney General. By 1968, under the attorney general, Obledo had the opportunity to realize his aspiration of creating the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). In the mold of the NAACP, MALDEF was a Mexican American legal group that successfully fought social and institutional racism, and Obledo served as its first general counsel. In 1975, while teaching at Harvard Law School, Obledo was hired by California Governor Jerry Brown to fill the role of secretary of health and welfare. While in the position, Obledo transformed the cultural makeup of many state departments and influenced Gov. Brown’s high number of Hispanic appointments. Obledo’s 1982 failed gubernatorial bid for the California Democratic nomination did nothing to tarnish his accomplishments or standing as a civil rights pioneer and he soon after took on the presidency of LULAC. Obledo made an incredible impact on activism. He co-founded, led, or contributed to organizations that improved the lives of Hispanics in the United States. These included the MALDEF and LULAC, the Hispanic National Bar Association, Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, and the National Coalition of Hispanic Organizations. He also chaired the Jesse Jackson National Rainbow Coalition and was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Law by the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Sacramento. Mario Obledo’s activism led to President Bill Clinton awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998. Mario Obledo died August 18, 2010, in Sacramento at 78 years of age. Obledo left behind a wife, three children from a previous marriage, and several grandchildren.

Correspondence, subject files, daybooks, video and audiotapes, posters, and other materials relating to his career as a civil rights advocate, government official, educator, and consultant.