Mexican-American Leader Mario Obledo Dies at 78
Mario Obledo, co-founder of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) and president of the National Coalition of Hispanic Organizations, has died. He was 78 years old.
Obledo passed away Wednesday in Sacramento after suffering a massive heart attack, said his wife, Keda Alcala-Obledo.
Obledo held a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a doctorate of law degree, and was a professor at Harvard Law School. After he was appointed California’s secretary of health and welfare in 1975, he worked to increase minority representation in state government.
Obledo co-founded MALDEF in 1968 and became its president in 1970 after serving initially as general counsel. Under Obledo, MALDEF expanded across the country to become one of the most active and well-recognized Mexican American legal organizations.
“Mario was a truly inspiring individual and fierce advocate for Latinos in the United States and in Mexico,” said Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “He didn’t just lead; he pulled people up with him”
Throughout his career, Obledo was known for his efforts in supporting civil rights and humanitarian causes. In 1985, he received the OHTLI award, the highest award bestowed by Mexico on a foreigner. In 1998 he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, the nation’s highest civilian award, by President Clinton.