WASHINGTON, June 4, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), along with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), applauds President Barack Obama for signing a Presidential Proclamation that officially declares June as GLBT Pride Month.
"This Presidential Proclamation will forever commemorate this triumphant time as a turning point in GLBT history. From the court room to the board room, these courageous men and women have overcome great odds, and are now achieving monumental success," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "The USHCC celebrates this declaration with the NGLCC, and will continue to work with both the public and private sectors to ensure our GLBT community enjoys equal opportunities, shared prosperity, and full access to the American dream."
Javier Palomarez had also publicly condemned B1062 -- a bill that would have allowed businesses to deny service to GLBT persons based on religious beliefs -- and urged Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to veto the bill. As part of ongoing initiatives to partner with the GLBT community, the USHCC unveiled its "GLBT Business Advocate Award" last year at the organization's 2013 National Convention, honoring George Carrancho from American Airlines with the inaugural award.
"We are honored the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has joined us in celebrating Pride Month. President Obama's proclamation is an important reminder of how far our community has travelled in terms of recognition and acceptance. When we join with allies such as USHCC, we fulfill the vision of a united America that welcomes all," says Justin Nelson, president and co-founder, NGLCC.
The Presidential Proclamation declares: "NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2014 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people."
To see the full proclamation, click here .
About the NGLCC
Founded in 2002, the NGLCC is the business advocate and direct link between lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) business owners, corporations, and government, representing the interest of more than 1.4 million LGBT businesses and entrepreneurs. The NGLCC is committed to forming a broad-based coalition of LGBT owned and friendly businesses, professionals, and major corporations for the purpose of promoting economic growth and the prosperity of our members.
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of our nation's entrepreneurs. The USHCC advocates on behalf of nearly 3.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses, that together contribute in excess of $468 billion to the American economy, each year. As the leading organization of its kind, the USHCC serves as an umbrella to more than 200 local chambers and business associations across the nation, and partners with more than 220 major corporations.
For more information, visit www.ushcc.com .
Follow us on Twitter @USHCC
Ammar Campa-Najjar Associate Director of Communications 619-721-5148
