The country’s largest Latinx civil rights group changed its name to be more inclusive

Times, they are a-changing! Bob Dylan may have sung those words over 50 years ago, but they still ring true — especially in terms of inclusivity. Exhibit A: The National Council of La Raza, the U.S.’s largest Latinx civil rights group, just changed their name to UnidosUS. This change comes after years of deliberation, and is a decision the group does not take lightly.

The group, which has been around since 1986, just held their national conference in Phoenix, where they announced the change.

“La Raza” was used as a term of cultural pride by Chicanas in the ’60s and ’70s, and translates to “the race,” although family and community are more accurate definitions. Although NCLR has received criticism in the past from conservatives who say they’re claiming to be a “superior race,” this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The NCLR, now UnidosUS, has always fought for Latinx inclusivity and equality. With their new name, they hope to make it clear that are inclusive of all identities.

According to Latina, the president of UnidosUS, Janet Murguía, said,

“I think this is viewed as an opportunity and we see it as an opportunity to strengthen our organization, broaden our reach and expand our growth...And that’s going to be important as we see the challenges that we’re facing at this particular time.

The organization has worked on behalf of the Latinx community on everything from civil rights and education to health and housing. Going forward, they’ll be able to continue to do their work with a name that represents the importance of being united and working together — in the name of this country and all her citizens.