Answer:

Lambda, the eleventh letter in the Greek alphabet, is often used synonymously with the word Latino or Latina within the US Latino Greek community. The Hermanos of Lambda Alpha Upsilon feel that we are entitled to refer to ourselves as Lambdas because of what our brotherhood stands for, Latino America Unida, translated to English as a United Latin America. Our fraternity was founded on the premise of uniting the Latino community. As a result of the noble responsibility that we assume, it is our honor to bear the moniker Lambdas.

The mission of uniting the Latino community is as difficult as getting liberals and conservatives to agree on an issue. We speak the same language and aspire to achieve similar goals, yet there is a division amongst Latinos that exists from centuries of unawareness and exploitation. Lambda Alpha Upsilon has worked diligently in support of this mission because despite of what our differences may be, ultimately, we are all Latinos. We support one another so that we may grow collectively and become positive role models within our communities.

So, what is in a name? To refer to yourself as something means that you want everyone to know that that is what you represent. It is interesting to note that although Lambda Alpha Upsilon is not the first Latino fraternity in existence, it was our founding fathers that chose the single most noble and fundamental task as our defining label. It is our duty to represent the entire Latino community throughout the Americas and around the world in the most positive and professional way. We must continue to shine so that the world may see us as a major contributor to the global community.

This is not an easy task since we face shearing forces from within as our countries continue to fight one another for resources. Our communities in the United States are also divided due to issues of race, culture, education, politics, money, influence and many others. Even the few of us who are privileged enough to attend college attack each other because we don't belong to the same order. All of these factors are obstacles to the growth of our people. Those who attack us, verbally or otherwise, are doing a major disservice to the task that defines us, Latino America Unida.

To those who continue to spread negative comments about Lambda Alpha Upsilon, that does two things for us. First, the more obstacles we conquer, the stronger we become as we climb to the top. Second, it reveals to us those individuals that do not share our vision of unity and want to suppress the true definition of Latino Fraternalism.

May God bless us and continue to give us strength so that we can carry out our mission across the world. May we not concentrate our energies towards fighting our oppressors, but towards supporting our communities so that they may be shining examples of the rich heritage passed down to us by our ancestors. May our enemies renounce and assist us in achieving these goals.

¡Venceremos Porque Nacimos Para Triunfar!