MERRILLVILLE | Rosa Rosales, the League of United Latin American Citizens' national president, asked the crowd Saturday gathered here to celebrate the group's 25th anniversary to give President Barack Obama "a helping hand" so he could hear from the majority -- not the minority -- in the nation on health care and immigration reform.

"Nearly 50 million have no health insurance, and the hardest hit are Latinos," Rosales said at Merrillville-based LULAC Council No. 5009's Black and White Ball. "Another 25 million are underinsured, and 18,000 die every year because they have no insurance. Two huge insurance companies own 80 percent of the business, and I'm here to ask that you reach out to your senators and congressmen so that everyone can have a better quality of life."

Rosales asked people to mobilize and organizations to call news conferences and organize marches and writing campaigns to counter the actions of those who say undocumented workers have no rights to health care and education.

Rosales also focused on the census and voting as issues that are critical to the Latino community.

"The landscape will be changing," she said. "Latinos will be the largest and youngest ethnic groups. I believe in the power of the people. Twenty-five percent of the vote will be Latino, and I have a dream -- just like Martin Luther King -- that politicians will be shaking in their boots because they could lose an election. I want a better quality of life for all Americans."

The volatility of national politics and racial relations was evident in the recent furor before a speech by Obama, Rosales said.

"I find it unacceptable that President Obama was scrutinized when he wanted to reach out to talk to school-aged children with an address," she said, adding that when other presidents made similar addresses, there was no outrage.

She suggested that if Obama were not black, critics would not have reacted the way they did, and she said respect for the office currently is lacking.

Rosales honored Ricardo Paz Sr., LULAC Council No. 5009 president, and former Midwest Vice President Alicia Rios with presidential awards for leadership. Such awards are usually given at national conferences to members who have reached a national level.

"It's been a privilege to serve with her during her administration," said Rios, the Indiana LULAC deputy director for women. "We've worked together to achieve the same goal of expanding opportunities and (increasing) awareness in the Hispanic community for a better quality of life for all."

During his address, Lake County Sheriff Rogelio "Roy" Dominguez recognized LULAC for not forgetting the past generation and its role in inspiring the next generation.

"These are tough economic times, and we should not shy away from the challenge so that the next generation will have the same opportunities we had," he said.

Dominguez said he is writing his memoir and it is likely to be published next spring. The book will include a discussion of immigration.

The event's proceeds will go toward LULAC's scholarship fund and operating costs.

LULAC is the oldest and largest Latino organization in the country, with 130 members in Northwest Indiana.