Our Story
The Latino American Dawah Organization (LADO) sprang up from humble and unassuming origins in 1997 as a free AOL page in the early days of the Internet with the goal of sharing Islam, bringing together the Latino Muslim community, and empowering both believers and non-Muslims alike to discover more about the beauty of Islam. The Latino American Dawah Organization (LADO) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered as The LADO Group, Inc with Tax ID 84-5056478.
Under the leadership of its President/CEO, Juan Galvan, the LADO Group now focuses on inspiring and empowering the Latino Muslim community through scholarships for future Latino Muslim imams and scholars and grants for developing and strengthening Latino Muslim organizations. With a special focus on building community and expressing their cultural and religious identities as Latino Muslims, LADO is dedicated to building alliances within the Muslim community at large and promoting Islam through its focused outreach efforts.
LADO encourages all Latino Muslims to become better Muslims by incorporating the teachings of their faith and sharing the beauty of Islam as embodied through its statement of belief, What We Believe. They tirelessly work with Muslims from all backgrounds to foster a sense of welcomeness that encourages people from all walks of life to discover more about Islam.
LADO has published a wealth of content, expanding the reach of Islam and providing a new and engaging way to connect with the Islamic faith through its social media presence, online newsletter archive, and online resources. LADO also educates all people about the rich legacy of Islam in Spain, the Americas, and around the World. With a wealth of online articles and resources, readers can find a powerful and deeply rewarding discussion about Islam and the unique challenges that Latino Muslims face.
LADO’s founders have always believed that there was more to Dawah than simply translating pamphlets into the Spanish language. A central part of their outreach efforts is channeled into correcting common misconceptions about Islam and Muslims, addressing the emotional needs of new or potential Muslims, providing support for how to tell non-Muslim friends and family about their conversion, and giving people the strength to embrace Islam and embody Islamic teachings.
From its humble origins, the organization has evolved into a thriving and flourishing community where people of all races and backgrounds can come together in the name of Allah SWT. The LADO Group hopes to continue its outreach work long into the future. Islam has so much to offer the Latino community, and finding a way to blend their culture and heritage with their faith is LADO’s proudest achievement. Their commitment to education, outreach and support services, and leadership development is a powerful mission that inspires its members and challenges them daily to become better Muslims.
The LADO Group will never lose sight of their goal to help Latino Muslims recover their lost Islamic heritage, and they are passionate about empowering Latinos so that their faith can once again be revived, rekindled, and reborn.
“When God’s help and victory have arrived, and you have seen people entering God’s religion in droves, then glorify your Lord’s praise and ask His forgiveness. Indeed, He is ever accepting of repentance.”
– Qur’an 110:1-3