Lydia Lopez. Photo: Alejandro Lopez
[The Episcopal News] All are invited to a Sunday-afternoon fiesta fundraiser set for 3 p.m. on April 21 at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes to launch the new Lydia Lopez Center for Community Empowerment focused on welcoming immigrants, empowering youth, and teaching cultural arts and history at the landmark Church of the Epiphany, Lincoln Heights.
Tickets are $100 per person, and may be purchased here, or by checks payable to the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and mailed to the Rev. John Watson, Epiphany’s priest-in-charge, at 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026.
“The new center addresses priorities close to Lydia’s heart throughout her more than 50 years of ministry in this diocese and the wider Episcopal Church,” said Grace Dyrness, chair of the fundraiser committee chair. “The center is a wonderful and practical way to build on her legacy by serving others.”
La Plaza de Culturas y Artes in Los Angeles will host the April 21 launch of the Lydia Lopez Center for Community Empowerment. Photo: Wikipedia
The Rev. Richard Estrada, longtime immigration advocate who worked with the late Lopez in the United Neighborhoods Organization and sanctuary movement, suggested formation of the center to honor Lopez by increasing community services at the historic Church of the Epiphany, a hub of the Latino civil rights movement and organization of the United Farm Workers.
In recognition of this history and the emerging new ministries, La Plaza de Culturas y Artes, located at 501 N. Main Street in L.A.’s original pueblo area, has made its space available for this event at no charge.
Leadership gifts have been received from fiesta patrons including Bishop John Harvey Taylor and All Saints Church in Pasadena.
Further information about the fiesta, the center, and the ministries at Epiphany may be directed to Watson at jwatson@ladiocese.org, or to Canon for Common Life Bob Williams, rwilliams@ladiocese.org or 213.482.2040.