[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 87 (Thursday, May 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E665-E666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF NATIVO LOPEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2019

  Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Nativo 
Lopez, a long-time voice for the Mexican American community in Southern 
California and a champion of

[[Page E666]]

immigrant rights. Mr. Lopez passed away on Sunday, May 20th.
  Mr. Lopez grew up in Los Angeles County in a family that had lived in 
the United States for six generations. He studied Spanish literature at 
California State University, Dominguez Hills.
  Nativo Lopez was best known for changing the political landscape in 
Orange County. His determination and ability to organize volunteers, 
workers, people who had never been active in politics, led the start of 
the Orange County blue wave. Nativo began advocating and organizing at 
an early age. At the age of 13, he joined picket lines to protest 
funding cuts at a community center in East Los Angeles. As an 18-year-
old at Excelsior High School, he and his brothers led a walkout of more 
than 200 Mexican American students to raise awareness for educational 
reform.
  As a young professional, Mr. Lopez was a court interpreter in Los 
Angeles County. Mr. Lopez founded a Santa Ana chapter of Hermandad 
Mexican National, a group that provides services to and protects the 
needs and rights of Spanish-speaking immigrants. Nativo Lopez led 
Hermandad Mexicana for more than 30 years. His passion for ensuring 
that immigrant workers and their families, with or without documents, 
were treated with dignity and respect often sparked controversy, but 
his commitment to the cause never wavered.
  In 1985, his name made national news when he helped more than 500 
Santa Ana families stage a successful rent strike. Mr. Lopez won a seat 
on the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Trustees in 1997. One 
of his most influential efforts was his creation of Assembly Bill 60, 
allowing unauthorized immigrants to apply for driver's licenses. Mr. 
Lopez was soon recognized as the undisputed champion of immigrant 
rights in Southern California.
  Unfortunately, his life was cut short by cancer. Nativo Lopez leaves 
behind a legacy in fighting for civil rights, immigration rights, 
educational access, and community empowerment through civic engagement.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Lopez is truly a legend in the history of Latino 
leaders in Orange County and Los Angeles. His dedication and passion to 
serving the Hispanic community are truly unmatched. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in celebrating the life of Nativo Lopez and his lifelong 
dedication to serving our community.

                          ____________________