[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 207 (Tuesday, December 8, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN TRIBUTE TO EMILIO E. LOPEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 8, 2020

  Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Emilio E. Lopez, 
an icon in the Hispanic community and the City of Milwaukee. He passed 
away on October 31, 2020. He was 70 years old. I offer my sincere 
condolences to Emilio's family and have them in my thoughts and 
prayers.
  Mr. Lopez was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and arrived in the U.S. at 
the age of 3. He grew up on Milwaukee's east side with his parents and 
siblings. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968 and was the 
Prom King. Emilio went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-
Madison and was president of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity before 
attending law school. Soon after, he dutifully served as the Assistant 
District Attorney of Milwaukee and even ran for circuit court judge and 
alderman; paving the way for future Latino candidates.
  Realizing he wanted to work outside the confines of the courtroom, 
Emilio went on to empower thousands of youth in the community. Some of 
his notable achievements include his work as the Athletic Director of 
the United Community Center (UCC). He encouraged youths to stay off the 
streets by hosting late night basketball games and mentoring. His hard 
work was instrumental in the implementation of youth and drug 
rehabilitation programs for the Latino Community.
  Emilio was also an educator and worked as the Principal of Aurora 
Weier Educational Center, a high school serving high risk students. He 
raised significant funds to renovate the former city natatorium into 
new classrooms, a new gymnasium, and science lab. He was President and 
Founder of the Felix Mantilla Little League, where he coached youths. 
He also served as the Associate Executive Director at the Milwaukee 
Christian Center (MCC) for a number of years. In his spare time, he 
dedicated his time to the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Latino 
Peace Officer Association. He was a true Milwaukee treasure and above 
all he was a devout husband, loving father, grandfather, great-
grandfather, relative and friend to many in Milwaukee.
  Emilio lived a purposeful life, one of service dedicated to his 
community as an advocate and leader to countless Hispanic and Latino 
families on Milwaukee's Southside. Emilio's positive impact and 
generosity knew no bounds; he was well known and respected throughout 
our city and was recognized as Hispanic Man of the Year in 1992 for his 
contributions to the community.
  I am pleased to say I had the pleasure to work closely with Emilio 
when he served as Associate Director at the MCC and led the federally 
funded Youthbuild Program. He was a true Milwaukee treasure and we are 
all benefactors.
  Madam Speaker, Emilio E. Lopez was a valued member of the Milwaukee 
community, the 4th Congressional District, and the entire State of 
Wisconsin. I applaud and value his contributions as a public servant 
and am pleased to honor the late Emilio E. Lopez.

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