Funeral services are scheduled next week for Latino political activist Henry Lozano, who died Monday at age 85.
Born in Harlingen, Texas, in 1933, Lozano moved to California in the 1950s and became involved with the local labor movement in the 1960s. He would go on to decades of work behind the scenes in East Los Angeles politics, including stints as top aides for former congressmen Ed Roybal and Xavier Bacerra.
The leadership organization of the nation’s more than 6,700 Latino elected and appointed officials mourned Lozano’s passing on Tuesday.
“NALEO joins the nation and the city of Los Angeles in mourning the loss of longtime activist and political trailblazer Henry Lozano,” said Arturo Vargas, CEO of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. “A former Marine who sharpened his political acumen through union organizing, Lozano was known as a steadfast, honest and results-oriented leader who championed the rights of Latinos and other marginalized communities.
“Through his work as a chief of staff to both NALEO founder Congressman Edward R. Roybal and then-Congressman Xavier Becerra, Lozano made it his life’s mission to fight for the `little guy’ and build relationships across a variety of sectors. Never seeking the limelight, Henry Lozano worked behind the scenes to help those in elected office achieve their policy goals in support of their constituents.
“Henry Lozano was a key figure in the early days of NALEO’s founding and development. His significant impact on the political landscape of the city of Los Angeles and state of California will live on through the work of the many Latinos serving in public office who would not be where they are today without his mentorship and many decades of service.”
Becerra, now California’s attorney general, remembered his friend as well.
“Today, with the passing of Henry Lozano, we lost a warrior for the little guy,” Bacerra tweeted. “In this world today there is a little less courage, straight talk and respect for earning your stripes. Today we lost one of the good guys, and I lost a dear, irreplaceable friend. Rest In Peace, Henry.”
And Rep. Jimmy Gomez tweeted: “Today, we lost another public servant from the Eastside of Los Angeles — Henry Lozano. … He made a lasting difference for the Latino community. He will not be forgotten.”
Lozano’s funeral will be held July 25 at Resurrection Church in Boyle Heights.
No cause of death was given.