Opening Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 12 - 5pm | Closed Monday & Tuesday

Celebration of Life Honoring Gloria Molina to Take Place at LA Plaza on July 15

 

Gloria Molina, trailblazing Chicana activist, former elected official and driving force behind the founding of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, passed away at age 74 on May 14.  Read her obituary here.

A champion for social justice, she dedicated her life to public service. The first Latina elected as California State Assemblymember, Los Angeles City Councilmember, and Los Angeles County Supervisor, she made a significant impact on Los Angeles, the state and the nation. 

Join us LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes on Saturday, July 15 as we host a “Celebration of Life” in her honor. We’ll celebrate her legacy through music, videos, guest speakers and food (while supplies last). Guests can contribute to the Community Quilt of Hope.

Doors open at 4:45pm. The program begins at 5pm. Admission is free. No RSVP needed.

Please note: The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook, beginning at 5:20pm.

Program Schedule4:45 PM – Doors Open                                                                                


5:00 PM

Performance: Mariachi Sol de Mexico de José Hernandez, featuring Nancy Sanchez


5:20 PM

Welcome Remarks by Laura Diaz and Dan Guerrero

Indigenous Blessing – Xipe Totec Azteca Danzantes 

Leticia Buckley and Andy Carrasco, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes


5:30 PM

Gloria Molina as a Person

Speakers: Ron Martinez, Valentina Martinez, Bertha Molina Mejia and Antonia Hernandez

Performance: Mary Alfaro Velasco and Friends


5:55 PM

Gloria Molina as a Political Figure

Speakers: Congresswoman Maxine Waters, LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Miguel Santana 


6:20 PM

Gloria Molina as an Artist and Arts Advocate

Speakers: Margaret Garcia, Betty Palomino, and Richard Montoya   


6:40 PM

Performance: DJ Frankie Firme

Emcees:

Dan Guerrero is an award-winning producer of diverse programming for network and cable television and of live arts and culture concert events. 

Laura Diaz, presently at Fox 11 KTTV and KCOP, Diaz has anchored, reported, and produced for several flagship Los Angeles stations. 

Speakers:

Leticia Rhi Buckley is Chief Executive Officer of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

Andy Carrasco is the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

Ron Martinez is husband of Gloria Molina

Valentina Martinez is daughter of Gloria Molina and Ron Martinez

Bertha Molina Mejia is sister of Gloria Molina

Maxine Waters is a U.S. Congresswoman, representing California’s 43rd District

Hilda L. Solis is a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, First District

Antonia Hernandez is an attorney, activist, and philanthropist, she currently serves as president and CEO of the California Community Foundation.

Antonio Villaraigosa served as the 41st Mayor of Los Angeles from 2005 to 2013. 

Miguel Santana is President and CEO of the Weingart Foundation. 

Margaret Garcia is a Chicana muralist, educator, and arts-advocate based in Los Angele is a

Betty Palomino is a member of TELAS (The East Los Angeles Stitchers), an organization Gloria Molina co- founded motivated by her love of quilting.

Richard Montoya is an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, playwright, comedian, and co-founding member of the performance troupe Culture Clash.

Performers:

Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández, bringing the pleasure of mariachi music to audiences across the globe.

Nancy Sanchez is an award-winning Mexican-American vocalist, songwriter and performer. 

Xipe Totec Azteca danzantes, led by General Lazaro Arvizu.

Mary Alfaro Velasco and Friends

DJ Frankie Firme, is the Al Capone of the microphone and the Hitman of West Coast Chicano Soul.

Food (while supplies last)

Lala Lasagna

Rice Balls of Fire

Burglary

Savage Tacos

 

🌹 Celebration of Life
📆 Saturday, July 15 | 5pm to 7pm (Doors open at 4:45pm)
🎟️ Free access | No RSVP needed
📍 501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

 
In lieu of flowers, Gloria Molina’s family requests that donations be made to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in her memory to inspire and empower future generations through the arts.