Rep. Maxine Waters on Passing of Longtime Watts Community Leader Arturo Ybarra

Contact: Hermela.aregawi@mail.house.gov

Los Angeles - Congresswoman Maxine Waters released the following statement on the passing of Arturo Ybarra, a beloved community leader, known for his impactful work in South Los Angeles.

Arturo Ybarra was a bridge builder, a waymaker, a healer, and a foundational beam of our vibrant South Los Angeles community. Arturo founded the Watts/Century Latino Organization (WCLO) in 1990 in response to the rapidly changing demographics in the community. With an influx of Latino families finding their place in the Watts neighborhood, Arturo recognized the necessity of building an organization that would give a voice to, and empower Latino residents. In addition to increasing Latino involvement within Watts, Arturo worked tirelessly to build relationships between the city's Latino and African American residents, despite long-standing cultural and linguistic barriers. His passion for empowering his community was awe-inspiring. His passing is a deep loss to our community. He will be terribly missed.

“Arturo and I became very good friends, “ Rep. Waters said. "He never failed to invite me to any and all of the activities that he was involved in, and I never failed to attend. I will miss his leadership in bringing the Black and Brown community together. This community will miss him. We must all work to continue to carry out his mission and vision of what is possible when the Black and Brown community work together.”