Minneapolis, MN – February, 2024 In a vibrant display of community spirit and solidarity, COPAL welcomed over 150 attendees to Arbeiter Brewing Company last Friday for the highly anticipated launch of its capital campaign for the Latino Center for Community Engagement (LCCE). The event, brimming with enthusiasm and support, marked a pivotal moment in the journey towards building a hub of unity, celebration, and cultural exchange at 2905 E Lake Street in Minneapolis.
The event featured a program from COPAL, detailing the vision of the transformative center estimated to be finished by October 2026. Leaders from the COPAL community spoke about the work that has already gone into building the LCCE and what it will mean for the Latine community, and for Lake Street, marking the return of land ownership to local residents from out-of-state investors, and reinforcing Latines’ historical presence along Lake Street. Neighbors, community members, and local leaders joined COPAL to celebrate the campaign launch.
“COPAL offers a space to all members to feel open, honest, vulnerable, and included. With the construction of the COPAL LCCE, we can ensure that that space is open to all of us in the community,” shared Emilio Rodríguez, an organizer for COPAL in Minneapolis. “This project will empower students, migrants, and everyone in our community, and make sure that they have the resources that they need to succeed.”
Reflecting on COPAL’s journey, Executive Director Francisco Segovia expressed gratitude for the community’s support and shared commitment to realizing the center’s vision. “Six years ago, when we founded COPAL, our most significant assets were, and still are, our dreams, creativity, desire to live a dignified life, and support from individuals who believed in our work,” Segovia stated. “We took to heart a quote from Eduardo Galeano, a Latin American author, to guide our work: ‘Many small people, in small places, doing small things, can change the world.’ Tonight marks a significant moment for our community and our home state of Minnesota.”
“Six years ago, when we founded COPAL, our most significant assets were, and still are, our dreams, creativity, desire to live a dignified life, and support from individuals who believed in our work,”
Francisco Segovia
The event culminated in a call to action, urging attendees to continue their support for the LCCE’s development. With construction estimated to begin in July 2025, COPAL aims to raise $12 million for the project, which will feature an array of community spaces including an art gallery, resource center, cafe, and more.
Segovia expressed gratitude for the community’s attendance and participation and reiterated the importance of collective action in bringing the LCCE to fruition. “Truly, thank you again, for joining us, for believing in us, and for trusting us,” said Segovia. “¡Somos COPAL!”
As the campaign gains momentum, COPAL remains steadfast in its mission to empower and uplift Latine communities across Minnesota.
Relive the special moments of the event by accessing the photo album here: https://flickr.com/photos/196542659@N05/albums/72177720314733820
