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Latino community activist dies

Posted at 10:51 AM, Oct 08, 2013
and last updated 2013-10-08 15:14:28-04

SALT LAKE CITY — Latino community activist Frank Cordova has passed away. He was 57.

Friends said that Cordova died Monday after a battle with cancer. He was the president of Centro Civico Mexicano in Salt Lake City.

During many demonstrations involving immigration issues at the Utah State Legislature, he would often be seen sporting a T-shirt that read, “I Could Be Illegal.” The slogan (and the shirts) became iconic as legislation wound its way through Utah’s Capitol Hill.

“Frank was a tireless advocate for the Utah Hispanic community,” Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams said in a statement Tuesday. “Throughout his life he fought for prosperity, opportunity and social justice on their behalf. That will be his legacy and I know he has inspired younger generations to step forward and carry on his crusade.”

In a public posting on Facebook, Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake City, said Cordova was a mentor.

“He has made this state and community a better one for many including myself. I will always be inspired of his lucha. Thank you to his beautiful family that share him with all of us. RIP Frank Cordova,” she wrote.