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The ILL Poetry Anthology is a carefully curated collection of poems inspired by the life and lasting contributions of Ignacio Lopez. This anthology brings together voices that reflect his legacy in art, culture, and activism, offering a diverse range of poetic expressions that honor his profound impact on the community.
Each poem captures the essence of Ignacio Lopez’s work and spirit, encouraging readers to connect with his vision of creativity, social change, and community engagement. Through the ILL Poetry Anthology, the legacy of Ignacio Lopez is passed on, continuing to inspire and ignite new perspectives in the world of poetry and beyond.
About the Editors
Ceasar Avelar is a blue-collar poet that represents the voice of the working class.
He is of Salvadorian and Honduran descent, and is the 2nd post Laureate of Pomona. He is the founder of Obsidian Tongues Open Mic and writing circle, and Author of God Of The Air hose And Other Blue Collar Poems, published by El Martillo Press.
Peter Lechuga is a Chicano wordsmith, teacher, musician, emcee, and karaoke king born and raised in Southern California. As director of the non-profit, LionLike Creative Education, he teaches future generations the power of poetry, while creating a safe space for them to express themselves, find their own voice, and become published authors. His poetry has been shared on college campuses and has been published in the Chaffey Review, Inlandia Institute, and Spoiled Minds amongst other publications. His debut poetry collection, Myth Opportunities, published by Daxson Publishing is available now. When not reading, writing, or killing the mic, he can be found hiking in the mountains, spitting freestyles.
Lopez Urban Farm is a collaborative project in partnership with the Pomona Unified School District. Its mission is to provide a thriving green space for education, community engagement, and food access—all offered freely to the Pomona community. This initiative honors the legacy of Ignacio Lopez, a trailblazing advocate for desegregation and publisher of El Espectador (1933–1960).
Artists, participatory activists, and farmers Stephen Yorba and Bianca Ustrell help cultivate this space, weaving creativity, activism, and sustainability into its foundation. Together, they foster a shared vision of growth, connection, and empowerment.
