A message from Brenda Gurule CHAC Executive Director:

It is with great sadness that the Board and Staff of the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council, share the news of the loss of our beloved comadre and hermana, Lucille Ruibal Rivera. Our entire community has been devastated by the violent and senseless act of domestic violence that took her life on Saturday night. 

Lucille was a passionate and generous leader, who was admired and loved by many. We have lost an iconic role model, a dedicated mentor and a dear friend. A member of CHAC for decades, Lucille was the current Vice Chair. 

Her deep commitment to CHAC was instrumental in the recent acquisition of a permanent home for CHAC back in Santa Fe Arts Dist. She believed deeply in the legacy of CHAC and the need to pass down this legacy to future generations. As she once stated, when referring to her role as our former Executive Director, “It was my  faith in God that  helped guide me through the  most difficult of times.”  Her strength and tenacity helped ensure CHAC’s survival through the COVID 19 crisis. 

Lucille’s prominence as a leader was far-reaching. In 1994 she helped launch what is now known as the Tepeyac Community Health Center. She was a former clinic administrator for Denver Health, a board member of the Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation, active in many humanitarian causes, and a staunch supporter of the  LGBTQ+ community.  As a renowned photographer, she was dedicated to utilizing art as a means to enlighten and educate. Recently she was the curator of the exhibition Amor Es Amor, at the Northglenn Arts Center, where queer Latino and Chicano artists celebrated the beauty of embracing love in all its forms. 

In continuing Lucille’s vision for CHAC, we are committed to her endeavors to create a safe space where all creatives and community members are welcomed and affirmed. 

Rebecca Rozales CHAC board member said “As an Artist, Latina, Gay Woman, and long-standing CHAC member, I would always be amazed by Lucille. She was committed to defending and supporting our entire artistic, Latina and Gay communities.”

The family of Lucille kindly requests privacy and understanding as they grieve her loss. They deeply appreciate the outpouring of condolences and messages of sympathy. Your thoughts and prayers are a source of strength for them as they process this difficult time. 

Updates regarding memorial service and funeral arrangements will be posted in the coming days. CHAC will also begin making plans to honor Lucille and post updates. In the interim, at the request of the family, we are asking for our community to share stories and photos of Lucille at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/byszyfj3

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.