Tom Lopes Sculpture Committee Making Gains

The fund-raising is continuing for the Tom Lopes Sculpture Fund.

Family members and friends have started a grass-roots campaign to raise money for a bronze sculpture of Lopes to be located next spring on land where County and Sixth Street meet.

Lopes was the first Cape Verdean lawmaker elected to the State House.  He was also a journalist, publishing a newspaper for the Cape Verdean community.  He died in 2012.

Lopes' sister, Deborah Ramos says the project is bringing people together.  "it's kind of doing what my brother always did, trying to bring the community together," said Ramos.  "We've been getting phone calls, from people who want to get involved and have a hand in it, because he was always there for them," she said.

More than $20,000 has already been raised.  The committee is now selling bricks that will make up the walkway to the sculpture.  If you would like to help, contact Deborah Ramos at 508 496-2890.