Esteemed and renown historian and professor Barbara Ransby with guests Reverend Izett Samá Hernández and Loyet García Broche at the Chicago Justice Gallery event organized by Bettina Johnson

The visit of Reverend Izett Samá Hernández and Loyet García Broche, key leaders and human rights defenders from the Centro Memorial Martin Luther King Jr. (CMLK) in La Habana, Cuba, marked a significant moment in CRLN’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its relationship with the CMLK. From April 13 to April 19, 2024, their visit to Chicago featured impactful events centered around political education, liberatory theology, and liberatory education. The CMLK’s work, blending secular and religious elements, holds profound significance in Cuba and internationally. CRLN was honored to host Reverend Hernández and García Broche, whose leadership continues to inspire movements in Cuba and beyond. This visit follows CRLN’s successful delegation to Cuba in January 2024, deepening the collaborative ties between our organizations and setting the stage for future strategic initiatives.

The visit included a diverse range of events aimed at engaging Chicago’s community in meaningful discussions on social justice and liberation. Notable highlights included an interactive CRLN Open House at University Church, where attendees learned more about CRLN’s work and engaged with community leaders. Reverend Hernández’s sermon during the Sunday service at University Church was a powerful experience, offering attendees a unique perspective on the intersections of faith, justice, and liberation. Later in the week, the Cuba-focused events, including a discussion on Cuba’s Code of Families, explored the country’s progressive social policies, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQI+ community and family rights.

This series of events was a resounding success, with strong participation from local activists, faith leaders, and allies. The discussions fostered a deeper understanding of the social movements in Cuba, reinforcing CRLN’s commitment to promoting solidarity and human rights. Special thanks go to Reverend Hernández and García Broche for their leadership and to all who made these events possible. Their visit not only strengthened the connection between CRLN and the CMLK but also set the groundwork for future collaborations and events that will continue to educate and inspire action toward justice and equality.

Solidarity dinner to honor the work of the Centro Memorial Martin Luther King Jr. (CMLK) in La Habana, Cuba

(texto en el lenguage español, abajo del texto en inglés)

Loyet Ricardo García Broche

Loyet was born in the town of Fomento, a municipality located in the province of Sancti Spíritus, in the heart of Cuba. His childhood was spent in a small rural village, where he spent most of his life. From a young age, Loyet became interested in social issues and the defense of human rights, a passion that would accompany him throughout his life.

His journey at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center in Havana began many years ago when he joined the Faith for Cuba Ecumenical Network. However, it was in 2016 when he decided to move to the capital to work as a theologian at the Center. In 2022, he was elected as a member of the Collegiate Coordination, a position he has held with commitment and dedication to this day.

The defense of human rights is not just a job for Loyet; it is a conviction rooted in his personal values and faith. For him, the struggle for a fairer and more equitable world is a moral responsibility inspired by the example of Jesus and the values of the Kingdom. Despite challenges such as religious fundamentalism and precarity in the Cuban context, Loyet approaches his work with determination and hope.

To disconnect from work and recharge, Loyet enjoys activities such as cooking, dancing, playing the guitar, and spending time with friends and family. Contact with loved ones, especially his parents, is a source of happiness and motivation to continue his fight for human rights and social justice in Cuba.

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Loyet Ricardo García Broche

Loyet nació en el pueblo de Fomento, un municipio ubicado en la provincia de Sancti Spíritus, en el corazón de Cuba. Su infancia transcurrió en un pequeño pueblo rural, donde pasó la mayor parte de su vida. Desde muy joven, Loyet se interesó por las cuestiones sociales y la defensa de los derechos humanos, una pasión que lo acompañaría a lo largo de su vida.

Su trayectoria en el Centro Memorial Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. en La Habana comenzó hace muchos años, cuando se unió a la Red Ecuménica Fe por Cuba. Sin embargo, fue en 2016 cuando decidió trasladarse a la capital para trabajar como teólogo en el Centro. En 2022, fue elegido como miembro de la Coordinación Colegiada, una posición que desempeña con compromiso y dedicación hasta el día de hoy.

La defensa de los derechos humanos no es solo un trabajo para Loyet, es una convicción arraigada en sus valores personales y en su fe. Para él, la lucha por un mundo más justo y equitativo es una responsabilidad moral que encuentra inspiración en el ejemplo de Jesús y los valores del Reino. A pesar de los desafíos, como el fundamentalismo religioso y la precariedad en el contexto cubano, Loyet aborda su labor con determinación y esperanza.

Para desconectar del trabajo y recargar energías, Loyet disfruta de actividades como cocinar, bailar, tocar la guitarra y pasar tiempo con amigos y familiares. El contacto con sus seres queridos, especialmente con sus padres, es una fuente de felicidad y motivación para seguir adelante en su lucha por los derechos humanos y la justicia social en Cuba.

We are very happy to share that CRLN was chosen as one of three recipients of the esteemed HumanitiesX fellowship at DePaul University. After months of work, on April 1, the CRLN Team launched a course titled ¨Historical Memory Project: Ni Olvido, Ni Perdón¨ based on the HumanitiesX theme of democracy and rights, which is being offered to DePaul students this Spring Quarter, 2024.

What is HumanitiesX you might ask? HumanitiesX is an innovative program that redefines the boundaries of traditional education by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and experiential learning in the humanities. It offers year-long fellowships to teams comprised of faculty members, community partners, and students from DePaul University’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. You can read more at DePaul’s website here.

The CRLN Team is Susana Martínez, Associate Professor in Modern Languages and Peace, Justice, & Conflict Studies, and Lydia Saravia, Professional Lecturer in Writing, Rhetoric, & Discourse, Angelina Álvarez, Undergraduate Student of Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies, Safiyah Simpkins Undergraduate Student of Political Science, and Jhonathan F. Gomez: co-director of CRLN.

In collaboration with CRLN, students participating in the course will delve into the complex history of Central America, examining the enduring legacies of past struggles and their implications for contemporary social movements. Students will have the opportunity to create public, political art and writing that amplifies marginalized voices and challenges dominant narratives.

Students will consider the connection between historical events, beginning in the 1960s, and current movements and injustices impacting Central America—specifically, in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Students will examine the ways in which organized communities in Central America have actively worked with human rights groups in the U.S. Through cultural, historical, and rhetorical frameworks, students will interrogate the Western idea of Democracy within the context of neoliberalism. Further, by directly working with CRLN, talking to local political artists, and visiting sites around the city, students will examine how local activists and artists participate in political movements and preserve historic memory.

The collaboration between DePaul University and CRLN exemplifies the transformative potential of community-engaged scholarship. By bridging academic expertise with grassroots activism, the ¨Historical Memory Project: Ni Olvido, Ni Perdón¨ seeks to foster meaningful dialogue, inspire action, and honor the resilience of communities who have fought for justice. As CRLN embarks on this exciting journey as a HumanitiesX fellow, we invite you to join us in future events as we continue to interrogate democracy, foreign policy, neoliberalism and explore what resistance communities in Central America are doing to advance human rights and promote historical consciousness. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the Historical Memory Project and opportunities to engage with this vital work.

CRLN Open House
Saturday, April 13, from 3:00 to 6:00pm
CRLN Office at University Church
5655 S University Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

If you haven’t already seen our postcard reminder to RSVP, please take a moment to confirm your attendance using the link provided here: [Insert RSVP Link]. We’re thoroughly preparing for our upcoming Open House, eager to showcase our recent accomplishments and projects and provide insights into our future work.

We are very happy to announce that Reverend Izzet Samá Hernández and Loyet García Broche, co-directors of the Centro Memorial Martin Luther King Jr. (CMMLK) in La Habana, Cuba, will be joining us as special guests. From April 13th to April 19th, CRLN will host them for a series of events centered around political education, liberatory theology, and liberatory education. CMMLK graciously hosted CRLN during our delegation to Cuba in January of this year. CMMLK’s unique blend of secular and religious elements holds immense significance within Cuba, and we are honored to count them among our international partners at CRLN. We will soon send more details on the events they’ll be participating in during their visit.

At the Open House, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with CRLN staff, members of the board of directors and learn more about our recent delegations to Guatemala and Cuba. We will also introduce our unique and innovative new collaborationwith DePaul University as recipients of the HumanitiesX Fellowship, along with our political education through the arts Mural Project collaboration with Red COMAL in Honduras. Additionally, we’ll share updates on our work with residents at the Amate House migrant shelter. This interactive afternoon promises to provide valuable insights into our work, allowing you to connect with our team, meet collaborators, and gain a deeper understanding of our initiatives.

Óscar Romero Commemoration Event
Sunday, April 7, from 3:30 to 6:00pm
Inga Bookstore (Pilsen neighborhood)
1740 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL 60608

Join us on Sunday, April 7th, at 3:30pm as we come together to honor the life and legacy of Saint Óscar Romero. CRLN is delighted to partner with the Alma de Izote collective (Yuca Flower) for a special commemorative event dedicated to celebrating Saint Óscar Romero’s profound impact. His enduring influence holds special significance for CRLN, evident in his portrayal within our logo. Romero’s dedication to justice serves as a guiding light for our own efforts.

This year is the 44th anniversary of his martyrdom. We would not be CRLN if we didn’t mention that he was killed during the war in El Salvador in 1980s by the infamous death squads, which were backed and funded by the U.S government. To his legacy we say ¡San Romero Vive! ¡Presente!

Alma de Izote is a newly formed solidarity group comprising individuals from the El Salvador community and allies, united in their commitment to fostering social, cultural, and political education and dialogue within the Chicago community.

The event will feature a screening of the documentary “Monseñor: The Last Journey of Óscar Romero,” followed by an insightful discussion and commentary led by esteemed Human Rights Defender from El Salvador, Neris Gonzales, Reverend Dan Dale, and other speakers. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to enjoy food from El Salvador while experiencing live music.

We warmly invite you to join us for this meaningful occasion as we pay tribute to Saint Óscar Romero and his enduring legacy of justice and liberation. We look forward to sharing this experience with you.

“When all avenues of dialogue, understanding and rationality are closed, the Church speaks of the legitimate right to insurrectionary violence.”

“And if they kill me, I will be resurrected in the Salvadoran people.”

– Óscar Arnulfo Romero

In January 2024, our CRLN delegation arrived in Cuba after more than a year of planning. It was decided in 2023 to partner with the Witness for Peace Solidarity Collective (WFP), which has a staff member in Cuba and vast experience organizing delegations. The delegation would explore the historic and impactful community, theological, and secular work of the renowned Centro Memorial Martin Luther King (CMLK). In preparation for the experience, delegates spent six months studying topics relevant to Cuba’s social, cultural, and political context led by Marilyn McKenna, Vimary Couvertier-Cruz, Dan Dale, and Jhonathan Gómez

Over ten days, delegates witnessed CMLK’s grassroots activism and liberatory Christian methodologies, which have empowered Cuban communities for over three decades. This delegation provided valuable insights into the challenges facing the Cuban people, worsened by harmful U.S. policies while fostering a deeper understanding of CMLK’s mission to inspire hope and build social change. Participants engaged in meaningful dialogues framed by Cuba’s history of resistance, leaving energized to advocate for policy changes in the United States.

The delegation was enriched by the collaboration with WFP, whose transnational efforts highlight the broader impacts of U.S. policies in the Americas. The trip emphasized inclusivity through collective fundraising and scholarships, ensuring diverse representation among participants. As we reflect on this journey, we celebrate the strengthened partnership with CMLK and remain steadfast in supporting the Cuban people’s pursuit of justice, equality, and dignity.

To see more photos, click here.

The January 2024 Guatemala delegation, organized by CRLN, was the culmination of months of planning and collaboration. With the support of various volunteers, including CRLN Co-Director Jhonathan Gomez, board members Cynthia Mazariegos de Fernandez, and Martha Pierce, this initiative brought together a dynamic group of participants to engage with social movements and human rights defenders in Guatemala.

The delegation, a unique opportunity for participants to engage with social movements and human rights defenders, furthered connections and understanding of critical issues in the region. Joined by Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and other distinguished leaders, the delegation witnessed the vital work of organizations such as La Puya, Fundación Ixtatán, and Asociación Pop-Noj. These meetings provided firsthand insights into efforts to address migration, defend Indigenous rights, and support youth development, fostering deep discussions on the impact of U.S. policies and local resistance efforts. Visits to Casa de la Memoria and discussions with civil society leaders offered a comprehensive view of Guatemala’s history and ongoing struggles for justice, enriching the overall experience.

CRLN extends heartfelt gratitude to board members Cynthia Mazariegos de Fernandez and Martha Pierce for their exceptional leadership throughout the trip. Their commitment ensured the delegation’s success. This delegation underscores CRLN’s dedication to amplifying the voices of human rights defenders and creating spaces for solidarity and collaboration. The experience not only strengthened partnerships but also inspired participants to continue advocating for equity and justice in Guatemala and beyond.

From a young age, Patricia Perez exhibited a profound interest in art, inspired by her maternal grandmother’s crafting and garment-making from hand-drawn patterns. At the tender age of nine, she delved into oil painting on canvas by observing re-runs of Bill Alexander’s “The Joy of Oil Painting” on PBS. Her artistic journey led her to study at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and complete her art degree at Northeastern Illinois University, where she also pursued a minor in Latino and Latin American Studies, an influential element in her artistic expression.

During her time at NEIU, Patricia discovered her passion for sharing the creative process with communities, offering visual arts classes, and engaging with everyday people. Hailing from the Guatemala and Puerto Rico diaspora, she has been a dedicated mentor and educator, empowering students and establishing platforms for exploring identity and social justice issues in Chicago.

While her connection with CRLN is recent, her impact has been remarkable. In May 2023, she led a collaborative mural project commemorating the people who were martyrs and disappeared during Guatemala’s Internal Armed Conflict. Presenting the mural at a special event, she honored their memory and stories. Subsequently, in October, Patricia co-led a pilot mural initiative with Red COMAL, one of our partner organizations in Honduras. This project initiated with online Zoom classes focusing on color theory and history, culminating in her journey to Siguatepeque, Honduras. There, she provided support and collaborated with community members and youth from Red COMAL, shedding light on historical injustices and uplifting the work of people in the community and the work of Red COMAL over the last 30 years. This pilot program is very special because we are celebrating with Red COMAL 30 years of work in Honduras through the transformative power of art.

Presently, Patricia is engrossed in her upcoming painting series, drawing inspiration from the stories of migrant children and their families.

It is Raining, Let’s Relocate Indoors

Dear friends of CRLN, 

Thank you to all of you who have already donated to Pedal for Peace 2023. If you haven’t done so already, we kindly invite you to make a donation by clicking the “Donate Now to Pedal for Peace 2023” button above or by clicking here.

The Weather Service forecasts rain for tomorrow. If that happens our ¨IN CASE OF RAIN PLAN¨ is to gather at Centro Romero (6216 N Clark St) at 11am instead, which is about 4 blocks away from the park. Someone will be at the park to meet people and support those who did not see this email. Please let people know if you can.

If we don’t see rain, our plan is the same, meet at 11am, on Sunday, September 17, at Emmerson (Louis) Park (1820 W Granville Ave.) Those who can will ride their bikes, walk and run with us that day. The event will be two hours of biking, running, walking, and communal celebration. We have a brief program planned, which will start at 11am and wrap up around 1 pm. Following this, we will migrate a few blocks to Centro Romero (6216 N Clark St.) for refreshments, poetry readings, and to continue celebrating our friendship and solidarity.

On behalf of Centro Romero, Chicago-Cinquera Sister Cities, Chicago-Guatemala Partnership, and Concern America – we thank you and are looking forward to a celebration of friendship and solidarity.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at jgomez@crln.org.

En solidaridad y resistencia permanente,

Jhonathan F. Gómez

Join us for a Special Event with
Author Kathy Osberger

Kathleen Osberger has been a steadfast supporter and friend of CRLN for many years. Kathy is not only a dedicated human rights defender and activist but also a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who has provided crucial support to the human rights community in Chicago, particularly by offering care and counseling to trauma and torture survivors.

We invite you to join us on Thursday, September 21, at 7 pm at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Chicago as we celebrate the launch of Kathy’s new memoir, “I Surrender.”

Kathy’s memoir is a powerful testimony to her experiences in Chile. In September of 1973, a coup d’état, with the backing of the United States, toppled the democratically elected socialist government of Salvador Allende. Kathy arrived in Chile in 1975, during the early years of the dictatorship. Upon her arrival, she was entrusted with a secret: the religious women she would be living with were providing refuge to dissidents targeted by Pinochet’s secret police. “I Surrender” vividly portrays the solidarity of the Chilean people and the transformative role played by nuns and priests dedicated to serving the poor, while highlighting the changing and challenged Catholic Church.

Books will be sold at the event. And if you cannot make it on September 21, we recommend you watch an interview where Kathy shares some of her ideas and feelings behind her book. Click here or below to see the interview.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at jgomez@crln.org.

En solidaridad y resistencia permanente,

Jhonathan F. Gómez