Pedal for Peace 2023
2023-09-17 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us for a Condensed / Smaller
Pedal for Peace 2023 Celebration

(You can download our flyers below)
As we approach the end of summer, CRLN enters a period of transition. Change can be both positive and necessary, but what remains unchanged is CRLN’s unwavering commitment to the liberation of the people of Latin America. Our work persists, it is part of our collective resistance and is driven by solidarity and our actions.
This year, the Pedal for Peace project will take on a more condensed format compared to previous years. Rest assured, we’ll still be bikes, as well as walking and running in our barrios. While it may not be as elaborate as before, our partner organizations – Centro Romero, Chicago-Cinquera Sister Cities, Chicago-Guatemala Partnership, and Concern America – are looking forward to a celebration of friendship and solidarity. And yes, we will continue to raise funds for our ongoing projects.
We kindly invite you to make a donation by clicking here.
Join us on Sunday, September 17, at 11 am on the north side of Chicago, at Emmerson (Louis) Park (1820 W Granville Ave.). 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.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at jgomez@crln.org.
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En solidaridad y resistencia permanente,
Jhonathan F. Gómez

Book Launch: I Surrender by Kathleen Osberger
2023-09-21 19:00 - 20:30
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.
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En solidaridad y resistencia permanente,
Jhonathan F. Gómez

IRTF Human Rights Banquet - Fiesta de Derechos Humanxs
2023-11-12 16:00 - 20:00 | Julia de Burgos Center, 2800 Archwood Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44109, United States
On Sunday, November 12, 2023, the InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF) will commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Clevelanders in El Salvador. On December 2, 1980—four women (including CWRU alumna, Jean Donovan and Ursuline Sister, Dorothy Kazel) paid with their lives for deciding to stay in solidarity with oppressed and marginalized peoples, despite political turmoil in El Salvador.
Register Here

ICPJ Latin America Caucus’ Honduras: Human Rights Crisis & Forced Migration
2023-11-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Church of the Good Shepherd, 2145 Independence Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
​Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice centers racial and economic justice as we address the root causes of violence from oppression, poverty, environmental devastation, patriarchy, and war.
Thanks to our co-sponsors Church of the Good Shepherd, U of M Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and the Huron Valley Democratic Socialists of America.
Register Here

Celebrando Alternativas Comunitarias - La Voz de los de Abajo
2023-11-16 18:30 - 19:30 | 18th Street Casa de Cultura, 2057 W 18th St., Chicago, IL, 60608, United States
Blanca Valladares de Red COMAL en Honduras comparte cómo la agricultura comunitaria, las cooperativas y los productos locales han respaldado a las comunidades en resistencia durante los últimos 30 años.
Celebrating Community Alternatives- Blanca Valladares from Red COMAL in Honduras shares how for 30 years, community agriculture, cooperatives, and local products have supported communities in resistance.

Sembrando para la Vida
2023-11-18 14:00 - 16:00 | University Church, 5655 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL, 60637
Join us for a presentation sharing Red Comal’s experiences and insights into the landscape of human rights, art, and alternative agriculture in Honduras. This is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the current human rights situation in Honduras, contextualized through the lens of our esteemed partner’s work. Our honored special guest for the evening is Blanca Esmeralda Valladares from Red Comal in Honduras.
Register Here

Saint Óscar Romero Commemoration Event
2024-04-07 15:30 - 18:00 | Inga Bookstore, 1740 W. 18th St., Chicago, 60608, United States
Oscar 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 Oscar Romero. CRLN is delighted to partner with the Alma de Izote collective (Yuca Flower) for a special commemorative event dedicated to celebrating Saint Oscar 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 remind you that he was killed during the war in El Salvador in 1980s which was backed and funded the infamous death squads. 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 Oscar 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 enjoying live music.
We warmly invite you to join us for this meaningful occasion as we pay tribute to Saint Oscar 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

2024 In-Person Open House
2024-04-13 15:00 - 17:00 | University Church, 5655 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL, 60637
Rescheduled Open House!
We have rescheduled our Open House to be able to welcome two of our partners from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Havana. Reverend Izett Samá Hernández and Loyet García Broche have at long last received U.S. visas and can join us in person.
In-person Open House on Saturday, April 13 at University Church at 5655 South University Avenue
3:00 pm Program
4:00 Mingle, Visit info tables about CRLN projects and partners
We are planning a fun afternoon! You will have a chance to meet the staff, learn about our campaigns, and meet others from the CRLN community! We are also planning a virtual Open House more information here.
We hope to see you in person or virtually!!

Conversation with Human Rights Defender from Honduras, Nelly del Cid
2024-05-02 18:00 - 19:30
Conversation with Human Rights Defender from Honduras, Nelly del Cid
CRN friends,
We are glad to extend an invitation for you to join us for a compelling conversation with Nelly del Cid, a distinguished Human Rights Defender from Honduras. The event will take place on Thursday, May 2, at 6 pm at Inga Bookstore in Pilsen.
Nelly del Cid, also known as Carmen Manuela Del Cid Mata, is an admired figure in the feminist movement in Honduras. Her unwavering dedication to defending the rights of women has earned her recognition as the “Butterfly of the Year” by women’s organizations in Honduras in 2014.
As a Mercy lay associate and the coordinator of the Mercy’s Dream Weavers ministry in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Nelly provides crucial emotional and spiritual support to women human rights defenders across the country. Her leadership extends to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Institute’s International Justice Team.
Nelly is a founding member of the Women’s Forum for Life, a network of 16 women’s organizations, including the Sisters of Mercy. Through this network, she has been instrumental in bringing attention to extreme violence against women and femicide.
In addition to her advocacy work, Nelly is trained as a Nonviolence Promoter through the Quakers’ Alternatives to Violence program. She has conducted nonviolence trainings in Honduran prisons and communities grappling with high levels of violence.
We are honored to partner with the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Chicago Justice Committee and La Voz de los de Abajo for this event. It promises to be an enlightening discussion covering topics such as women’s rights, nonviolence, migration, and the challenges facing the people of Honduras.
We hope you will join us for what is sure to be an inspiring evening. Your presence and support are invaluable as we come together to learn from Nelly del Cid’s experiences and insights.
En resistencia y solidaridad permanente
Jhonathan F. Gómez

2024 Virtual Open House
2024-05-09 18:30 - 20:00
Rescheduled Open House!
We have rescheduled our Open House to be able to welcome two of our partners from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Havana. Reverend Izett Samá Hernández and Loyet García Broche have at long last received U.S. visas and can join us in person for a week of events.
We are planning a fun virtual Open House! You will have a chance to meet the staff, learn about our projects, and meet others from the CRLN community! We hope to see you virtually!!
Virtual Open House on Thursday, May 9 on Zoom.
6:30 PM Program
7:30 PM Q&A
RSVP Here!

Click here for In-Person Open House on April 13 information and RSVP.
More event information on our calendar.

JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 FOR AN UNIQUE IN-PERSON STUDENT PUBLIC ART EVENT
2024-06-12 11:30 - 14:00
Join us on Wednesday, June 12 for an unique In-Person Student Public Art Event
WHAT: In-person Collaborative Public Art-Making Event
by DePaul University Students
WHEN: Thursday, June 12, from 11:30 AM to 1:45 PM
WHERE: Latinx Cultural Center – O’Connell Room 360
at 1036 W. Belden Ave, Lincoln Park
We are very glad to invite you to a special in-person Collaborative Public Art-Making event at the Latinx Cultural Center at DePaul University. Join us from 11:30 AM to 1:45 PM and experience remarkable art projects by students from the “Historical Memory Project: Ni Olvido, Ni Perdón” class. Students will also invite people who attend to join in the art making. This unique event will feature projects that can provide insights into:

The role of Guatemala’s textiles as a centuries-old form of Indigenous cultural resistance.
The impact of El Salvador’s mega prisons, their connection to gang culture, and societal consequences.
The ongoing resistance and oppression faced by the Trans community in Honduras.

There will be other thought-provoking projects highlighting the continuous fight for human rights in Central America. This event is the culmination of a collaboration between CRLN and HumanitiesX at DePaul University. In 2023, CRLN was honored with a fellowship by DePaul University, allowing us to work closely with the exceptional professors Susana Martínez and Lydia Saravia. You can read more about this unique and inspiring project here.
We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at jgomez@clrn.org, or mmckenna@crln.org.

Justice for the Indigenous Maya Ixil People
2024-06-15 08:00 - 17:00
Justice for the Indigenous Maya Ixil People of Guatemala
Join us for an Educational Fundraising Event
Join us for an educational event held by and for the Maya Ixil Accompaniment Project. The project is led by activists and artists from the Guatemala Diaspora in Chicago who are collaborating with grassroots organizations in Guatemala to support the historic Maya Ixil Genocide case. They are organizing a Human Rights delegation to Guatemala in July. As project sponsors, together, we are inviting you to an educational fundraising event to meet the members, learn about the project and the ongoing Maya Ixil Genocide trial, and help cover the costs of the delegation.
We sincerely thank you for your solidarity, your continued collaboration and dedication to the work in defense of Human Rights in Latin America.
To learn more about the project, please CLICK HERE.
To make a donation right now please CLICK HERE.
WHAT: In-Person Educational Fundraising Event in Support of a Human Rights Delegation to Guatemala
WHEN: Tuesday, June 18, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
WHERE: Inga Book Store (Pilsen neighborhood), 1740 W. 18th Street, 60608
En resistencia y solidaridad permanente
Jhonathan F. Gómez

Webinar: Maya Ixil Genocide Trial in Guatemala
2024-10-19 16:00 - 17:30
Join us on Saturday, October 19 for a Webinar to learn about the Ongoing Maya Ixil Case in Guatemala
CRLN Community,
Following the delegation to Guatemala in July, we held an in-person report-back event with participants to reflect on the experiences and insights gained. We are glad to continue this important conversation with an upcoming webinar that invites us all to learn more and listen to the survivors who continue to fight for justice as the trial continues today.
We sincerely thank you for your solidarity, your continued collaboration and dedication to the work in defense of Human Rights in Latin América and Guatemala.
We invite you to attend this informative webinar focused on the Maya Ixil Genocide Trial for the Lucas García period (1978-1982). This case, supported by survivors of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR), sheds light on the systematic violence inflicted upon the Maya Ixil population during Guatemala’s military dictatorship.
🗓 Date: Saturday, October 19
⏰ Time: 3 PM Guatemala / 4 PM Chicago
📍 REGISTER HERE
This webinar will features special guest speakers, including survivor human rights defenders from the AJR, Evelyn Zepeda and Josue Sicán, organizers from Guatemala born in Chicago who participated on the July delegation. This event is a collaboration with our friends at NISGUA and Colectiva Ceiba. Jhonathan Gómez from CRLN will moderate the event.
This is a critical opportunity to learn about Guatemala’s ongoing fight for justice and historical memory, especially concerning the war crimes against Indigenous communities. The trial represents a significant step in addressing the atrocities that have shaped the country’s history.
About the Maya Ixil Genocide Case
The Maya Ixil genocide case during the Lucas García period focuses on the systematic violence perpetrated by Guatemala’s army under the regime of General Romeo Lucas García (1978-1982). Military forces targeted the Maya Ixil population through massacres, torture, sexual violence, forced displacement, and scorched earth tactics as part of a broader state campaign against Indigenous communities. This case seeks justice for these war crimes, internationally recognized as acts of genocide, and represents an important step in the efforts for justice and historical memory in Guatemala.
Delegation Context
The primary goal of our recent delegation was to provide in-person accompaniment to the Maya Ixil community, whose witnesses and survivors of genocide testified during the hearings of this historic trial. The trial, marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for justice and accountability. As International Human Rights Accompaniers, the delegation documented their experiences and engaged with human rights defenders, community leaders, and organizations throughout Guatemala.
Join us in this important dialogue as we work together for justice and memory.

Indigenous Justice: Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López in Chicago
2024-10-22 18:00 - 21:00
Friends of CRLN,
Our solidarity work with the people of Guatemala has evolved over the decades, but one thing remains constant: our belief that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of social change, justice, and liberation. This truth holds across the Americas.
We are honored to partner with Colectiva Ceiba, Alma de Izote, Mijente and Comité de Desarrollo Campesino (CODECA) to welcome renowned human rights defenders Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López to Chicago. We hope to see you at one or both events.
🗓 Date: Tuesday, October 22
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: 8th Street Casa De Cultura
(2057 W 18th St. Chicago, IL 60608)
Free to everyone. Masks required.
Many of you may remember Thelma Cabrera from her 2019 presidential run. Although she placed fourth, her candidacy inspired rural and Indigenous communities, solidifying her position as a significant political figure in Guatemala.
A renowned Indigenous leader and human rights defender from Guatemala, Thelma is recognized for her tireless work with CODECA, which advocates for land rights, social justice, and the defense of Indigenous and rural communities. A member of the Maya Mam people, Cabrera has emerged as a powerful voice in the fight against corruption, exploitation, and systemic exclusion. In 2019, she ran as a presidential candidate with the Movimiento para la Liberaciónde los Pueblos (Movement for the Liberation of the People, MLP), following in the footsteps of Rigoberta Menchú. Her leadership has made her one of Guatemala’s most prominent voices in the fight for Indigenous self-determination and against the deep-rooted inequalities in the country.
Her presidential candidacy galvanized support from rural areas and indigenous groups, positioning her as a key political figure. Her platform advocated for structural changes, including the convening of a Constitutional Assembly to transform Guatemala into a plurinational state that recognizes Indigenous rights and autonomy. Despite her exclusion from the 2023 election, by the manipulation of the system by corrupt structures, Cabrera’s impact remains significant, continuing to push for systemic change through grassroots mobilization.
Neftalí López is a prominent leader within CODECA, scholar and political consultant, expert on Indigenous Maya customary law and on contexts of juridical pluralism. He was Thelma Cabrera’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election. López is known for his long-standing work in defending the rights of farmworkers and Indigenous peoples, particularly in the areas of land reform and the nationalization of key public services such as energy. His work with CODECA has made him a central figure in mobilizing rural communities against neoliberal policies and corruption that have long marginalized Guatemala’s most vulnerable populations.
During the 2019 campaign, López emphasized the MLP’s goal of convening a Constitutional Assembly to create a plurinational state, ensuring representation and rights for Guatemala’s Indigenous communities. Under his leadership, CODECA has grown into a powerful social and political movement, despite the dangers its members face—38 activists have been killed since the organization’s inception. López remains a dedicated advocate for justice, working to transform Guatemala’s political landscape and build a more equitable society for all.

In permanent resistance and solidarity,
Jhonathan

Indigenous Justice: Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López in Chicago
2024-10-24 18:00 - 21:00
Friends of CRLN,
Our solidarity work with the people of Guatemala has evolved over the decades, but one thing remains constant: our belief that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of social change, justice, and liberation. This truth holds across the Americas.
We are honored to partner with Colectiva Ceiba, Alma de Izote, Mijente and Comité de Desarrollo Campesino (CODECA) to welcome renowned human rights defenders Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López to Chicago. We hope to see you at one or both events.
🗓 Date: Thursday, October 24
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Latin Patio Restaurant
(3115 N Central Ave. Chicago, IL 60634)
Free to everyone. Masks required.
Many of you may remember Thelma Cabrera from her 2019 presidential run. Although she placed fourth, her candidacy inspired rural and Indigenous communities, solidifying her position as a significant political figure in Guatemala.
A renowned Indigenous leader and human rights defender from Guatemala, Thelma is recognized for her tireless work with CODECA, which advocates for land rights, social justice, and the defense of Indigenous and rural communities. A member of the Maya Mam people, Cabrera has emerged as a powerful voice in the fight against corruption, exploitation, and systemic exclusion. In 2019, she ran as a presidential candidate with the Movimiento para la Liberaciónde los Pueblos (Movement for the Liberation of the People, MLP), following in the footsteps of Rigoberta Menchú. Her leadership has made her one of Guatemala’s most prominent voices in the fight for Indigenous self-determination and against the deep-rooted inequalities in the country.
Her presidential candidacy galvanized support from rural areas and indigenous groups, positioning her as a key political figure. Her platform advocated for structural changes, including the convening of a Constitutional Assembly to transform Guatemala into a plurinational state that recognizes Indigenous rights and autonomy. Despite her exclusion from the 2023 election, by the manipulation of the system by corrupt structures, Cabrera’s impact remains significant, continuing to push for systemic change through grassroots mobilization.
Neftalí López is a prominent leader within CODECA, scholar and political consultant, expert on Indigenous Maya customary law and on contexts of juridical pluralism. He was Thelma Cabrera’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election. López is known for his long-standing work in defending the rights of farmworkers and Indigenous peoples, particularly in the areas of land reform and the nationalization of key public services such as energy. His work with CODECA has made him a central figure in mobilizing rural communities against neoliberal policies and corruption that have long marginalized Guatemala’s most vulnerable populations.
During the 2019 campaign, López emphasized the MLP’s goal of convening a Constitutional Assembly to create a plurinational state, ensuring representation and rights for Guatemala’s Indigenous communities. Under his leadership, CODECA has grown into a powerful social and political movement, despite the dangers its members face—38 activists have been killed since the organization’s inception. López remains a dedicated advocate for justice, working to transform Guatemala’s political landscape and build a more equitable society for all.

In permanent resistance and solidarity,
Jhonathan

What Now? Organizing for Justice After the Election: November 10
2024-11-10 11:45 - 13:30
Join us for a discussion titled “What Now? Organizing for Justice After the Election”.
DATE: Sunday, November 10th
TIME: 11:45 AM
LOCATION: Lake Street Church, 607 Lake St., Evanston, IL 60201
At the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN), we understand that marginalized communities in the U.S. have been fighting for justice under all administrations. Our work emphasizes an internationalist perspective and a critique of U.S. foreign policy on Latin American countries. We advocate for the rights of all migrant communities here in the U.S.
We thank Lake Street Church for the invitation to be part of this conversation. Come learn how you can engage in this critical conversation and take action. Your participation matters in co-creating a beloved community.

Resistance Across Generations: November 14
2024-11-14 18:00 - 20:00
Resistance Across Generations:
From Latino América to Chicago
November 14
CRLN has a long standing history in the struggle for human rights, immigrant justice, and international solidarity. At times, a gathering space for activism in Chicago, CRLN has emphasized the importance of connecting generations and communities in shared resistance against systems of oppression. The upcoming events, Resistance Across Generations: From Colombia to El Salvador to Chicago, highlights the intersections of these themes, showcasing the enduring legacies of intergenerational and international activism.
Chicago’s history is deeply rooted in social movements, where migrant communities have played pivotal roles in shaping the city’s landscape. From the labor strikes of the early 20th century to the establishment of bilingual education programs in the 1960s and 70s, the contributions of Latin American migrants have been central to the city’s identity as a sanctuary for everyone. CRLN builds on this foundation, fostering spaces where historical memory and ongoing struggles converge.
In collaboration with the Alma de Izote collective and the Chicago Party for Socialism and Liberation, CRLN’s seeks to honor the work of past generations while nurturing the voices of emerging activists. This initiative, spanning two events in November 2024, will feature distinguished speakers Neris González from El Salvador and Gladys Zarate Cárdenas from Colombia, alongside younger activists from Chicago’s Latin American diaspora representing México, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Other featured speakers include Lorna Sánchez, Yesenia Puebla, Willy Palomo and Josué Sicán. The events will be moderated by Jhonathan F. Gómez from CRLN. Together, they will explore themes of resistance, exile, migration, and intergenerational solidarity.
These gatherings are not just a platform for storytelling but a call to action—encouraging participants to draw lessons from the past to confront today’s challenges. Topics include historical memory, the impact of migration on activism, and the potential of intergenerational organizing as a transformative force in community work.
CRLN warmly invites you to join us in celebrating resistance and solidarity. Let’s honor the past, connect in the present, and build for the future.
📅 Event Details:

Date: Thursday, November 14
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: 18th Street Casa de Cultura (2057 W. 18th St. Chicago, IL 60608)

This is more than an event; it’s an opportunity to be part of a growing movement for justice.

Resistance Across Generations: November 19
2024-11-19 18:00
Resistance Across Generations:
From Latino América to Chicago
November 19
CRLN has a long standing history in the struggle for human rights, immigrant justice, and international solidarity. At times, a gathering space for activism in Chicago, CRLN has emphasized the importance of connecting generations and communities in shared resistance against systems of oppression. The upcoming events, Resistance Across Generations: From Colombia to El Salvador to Chicago, highlights the intersections of these themes, showcasing the enduring legacies of intergenerational and international activism.
Chicago’s history is deeply rooted in social movements, where migrant communities have played pivotal roles in shaping the city’s landscape. From the labor strikes of the early 20th century to the establishment of bilingual education programs in the 1960s and 70s, the contributions of Latin American migrants have been central to the city’s identity as a sanctuary for everyone. CRLN builds on this foundation, fostering spaces where historical memory and ongoing struggles converge.
In collaboration with the Alma de Izote collective and the Chicago Party for Socialism and Liberation, CRLN’s seeks to honor the work of past generations while nurturing the voices of emerging activists. This initiative, spanning two events in November 2024, will feature distinguished speakers Neris González from El Salvador and Gladys Zarate Cárdenas from Colombia, alongside younger activists from Chicago’s Latin American diaspora representing México, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Other featured speakers include Lorna Sánchez, Yesenia Puebla, Willy Palomo and Josué Sicán. The events will be moderated by Jhonathan F. Gómez from CRLN. Together, they will explore themes of resistance, exile, migration, and intergenerational solidarity.
These gatherings are not just a platform for storytelling but a call to action—encouraging participants to draw lessons from the past to confront today’s challenges. Topics include historical memory, the impact of migration on activism, and the potential of intergenerational organizing as a transformative force in community work.
CRLN warmly invites you to join us in celebrating resistance and solidarity. Let’s honor the past, connect in the present, and build for the future.
📅 Event Details:

Date: November 19, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Chicago Liberation Center (2712 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60608)

This is more than an event; it’s an opportunity to be part of a growing movement for justice.

Human Rights in El Salvador: A Community Forum, November 21
2024-11-21 18:30 - 20:30
Human Rights in El Salvador: A Community Forum and Fundraiser for Human Rights in El Salvador
The Chicago Religious Leadership Network (CRLN) and Centro Romero invite you to a special event that combines learning, solidarity, and action. Join us on Thursday, November 21, at 6:30 PM, at El Pueblo Unido Gallery at Centro Romero, 6212 N. Clark Street, for a community forum and fundraiser to support the critical work of Socorro Jurídico Humanitario, community Non-Profit in El Salvador advocating for victims of state repression under President Nayib Bukele’s State of Exception.
A Growing Crisis in El Salvador
Under Bukele’s regime, El Salvador has experienced grave human rights violations that have raised concern internationally.
Since March 2022, over 70,000 people have been arbitrarily detained under El Salvador’s Estado de Excepción (State of Emergency), according to human rights organizations. Aimed at combating gang violence, it has resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including torture, overcrowded prisons, prolonged detention without trial, death and forced disappearances, according to Amnesty International. As of February 2024, Amnesty documented approximately 78,000 detentions, highlighting the urgent need for international solidarity and action.
In addition to these abuses, Bukele’s government has taken steps to dismantle democratic institutions in El Salvador. In May 2021, the Legislative Assembly, dominated by Bukele’s allies, removed constitutional court judges and the attorney general, actions that effectively crippled the judicial system’s ability to act independently. Critics from international organizations like Amnesty International and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) have condemned these moves as an attack on the rule of law and a shift toward authoritarianism.
These actions have set the stage for further violations of basic freedoms, as the separation of powers and the checks and balances that are critical to a functioning democracy have been severely undermined. Furthermore, press freedom and civil society have been severely curtailed under Bukele’s rule. Journalists and human rights organizations face harassment, surveillance, and even criminal charges for their work. Bukele has been accused of using legal measures and threats to silence dissent, undermining the media’s ability to operate freely. In 2020, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that journalists in El Salvador were facing increasing threats from the government, which has waged a campaign to discredit the press and stifle critical voices. Bukele’s administration continues to foster an environment where journalism is criminalized, and independent reporting is at risk of being silenced.
These violations paint a troubling picture of the disregards for fundamental human rights and freedoms. As the Bukele regime consolidates power, international human rights organizations continue to call for increased scrutiny and accountability for the systematic repression of El Salvador’s citizens.
This forum aims to shed light on these issues and support the work of Socorro Jurídico Humanitario, which advocates for those unjustly impacted by these policies. The organization stands as a lifeline, providing legal assistance, psychological support, and material aid to detainees and their families. This event will raise funds to sustain their work and amplify their efforts to defend human rights.
About the Event
This community forum will feature presentations from Ingryd Escobar and Oscar Rosales Meléndez, two human rights defenders from El Salvador who are actively addressing the injustices of the State of Exception. Through their stories and firsthand accounts, we will explore the impacts of mass detentions and the ongoing struggle for justice in El Salvador.
The evening will include:
• A presentation by Ingryd and Oscar on the human rights crisis.
• A discussion on how international solidarity can support those affected.
• An opportunity to contribute directly to the lifesaving work of Socorro Jurídico Humanitario.
About the Speakers
Ingryd Escobar is the Director of Socorro Jurídico Humanitario and a lifelong human rights advocate. She has been on the frontlines of labor and human rights defense in El Salvador, dedicating her career to protecting vulnerable populations.
Oscar Rosales Meléndez, a lawyer and humanitarian, has decades of experience supporting displaced and marginalized communities. He is deeply committed to providing legal and material support to those affected by state repression.
Event Details
🗓️ Date: Thursday, November 21
🕕 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: El Pueblo Unido Gallery at Centro Romero, 6212 N. Clark Street
All funds raised during this event will go directly to Socorro Jurídico Humanitario to sustain their critical efforts, which include:
• Legal defense for detainees and their families.
• Psychological care for victims of trauma.
• Financial aid, food, and medical support for affected families.
The human rights community in Chicago, a city with its own rich history of social justice movements understands the power of solidarity. The people from the diaspora of El Salvador have been an important part of the Chicago community, let us show our solidarity.
Join us for this important conversation.

Conmemoration of St. Oscar Romero, April 30
2025-04-30 10:00 - 12:00
Saint Oscar Romero was a courageous voice for justice and human rights in El Salvador. As Archbishop, he became a new voice of hope during the brutal repression of the war. He understood that he must use his pulpit to denounce the violence and injustices inflicted on the poor by the military dictatorship. Romero was committed to truth and justice, despite receiving threats and ultimately being assassinated by U.S.-trained death squads in 1980, he continues to inspire movements for peace and dignity across the Americas.
In today’s context, where immigrant communities are among the most vulnerable and are targets of the rising authoritarian Trump regime, Romero’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of faith-rooted resistance and actions in confronting oppressive systems. The Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN) was founded in part as a response to Romero’s prophetic work for the oppressed. His vision for justice is embedded in our mission as we stand in solidarity with resistance communities in Central America and fight with immigrant rights communities in Chicago. That is why we are honored to partner with Centro Romero—an institution that has served the immigrant and refugee community in Chicago for over 40 years. Though March is traditionally the month in which we celebrate Saint Romero’s life, every day remains an opportunity to honor his memory by working to dismantle injustice, from El Salvador to the streets of Chicago. Romero’s legacy lives on through the continued efforts of Centro Romero, CRLN, and Alianza Americas. Centro Romero addresses urgent needs through direct services, while CRLN advances interfaith advocacy, education and action for systemic change. Together, we are committed to educating, empowering, and organizing immigrant, Latino/a, and refugee communities to confront today’s injustices with the same courage and conviction that Romero embodied. Join us on April 30 at 10AM. 📅 Date: April 30, 2025

🕙 Time: 10:00 AM

📍 Location: Pueblo Unido Gallery at Centro Romero, 6212 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60660

¡No nos vamos! May Day
2025-05-01 09:30 - 22:30
May 1 is for the workers, we are all workers, and it is International Workers’ Day. May Day is a bittersweet forgotten history for anyone living in Chicago. If one is paying attention to the marches that happen from México, Guatemala, Chile to Brazil, and around the world, Chicago is almost always referenced. As the retired Reverend Dan Dale reminds us at CRLN ¨May Day was forged from the bloodshed and bravery of workers in Chicago, who dared to dream of a world where they would be treated with dignity.¨
CRLN honors the martyrs of 1886 and the millions who marched in the 2006. They are who continue to be the spirit of this movement. Their struggle is not in the past, it lives in undocumented workers fighting for fair wages, and students resisting family separation.
Under today’s repressive regime, as authoritarianism threatens the lives of all immigrants, workers, and the most vulnerable, we must take to the streets again.
On May 1, CRLN will be in the streets to honor the historic memory of the 1886 Martyrs, as well as the memory of the 2006 marches and to participate as we write a new chapter of resistance for Chicago and the United States.
CRLN will join the Interfaith Gathering that Arise Chicago has organized.
📅 Date: May 1, 2025
🕙 Time: 9:30AM – 10.30AM
📍 Location: Union Park, 1501 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60606

What’s CRLN been up to? What’s in our future?
2025-11-14 17:00 - 20:00 | Latin Patio, 3115 N Central Ave, Chicago, 60634, United States
Join us for a fundraiser full of music, community, and shared vision! 💫 Featuring live music inspired by Los Torogoces and stories from Sebastián Torogoz new book. Read Sebastián Torogoz Biography This special night will honor the past, uplift the present, and build toward a just future — all while raising funds to keep solidarity strong.
Details
November 14, 2025 from 5-8:00 PM
Latin Patio, 3115 N Central Ave Chicago, IL 60634
Get your Tickets Now!
