Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López Vistit Chicago
From October 20th to 24th, 2024, Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López, two prominent Human Rights Defenders from Guatemala, visited Chicago as part of a larger speaking tour. This visit was organized in partnership with local collectives Ceiba and Alma de Izote, along with support from Mijente, CODECA USA Youth, the CCG (Coalición Cordinadora de Guatemala en Chicago), and leaders of the Guatemala community. This marked the first collaboration with Mijente, whose logistical and promotional support contributed to the success of the events. The visit allowed for valuable connections between the guests, local leaders, and various organizations dedicated to social justice and human rights.
On October 21st, a meeting with Mijente’s leadership team in Chicago, along with staff from the national office, and other local activists, provided an opportunity to build deeper connections and discuss common goals in the fight for human rights. The following day, CRLN organized a meeting with its staff, Board of Directors, and the broader network, inviting members of University Church and other groups to discuss the intersection of Indigenous rights, farm worker rights, and the work of CODECA. The meeting also highlighted CRLN’s decades-long commitment to Central America, its roots in liberation theology, and its ongoing solidarity work.
On October 22nd, a youth-focused event was held at the 18th Street Casa de Cultura, attracting over 40 young people. This event allowed Cabrera and López to speak directly with young people about Indigenous justice and the farmworker struggles in Guatemala. It was an opportunity for CRLN to continue its outreach to a new, younger generation on Chicago’s South Side. That same evening, a dinner with over 20 elders and leaders from the Guatemalan community took place at the home of Benjamín Villagrán, strengthening ties with the local community.
On October 23rd, Cabrera and López visited Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, where they met with a collective of Maya Indigenous youth working on immigrant rights and cultural projects at a local Catholic church. The final evening event, held at the Latin Patio restaurant, brought together over 40 attendees from both the Guatemalan community and the broader Chicago community to discuss shared concerns about human rights conditions in Guatemala. The visit culminated in a meaningful meeting with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, where human rights issues in Guatemala were discussed, particularly the ongoing threats to human rights defenders. Both public events were supported by CRLN’s contribution of professional translation equipment and simultaneous interpretation to ensure effective communication with attendees. This visit and its events were a direct outcome of the relationship-building efforts of the July delegation to Guatemala and represented a collaborative effort among several groups committed to human rights, justice, and solidarity in Chicago. Additionally, many of the young adults such as Evelyn Zepeda took the lead in the work of these events.
