FROM ICE TO BLOCKADES: ONE STRUGGLE, MANY FRONTS
Solidarity, Education & Fundraising Tour to Bring Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
Saturday, June 27, 2026
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
University Church
5655 South University Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637 (Hyde Park)
Reception to follow. Snacks and refreshments provided.
The Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN) is honored to host IFCO/Pastors for Peace as part of its national solidarity, education, and fundraising tour to bring humanitarian aid to Cuba.
CRLN and IFCO/Pastors for Peace share a decades-long history of mutual collaboration and a deep solidarity commitment to the people of Cuba.
At a time when the United States continues to impose devastating economic sanctions and maintain a decades-long blockade against Cuba, international solidarity remains as urgent as ever. For decades, CRLN has stood with the Cuban people because we believe it is both a moral and political imperative to oppose U.S. intervention, economic coercion, militarization, and neocolonial policies that seek to undermine the sovereignty of nations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Cuban people have the right to determine their own future free from external interference. We stand with Cuba in the same spirit that Cuba has stood with peoples across the world through international medical brigades, disaster response efforts, educational exchanges, and movements for justice and self-determination. As communities across the United States organize against ICE raids, endless wars, and growing inequality, this event invites us to connect our struggles and strengthen our commitment to international solidarity.
Join us for an evening of political education, dialogue, music, and fundraising in support of humanitarian aid destined for Cuba.
Featured Speakers for our Conversation
Rev. Claudia De la Cruz
Rev. Claudia De la Cruz is a community organizer, theologian, popular educator, and mother with nearly three decades of experience building people power. She previously served as pastor of Iglesia San Romero de Las Américas and co-founded The People’s Forum in New York City. Her work has consistently focused on internationalism, political education, and solidarity among working people across borders.
Dr. Cristina Perez
Dr. Cristina Perez is Associate Professor of Sociology and Associate Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Dominican University. A longtime Cuba solidarity activist, her work examines systems of inequality, gender, and social justice. She has dedicated years to building political education and international solidarity efforts in Chicago and beyond.
Carolina Gaete
Carolina Gaete is a popular educator and community organizer who works in solidarity with residents of West Humboldt Park through Blocks Together. Her work focuses on strengthening political consciousness, leadership development, and community-led campaigns. Rooted in Indigenous and African traditions of liberation and self-determination, she is committed to building collective power from the ground up.
Moderated by Jhonathan F. Gómez
Jhonathan F. Gómez is a human rights defender, educator, artist, documentary photographer, and Co-Director of CRLN. Originally from Guatemala City, he has spent nearly two decades working alongside immigrant, Indigenous, and human rights movements in Guatemala and the United States. His work combines organizing, education, and the arts in pursuit of justice and international solidarity.
Musical Performance
Ramón Marino
Ramón Marino is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, visual artist, and educator originally from Mexico City who has lived in Chicago for more than three decades. A longtime performer of Trova and Nueva Canción, his music has accompanied social justice movements and community struggles throughout Chicago. He will join us for a special live musical performance.
Special Thanks
Blocks Together
Alma de Izote
Party for Socialism and Liberation – Chicago
IFCO/Pastors for Peace
All funds raised will support the delivery of humanitarian aid to Cuba.
Join us. Learn. Organize. Build solidarity.
