COLUMBIA, EL BUEN AMIGO, LATIN AMERICAN SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE

Hola! Pasan mucho cosas, y cada mes unas es del Comité de Solidaridad Latinoamericana! The Latin American Solidarity Committee of the WNY Peace Center is a stalwart part of our history and a steadfast and key part of our current work.

The Latin American Solidarity Committee of the WNY Peace Center (LASC) was started during the 1980s when US interference in Latin America was reaching a fever pitch. Concerned citizens of WNY banded together at the WNY Peace Center (WNYPC) to collaborate to assist refugees from South and especially Central America and formed affinity groups for solidarity as people risked arrest through their efforts. LASC has monthly Peace Coffeehouses on current topics with a special focus on Latin American and related justice issues. November’s session at 7-9 pm Monday, Nov. 28, is on Colombia’s Future: Optimism & Realism. The speaker, Camilo Romero, is co-founder of ReGeneracion, a peace-building initiative launched in Colombia and working globally. Camilo organized student and consumer campaigns as a union organizer for Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores. He also leads Story-Healing Workshops, including a recent one in Buffalo co-organized by local activist Esperanza Altazar.

The Coffeehouses are held every 4th Monday of the month, in the Lounge of the Canisius College Science Hall, near Main and Delavan Station/ intersection of Jefferson @ Main. (While the adjacent parking lot is closed during construction, you can use street parking along Main Street or in the parking lot at the M&T bank.). Light refreshments (yes, including coffee!) are on hand, and the event is free.  Many previous speakers are well known to Latino Village readers – e.g., Alberto Cappas and Christian Parra re Puerto Rico’s justice struggles; José and Nadia Pizarro re efforts to support climate disaster refugees/family/friends in Buffalo; Talia Rodriquez re Herstory and Latina/youth leadership; Rev. Nancy Rosas, re immigration and sanctuary – as well as speakers from farther away, including Luz Rivera, Consejo Nacional Urbano y Campesino, Mexico; Grahame Russell, director of Rights Action working in Guatemala; and Karen Spring, Honduras Solidarity Network.

While the Coffeehouses are usually at Canisius College, in December we have the special treat of meeting at El Buen Amigo. The collaboration between the two groups is longstanding, and it’s always great to be in that wonderful space before the holidays, so beautiful gifts at the fair exchange are readily available! Family members benefit (and so do we!).

Join us on December 19, 7 pm, at El Buen Amigo (144 Elmwood) for a (potluck) holiday celebration, and an opportunity to hear from LASC members about the activities of the past year. These include the group’s support and involvement in a dental clinic in Chiapas, Mexico; in a Mayan Weaving Collective; Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravans to Cuba; and so much more. We’ll also talk about prospects for the upcoming year. Please come share your own perspectives!

If you’re interested in helping with planning, please contact Terry Bisson at bisson@canisius.edu or 716-838-2962.

Feliz Dia del Acción de Gracias!! Solidaridad, Victory, Healing for #PeopleAndPlanet, and Peace and Love!! Si, se puede!! Juntos!!