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Fall 2011 Speaker's Tour with Maria Choc: The Ongoing Struggle for Land, Justice and Indigenous Rights in Guatemala

December 12, 2011: Jody Slocum, of Farmer to Farmer--a sustainable agriculture project based in Wisconsin--publishes a review of Kelsey and Maria's visit to Macalester College. Read the full article here.

This November, GHRC hosted our Fall 2011 Speaker's Tour with Maria Cuc Choc, a Mayan activist and commuinty leader from Guatemala. Maria and Kelsey Alford-Jones, director of GHRC, put on a series of exciting and informative events together in Washington, DC, Chicago, Iowa and the Twin Cities. This is an incredible opportunity to meet an inspiring member of Guatemala's indigenous community and spread awareness about the current human rights situation in Guatemala.

We were very lucky to bring a Q'eqchi Mayan community leader, Maria Choc, to the U.S. from Guatemala. Maria has been struggling for indigenous rights, land rights and women's rights in her community - and regionally - for many years and will be speaking about these struggles in the current context of increasing violence and a new administration taking office. Maria comes from a family of community organizers and activists, and it has been their struggle and sacrifice which has served to strengthen her solidarity with communities. Her brother, Ramiro Choc, is one of Guatemala's most high profile political prisoners. Director Kelsey Alford-Jones will be accompanying her to translate, give historical context, and talk about what we can do here in the US to educate ourselves and support human rights in Guatemala.

Sept. 16: GHRC celebrates Independence Day and Guatemalan solidarity with music, food, and fun!

Dinner and homemade desserts will be served from the Potter's House menu starting at 7pm. The food is fresh and affordable, and help make the benefit concert series possible.

Presentations include a performance by Song Rise from 8-9 pm, a DC-based women's a cappella group who believe that through music they can ignite hope, bring joy, inspire courage, and motivate themselves and others to create change will be performing. Tierra Morena, a lively Afro-Andino trio that combines guitar, flute, drums and voice will follow from 9-10 pm.

Getting there is easy! The Potter's House is located at 1658 Columbia Road, NW in Washington, DC. It is just a 10 minute walk from Woodley Rd (red) or Columbia Heights (green). Bus #42 (from Dupont Circle Red Line) stops outside our front door. Some street parking is also available. More details here.

LOCATION: The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
TIME: 7pm-10:30pm

Download the event flyer here. (En Español)

PAST EVENTS

2010

Dec. 12: GHRC holiday fundraising dinner and report on Guatemalan immigration

The Guatemala Human Rights Commission cordially invites you to a fundraising dinner with a special immigration delegation report and silent auction.

Tickets: SOLD OUT. Call 202-529-6599 to put your name on the waiting list.

TIME: 5:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22204

MORE DETAILS...

______________________________________________________________________________

Sept. 25, 6-10pm: Book Launch Party for Jean-Marie Simon and Patricia Foxen

Photojournalist Jean-Marie Simon celebrates the release of the Spanish translation of her powerful book of photographs and writings documenting the war in the the early 1980's, Guatemala: Eternal Spring, Eternal Tyranny. Anthropologist and author Patricia Foxen presents her book, In Search of Providence: Transnational Mayan Identities, an insightful look at the Guatemalan conflict, and its complex and long-term impacts on Mayan communities, identity, and migration, both in Guatemala and Providence, Rhode Island.

Jean-Marie and Patricia will donate two copies of their books for a raffle. All proceeds will benefit the Guatemala Human Rights Commission.

LOCATION: Washington, DC

TIME: 6-10pm

Please let us know you're coming! RSVP to intern@ghrc-usa.org

[View flyer]

______________________________________________________________________________

Friday, September 24, 11:30am-12:30pm: Support TPS for Guatemalans

Join GHRC and Guatemalans from across the country in a vigil for Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Guatemala due to severe natural disasters in the country. TPS could benefit hundreds of thousands of Guatemalans living and working in the United States.

WHERE: Lafayette Square, 16th St. and H St., NW (in front of the White House)

WHY: During the past several months, Guatemala has been devastated by tropical storm Agatha, the eruption of the Pacaya Volcano, and severe mudslides and flooding that resulted in the death of hundreds and the displacement of tens of thousands.

If you can't make the vigil, join the movement by calling DHS and requesting TPS for Guatemala: 202-282-8495.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Sept. 10: GHRC invites you an evening of music, food, and fun!

Join us to celebrate the strong and growing Guatemala solidarity work happening in the DC-metro area.

Dinner and homemade desserts will be served from the Potter's House menu starting at 7pm. The food is fresh and affordable, and help make the benefit concert series possible.

Music will begin at 7:30 with Melinda and Paul, a DC musical duo, who celebrate the Latin American tradition of bringing about social change through music. Their fresh harmonies bring alive a broad repertoire, from folk songs from Pablo's native Nicaragua to regional favorites by Mercedes Sosa and Silvio Rodriguez. They will be followed by Song Rise, a new, DC-based women's a cappella group who believe that through music they can ignite hope, bring joy, inspire courage, and motivate themselves and others to create change.

Suggested Donation: $10

LOCATION: The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
TIME: 7pm-10:30pm

[View and download printable flyer]

______________________________________________________________________________

Sept. 5: Gran Dia Chapin

Celebrate Guatemala's Independence with music from local and international artists, crafts, and food. More information.

LOCATION: Buck Lodge Middle School, 2611 Buck Lodge Road, Adelphi, MD.
TIME: 10am-8pm.

______________________________________________________________________________

May 17, 6-7:30pm: Jesus Tecú Speaks on His Work as a Human Rights Defender in the Rio Negro Community

Guatemalan indigenous rights activist and genocide survivor Jesus Tecú Osorio was awarded the prestigious 2010 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award for international human rights defenders. Tecu is a survivor of the 1982 Rio Negro massacre, one of the most emblematic atrocities of the Guatemalan genocide.

Tecú is now a leading human rights activist seeking justice for the genocide in Guatemala and promoting the rights of indigenous Mayans. Though he remains at extreme risk and continues to suffer death threats directed towards him and his children, he is undeterred in his fight for justice.

[View and download printable flyer]

_____________________________________________________________________________

May 16, 1pm EST: Join us in Celebration!

Sister Alice Zachmann is moving to Minnesota. We are sad to see her leave but eager to celebrate with her after so many decades of amazing and inspirational work. Sister Alice founded the Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA in 1982 and served as its director for over 20 years. She serves on GHRC's advisory board and continues to be a pillar of support for GHRC staff.For those of you in the DC area, join Alice and GHRC for great food, dancing, and entertainment.

______________________________________________________________________________

May 6, 6:30-8:30pm: Jennifer Harbury Speaks on her Struggle for Justice in Husband's Case

GHRC hosts lawyer, activist, and author Jennifer Harbury for an exciting evening in Washington, D.C. Come and hear the most recent updates on the case of her husband, Everardo Bámaca. The case is precedent-setting and paradigmatic, and one that has begun to crack the walls of impunity for human rights violators during the internal conflict.

Jennifer's international reputation is well earned; her tenacity, courage, and knowledge of international law have kept her alive and fighting for justice during the past 18 years.

LOCATION: Busboys & Poets / 1025 5th St, NW (5th & K) / Washington, D.C.
Free and open to the public

Listen to an audio recording of the event

Press release

View and download printable flyer

______________________________________________________________________________

April 14, 7pm EST: AU Student Delegates and GHRC on the Radio!

GHRC led a delegation of AU students to Guatemala in January . The Latino Media Collective program will interview students and staff on WPFW Pacifica Radio about their experiences in Rio Negro. For DC area locals, tune in to 89.3FM at 7pm. The program will also be available streaming online on the WPFW website.

______________________________________________________________________________

March 21 : March for Immigration Reform

March 1-6: Speaking Tour with Norma Cruz, director of the Survivor's Foundation.
See a detailed schedule of events here.

Join the Torture Abolition Survivor's Support Coalition (TASSC) for an anti-torture vigil in front of the White House to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and to demand justice and accountability from the U.S. government.

Nov. 21: GHRC director Amanda Martin leads a workshop with Jennifer Harbury on Human Rights Defenders in Guatemala at 2009 SOA Watch Vigil in Columbus, GA.

March 9: Norma Cruz, founder of the Survivor's Foundation (Fundacion Sobrevivientes), was one of eight women world-wide to receive the International Women of Courage award from the US Department of State for her work defending human rights. Read more in: El Tiempo Latino, America.gov

April 22: In rememberance of Bishop Gerardi, Francisco Goldman speaks about his award-winning book, The Art of Political Murder: Who Killed the Bishop? and celebrates the release of the book in Spanish.

Read an article published in Prensa Libre about the event. [English] / [español]

May 1: March for just and humane immigration reform: stop immigration raids and 287(g)

1 de mayo: Marcha por la reforma migratoria justa y humana: paro a las redadas y la 287(g)

May 12: GHRC fundraising event, Guatemala's Femicide Law: Progress Against Impunity? Join us for the release of our report on the impact of the Femicide law one year after its passage and discussion about the increasing violence against women in Guatemala. Wine and cheese reception.

June 25-28: Torture Abolition and Survivor's Support Coalition (TASSC) Survivors Week. Events include a conference on torture, torture survivors and justice and accountibility, as wee as a 24-hour vigil "For a World Free from Torture." More information and a detailed schedule available on the TASSC website.

June 18-July 2: DESGUA (Economic Development for a Sustainable Guatemala) tour, The Guatemala Dream: Fair Trade and Fair Politics. The tour focused on how to stop forced immigration from its roots and the importance of responsible consumerism.

DESGUA works to create economic development by building an international network of community-run cooperatives in Guatemala, provide work skills for the Guatemalan immigrant community in the U.S. and educate the American consumer who is interested in Fair Trade and Organic Principles.

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	2011 Calendar of Events Fall 2011 Speaker's Tour with Maria Choc: The Ongoing Struggle for Land, Justice and Indigenous Rights in Guatemala Post-Tour Updates: December 12, 2011: Jody Slocum, of Farmer to Farmer--a sustainable agriculture project based in Wisconsin--publishes a review of Kelsey and Maria's visit to Macalester College. Read the full article here. ***** This November, GHRC hosted our Fall 2011 Speaker's Tour with Maria Cuc Choc, a Mayan activist and commuinty leader from Guatemala. Maria and Kelsey Alford-Jones, director of GHRC, put on a series of exciting and informative events together in Washington, DC, Chicago, Iowa and the Twin Cities. This is an incredible opportunity to meet an inspiring member of Guatemala's indigenous community and spread awareness about the current human rights situation in Guatemala. We were very lucky to bring a Q'eqchi Mayan community leader, Maria Choc, to the U.S. from Guatemala. Maria has been struggling for indigenous rights, land rights and women's rights in her community - and regionally - for many years and will be speaking about these struggles in the current context of increasing violence and a new administration taking office. Maria comes from a family of community organizers and activists, and it has been their struggle and sacrifice which has served to strengthen her solidarity with communities. Her brother, Ramiro Choc, is one of Guatemala's most high profile political prisoners. Director Kelsey Alford-Jones will be accompanying her to translate, give historical context, and talk about what we can do here in the US to educate ourselves and support human rights in Guatemala. Read Maria's full biography. On the tour we travelled to: Washington, DC: American University Chicago, IL: University of Chicago, DePaul University, North Park College, Maya Essence Grinnell, IA: Grinnell College Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN: Macalester College Sept. 16: GHRC celebrates Independence Day and Guatemalan solidarity with music, food, and fun! Dinner and homemade desserts will be served from the Potter's House menu starting at 7pm. The food is fresh and affordable, and help make the benefit concert series possible. Presentations include a performance by Song Rise from 8-9 pm, a DC-based women's a cappella group who believe that through music they can ignite hope, bring joy, inspire courage, and motivate themselves and others to create change will be performing. Tierra Morena, a lively Afro-Andino trio that combines guitar, flute, drums and voice will follow from 9-10 pm. Getting there** is easy! The Potter's House is located at 1658 Columbia Road, NW in Washington, DC. It is just a 10 minute walk from Woodley Rd (red) or Columbia Heights (green). Bus #42 (from Dupont Circle Red Line) stops outside our front door. Some street parking is also available. More details here. Suggested Donation: $15 LOCATION: The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 TIME: 7pm-10:30pm Download the event flyer here. (En Español) PAST EVENTS 2010 Dec. 12: GHRC holiday fundraising dinner and report on Guatemalan immigration The Guatemala Human Rights Commission cordially invites you to a fundraising dinner with a special immigration delegation report and silent auction. Tickets: SOLD OUT. Call 202-529-6599 to put your name on the waiting list. TIME: 5:00-8:00pm LOCATION: Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22204 MORE DETAILS... ______________________________________________________________________________ Sept. 25, 6-10pm: Book Launch Party for Jean-Marie Simon and Patricia Foxen Photojournalist Jean-Marie Simon celebrates the release of the Spanish translation of her powerful book of photographs and writings documenting the war in the the early 1980's, Guatemala: Eternal Spring, Eternal Tyranny. Anthropologist and author Patricia Foxen presents her book, In Search of Providence: Transnational Mayan Identities, an insightful look at the Guatemalan conflict, and its complex and long-term impacts on Mayan communities, identity, and migration, both in Guatemala and Providence, Rhode Island. Jean-Marie and Patricia will donate two copies of their books for a raffle. All proceeds will benefit the Guatemala Human Rights Commission. LOCATION: Washington, DC TIME: 6-10pm Please let us know you're coming! RSVP to intern@ghrc-usa.org [View flyer] ______________________________________________________________________________ Friday, September 24, 11:30am-12:30pm: Support TPS for Guatemalans Join GHRC and Guatemalans from across the country in a vigil for Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Guatemala due to severe natural disasters in the country. TPS could benefit hundreds of thousands of Guatemalans living and working in the United States. WHERE: Lafayette Square, 16th St. and H St., NW (in front of the White House) WHY: During the past several months, Guatemala has been devastated by tropical storm Agatha, the eruption of the Pacaya Volcano, and severe mudslides and flooding that resulted in the death of hundreds and the displacement of tens of thousands. If you can't make the vigil, join the movement by calling DHS and requesting TPS for Guatemala: 202-282-8495. _____________________________________________________________________________ Sept. 10: GHRC invites you an evening of music, food, and fun! Join us to celebrate the strong and growing Guatemala solidarity work happening in the DC-metro area. Dinner and homemade desserts will be served from the Potter's House menu starting at 7pm. The food is fresh and affordable, and help make the benefit concert series possible. Music will begin at 7:30 with Melinda and Paul, a DC musical duo, who celebrate the Latin American tradition of bringing about social change through music. Their fresh harmonies bring alive a broad repertoire, from folk songs from Pablo's native Nicaragua to regional favorites by Mercedes Sosa and Silvio Rodriguez. They will be followed by Song Rise, a new, DC-based women's a cappella group who believe that through music they can ignite hope, bring joy, inspire courage, and motivate themselves and others to create change. Getting there is easy! The Potter's House is located at 1658 Columbia Road, NW in Washington, DC. It is just a 10 minute walk from Woodley Rd (red) or Columbia Heights (green). Bus #42 (from Dupont Circle Red Line) stops outside our front door. Some street parking is also available. More details here. Suggested Donation: $10 LOCATION: The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 TIME: 7pm-10:30pm [View and download printable flyer] ______________________________________________________________________________ Sept. 5: Gran Dia Chapin Celebrate Guatemala's Independence with music from local and international artists, crafts, and food. More information. LOCATION: Buck Lodge Middle School, 2611 Buck Lodge Road, Adelphi, MD. TIME: 10am-8pm. ______________________________________________________________________________ May 17, 6-7:30pm: Jesus Tecú Speaks on His Work as a Human Rights Defender in the Rio Negro Community Guatemalan indigenous rights activist and genocide survivor Jesus Tecú Osorio was awarded the prestigious 2010 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award for international human rights defenders. Tecu is a survivor of the 1982 Rio Negro massacre, one of the most emblematic atrocities of the Guatemalan genocide. Tecú is now a leading human rights activist seeking justice for the genocide in Guatemala and promoting the rights of indigenous Mayans. Though he remains at extreme risk and continues to suffer death threats directed towards him and his children, he is undeterred in his fight for justice. [View and download printable flyer] _____________________________________________________________________________ May 16, 1pm EST: Join us in Celebration! Sister Alice Zachmann is moving to Minnesota. We are sad to see her leave but eager to celebrate with her after so many decades of amazing and inspirational work. Sister Alice founded the Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA in 1982 and served as its director for over 20 years. She serves on GHRC's advisory board and continues to be a pillar of support for GHRC staff.For those of you in the DC area, join Alice and GHRC for great food, dancing, and entertainment. ______________________________________________________________________________ May 6, 6:30-8:30pm: Jennifer Harbury Speaks on her Struggle for Justice in Husband's Case GHRC hosts lawyer, activist, and author Jennifer Harbury for an exciting evening in Washington, D.C. Come and hear the most recent updates on the case of her husband, Everardo Bámaca. The case is precedent-setting and paradigmatic, and one that has begun to crack the walls of impunity for human rights violators during the internal conflict. Jennifer's international reputation is well earned; her tenacity, courage, and knowledge of international law have kept her alive and fighting for justice during the past 18 years. LOCATION: Busboys & Poets / 1025 5th St, NW (5th & K) / Washington, D.C. Free and open to the public Read more and sign a petition in support of the Bamaca Case. Listen to an audio recording of the event Press release View and download printable flyer ______________________________________________________________________________ April 14, 7pm EST: AU Student Delegates and GHRC on the Radio! GHRC led a delegation of AU students to Guatemala in January . The Latino Media Collective program will interview students and staff on WPFW Pacifica Radio about their experiences in Rio Negro. For DC area locals, tune in to 89.3FM at 7pm. The program will also be available streaming online on the WPFW website. ______________________________________________________________________________ March 21 : March for Immigration Reform When: Sunday, March 21, 2:00 pm Where: Meet at the National Mall, at 7th Ave and Madison Drive NW Why: Immigrant families are being separated, are dying in detention centers, and workers are treated as criminals. Come with us to tell the President: Enough! Read more at Reform Immigration For America. View event flyer. March 1-6: Speaking Tour with Norma Cruz, director of the Survivor's Foundation. See a detailed schedule of events here. _____________________________________________________________________ 2009 Dec. 10: International Human Rights Day 10:30-11:30am Lafayette Park, facing the White House Join the Torture Abolition Survivor's Support Coalition (TASSC) for an anti-torture vigil in front of the White House to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and to demand justice and accountability from the U.S. government. _____________________________________________________________________ Nov. 21: GHRC director Amanda Martin leads a workshop with Jennifer Harbury on Human Rights Defenders in Guatemala at 2009 SOA Watch Vigil in Columbus, GA. The Criminalization of Protest: Human Rights Defenders Under Attack When: Saturday November 21, 8:00 pm *Where:* Howard Johnson’s Inn, Carter Room 1011 Veterans Parkway Columbus, GA 31901 Why: In 2009, there have been 322 attacks against Guatemalan human rights defenders, including 15 killed. Join the international community in supporting defenders and their families. Attacks include death threats, attacks, kidnappings, and murder of leaders of women’s rights, indigenous rights, land rights, worker’s rights, the right to historical memory and the exhumation of mass graves, and youth rights. Find out what you can do to protect defenders’ rights in Guatemala. _____________________________________________________________________ March 9: Norma Cruz, founder of the Survivor's Foundation (Fundacion Sobrevivientes), was one of eight women world-wide to receive the International Women of Courage award from the US Department of State for her work defending human rights. Read more in: El Tiempo Latino, America.gov _____________________________________________________________________ April 22: In rememberance of Bishop Gerardi, Francisco Goldman speaks about his award-winning book, The Art of Political Murder: Who Killed the Bishop? and celebrates the release of the book in Spanish. Read an article published in Prensa Libre about the event. [English] / [español] ___________________________________________________________________ May 1: March for just and humane immigration reform: stop immigration raids and 287(g) 1 de mayo: Marcha por la reforma migratoria justa y humana: paro a las redadas y la 287(g) ___________________________________________________________________ May 12: GHRC fundraising event, Guatemala's Femicide Law: Progress Against Impunity? Join us for the release of our report on the impact of the Femicide law one year after its passage and discussion about the increasing violence against women in Guatemala. Wine and cheese reception. ___________________________________________________________________ June 25-28: Torture Abolition and Survivor's Support Coalition (TASSC) Survivors Week. Events include a conference on torture, torture survivors and justice and accountibility, as wee as a 24-hour vigil "For a World Free from Torture." More information and a detailed schedule available on the TASSC website. ___________________________________________________________________ June 18-July 2: DESGUA (Economic Development for a Sustainable Guatemala) tour, The Guatemala Dream: Fair Trade and Fair Politics. The tour focused on how to stop forced immigration from its roots and the importance of responsible consumerism. DESGUA works to create economic development by building an international network of community-run cooperatives in Guatemala, provide work skills for the Guatemalan immigrant community in the U.S. and educate the American consumer who is interested in Fair Trade and Organic Principles. The tour included events in Boston, New York and Washington, DC. View a flyer more detailed information.





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