Today the Freedom Walkers, Michael Reyes Benavides and Matt McCanna, trekked another 20 miles as they continued toward Chicago. Michael Reyes writes in his blog, reyes.com, a post titled “200 Miles to Freedom: 2nd Annual Freedom Walk: Terre Haute, IN to Chicago, IL
In response to the 30th year of incarceration of Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Oscar Lopez Rivera, the National Boricua Human Rights Network (NBHRN) would like to announce the Freedom Walk. Members of the NBHRN have committed themselves to take up the physical and mental challenge of walking over 200 miles in 10 days, from the Terre Haute, IN (location of prison where Oscar is being held) to Humboldt Park, in Chicago, IL (Oscar’s community). The group will leave Terre Haute, IN on May 19th at 9am, and on May 28th they will be joined by 30 more freedom walkers who have committed to walk a symbolic 30 miles in honor of the 30 years Oscar has been incarcerated.
The entire group will arrive at Lincoln Methodist Church (2242 S. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL) on May 29th at 3pm., where there will be a multi-denominational service for Oscar’s freedom. Following the service the walk will continue onto Paseo Boricua at the Casita de Don Pedro 2635 W Division St. to be met by a group of freedom cyclists, for a culminating celebration. The walk is part of an ongoing international campaign demanding the release of Puerto Rican Political Prisoners Oscar Lopez Rivera.
Oscar López Rivera was arrested in 1981 and accused of seditious conspiracy. Serving a sentence of 70 years, he spent 12 years in total isolation. He has maintained his dignity and integrity in the face of difficult conditions, which were calculated to break his spirit. May 29th, 2011 marks his 30th year as a political prisoner.
Last year I walked from the steps of the United States Congress (D.C.) to the gates of the United Nations (NYC), I have set a personal goal of $500.00 in pledges this year. Our total goal collectively is $9000.00.
Enjoy the pics and video! Donate to the Freedom Walk in one of 2 ways: 1) Go to https://boricuahumanrights.org and donate via PayPal and in the memo, write Freedom Walk 2011; or
2) Download the attached press release and pledge sheet and mail your pledge check to:
National Boricua Human Rights Network
2739 W. Division Street
PASEO BORICUA
Chicago, IL 60622