Across the US, the National Boricua Human Rights Network is sponsoring commemorations of May 29, 2011-the arrest of Oscar López Rivera, Puerto Rican Political Prisoner, Vietnam War veteran, decorated for his valor on the battlefield with the Bronze Star, who also distinguished himself by his ceaseless community work in Chicago’s Puerto Rican community and founded several civic institutions which helped meet the Puerto Rican/Latino community’s needs.
It is worth noting that his co-defendant, Carlos Alberto Torres, as well as those 10 others arrested in 1980 are today free and living productive lives as responsible citizens who are committed to the social well being of our people. We walk, bicycle, pray and rally for Oscar’s Freedom! Join the Campaign!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Cleveland, OH
Grito de Libertad
Prayer, Rhythm, and Reflection for Oscar López Rivera
Puerto Rican Political Prisoner completing 30 years of imprisonment
2:00 pm
Edgewater Park
sponsored by/auspiciado por
The Interfaith Prisoners of Conscience Project and
The Boricua Human Rights Network
NYC, NY
The NYC National Boricua Human Rights Network will co-sponsor a unitary march, letter signing and cultural program on Sat, 5-28. For more information, [email protected]
Community March for the Puerto Rican Political Prisoners
Marcha de la Comunidad por la Libertad de los Presos Politicos Puertorriqueños
Gather at La Casita de Chema, 499 E. 157th St (corner of Brook Ave).
Take train # 5 or 2 to 149th St and 3rd avenue and walk up 3rd and make a right on 157th Street. The march will end 2 pm at Resurrection Church 799 Elton Avenue.
Speakers/Performers
Ricardo Jimenez, Former Puerto Rican political prisoner, served 20 years in prison
Prisionera, Poet
The Welfare Poets
Sponsored by
National Boricua Human Right Network – NY Chapter, [email protected]
ProLibertad Freedom Campaign
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Philadelphia:
Service for Oscar López Rivera, Iglesia Cristo y San Ambrosio,
6th and Venango @ 11:00am
sponsored by the Naitonal Boricua Human Rights Network
Chicago:
8am Walkers leave to complete last 15 miles of Freedom Walk 2011; to arrive at Unity Ecumenical Service at Lincoln Memorial Methodist Church, 2242 S. Damen, and from there, to La Casita de Don Pedro, 2625 W. Division St, for concluding cultural event.
1) Arrival of the Freedom Walkers
Over 30 Freedom Walkers will be arriving to the Unity Ecumenical Service, several of which will have marched almost 200 miles in 10 days, from Terre Haute, IN to Chicago, IL and the majority marching 30 miles to Chicago. HELP US GREET THEM by joining us at the Ecumenical Service below.
2) Unity Ecumenical Service
Lincoln Methodist Memorial Church
3:00pm
2242 S. Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60608
3) Arrival of the Freedom Bikers and Cultural Event at La Casita de Don Pedro
Over 30 Freedom Bikers will be arriving to La Casita de Don Pedro, after biking to and from Glenview, IL where Oscar Lopez Rivera was arrested on May 29, 1981. HELP US GREET THEM! Join us at the cultural celebration below.
La Casita de Don Pedro
2625 W. Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622
In Puerto Rico
The Ecumenical and Interreligious Coalition of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican Human Rights Committee will convoke an ecumenical service for Oscar’s freedom Sunday, May 29, 2:00pm at the University Methodist Chruch in Rio Piedras.
This ecumenical service is part of a broad national and international campaign for his freedom. Oscar, who is 68 years old, will have served 30 years in prison this Sunday. This makes him the political prisoner who has served the most time in prison for the struggle for freedom and independence of Puerto Rico.
The Ecumenical and Interreligious Coalition of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican Human Rights Committee do not agree with the US Parole Board’s determination on May 10, rejecting Oscar’s appeal for parole and demanding that he serve 15 more years in addition to the 30 that he has already served. The parole Board also did not recognize his excellent behavior, the development of his creative talents and his contribution to the well-being of his fellow prisoners. We understand that Oscar Lopez Rivera meets all of the criteria for parole.
The Ecumenical and Interreligious Coalition of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican Human Rights Committee invites all Puerto Ricans to unite in prayer, which is the most efficient instrument for those people who have faith and confidence in God, and exhorts the entire community to add it’s efforts so that Oscar López Rivera may enjoy the affection and love of his granddaughter, his daughter, his beloved family and that of all of the Puerto Rican nation. It is time we had him home!