Pastors for Peace will roll through the Twin Ports on Wednesday, July 6 as part of their 22nd caravan to Cuba. Caravan volunteers are visiting 130 cities in Canada, the US and Mexico before delivering hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba in nonviolent defiance of the US blockade.
Loaves and Fishes Community is hosting a gathering to welcome the caravan to Duluth. Potluck starts at 6pm at Dorothy Day House (1712 Jefferson Street), followed by a short presentation about the caravan by Rev. Luis Barrios, associate priest at St Mary's Episcopal Church in West Harlem and member of the Pastors for Peace board of directors. Freewill cash donations to support the caravan will be accepted.
All are welcome, but RSVP to Loaves and Fishes at duluthcatholicworker(at)gmail(dot)com or by calling 218-724-2054.
Showing posts with label cuba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cuba. Show all posts
June 24, 2011
September 10, 2010
Pastors for Peace founder Lucius Walker dies
by the Cuba Solidarity Committee
Rev. Lucius Walker, longtime agitator and organizer for civil rights and peace, died on September 7 at his home in New Jersey. Walker was the founder of Pastors for Peace, an organization which visited Duluth most recently on July 6 as part of its 21st caravan to Cuba.
NAWC's Cuba Solidarity Committee offers its condolences to Walker's family and co-conspirators for peace. Below is a short video about this year's Pastors for Peace caravan to Cuba, featuring Walker:
Rev. Lucius Walker, longtime agitator and organizer for civil rights and peace, died on September 7 at his home in New Jersey. Walker was the founder of Pastors for Peace, an organization which visited Duluth most recently on July 6 as part of its 21st caravan to Cuba.
NAWC's Cuba Solidarity Committee offers its condolences to Walker's family and co-conspirators for peace. Below is a short video about this year's Pastors for Peace caravan to Cuba, featuring Walker:
July 22, 2010
Pastors for Peace breaks US blockade of Cuba
by the Cuba Solidarity Committee
For the 21st time, Pastors for Peace has successfully broken the US blockade of Cuba! More than a hundred PfP volunteers crossed the border at McAllen, Texas on July 21st with hundreds of tons of school, medical and building supplies for the people of Cuba. Despite openly declaring their intention to break the blockade, the group faced no resistance from US border patrol. It seems the agents in charge of enforcing the blockade agree that our Cuba policy it is not only immoral, but too embarrassing to stand by.
Folks in the Twin Ports donated 20 large boxes of building supplies to the effort, and raised over $1000 to support the caravan when it stopped in Duluth on July 6. NAWC gives a special shout-out to the Central Labor Body and Peace Church for helping collect donations; to Carmody Irish Pub, Andrew Turpening, Yazmin and Bruce Bowers, and members of 2one8 for making a successful benefit concert; to Roxanne Johnson and the folks at Loaves & Fishes for cooking up a great soul food meal for the Pastors; and to the speakers who helped welcome Pastors for Peace to Duluth at a July 6 press conference: Rev. Brooks Anderson, Mayor Don Ness, Sister Jean Maher, and Brent Mavick from Congressman Oberstar's office.
Congressman Oberstar took the opportunity of the Pastors for Peace visit to Duluth to sign on as a co-sponsor to the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, which would allow free travel to Cuba and relax the trade embargo. The bill passed the House's Agriculture Committee in June, and is expected to pass both the House and Senate by year's end.
For the 21st time, Pastors for Peace has successfully broken the US blockade of Cuba! More than a hundred PfP volunteers crossed the border at McAllen, Texas on July 21st with hundreds of tons of school, medical and building supplies for the people of Cuba. Despite openly declaring their intention to break the blockade, the group faced no resistance from US border patrol. It seems the agents in charge of enforcing the blockade agree that our Cuba policy it is not only immoral, but too embarrassing to stand by.
Folks in the Twin Ports donated 20 large boxes of building supplies to the effort, and raised over $1000 to support the caravan when it stopped in Duluth on July 6. NAWC gives a special shout-out to the Central Labor Body and Peace Church for helping collect donations; to Carmody Irish Pub, Andrew Turpening, Yazmin and Bruce Bowers, and members of 2one8 for making a successful benefit concert; to Roxanne Johnson and the folks at Loaves & Fishes for cooking up a great soul food meal for the Pastors; and to the speakers who helped welcome Pastors for Peace to Duluth at a July 6 press conference: Rev. Brooks Anderson, Mayor Don Ness, Sister Jean Maher, and Brent Mavick from Congressman Oberstar's office.
Congressman Oberstar took the opportunity of the Pastors for Peace visit to Duluth to sign on as a co-sponsor to the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, which would allow free travel to Cuba and relax the trade embargo. The bill passed the House's Agriculture Committee in June, and is expected to pass both the House and Senate by year's end.
June 25, 2010
Pastors for Peace Caravan Comes to Duluth!
by the Cuba Solidarity Committee
On July 6 the annual Pastors for Peace arrived in Duluth to kick off the Midwest arm of their 21st aid caravan and blockade challenge to Cuba.
Washington's cold war with Cuba has been going on for 50 years, causing material shortages in Cuba and an information black out in both of our countries. It's time for a change, and Pastors for Peace are on the forefront of the movement for peace between our countries.
UPDATE JULY 7: To mark the occasion, the Northland Anti-War Coalition held a rally and press conference at the Duluth Civic Center that evening. Among the speakers were Duluth's mayor Don Ness, a spokesperson from Rep. Jim Oberstar, and Rev. Tom Smith of Pastors for Peace.
Later that evening NAWC hosted a fundraising concert at Carmody's Irish Pub that featured Latin and hip hop music.
All told NAWC was able to collect a substantial amount of building and other supplies for the caravan, as well as over $1000. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day a huge success!
On July 6 the annual Pastors for Peace arrived in Duluth to kick off the Midwest arm of their 21st aid caravan and blockade challenge to Cuba.
Washington's cold war with Cuba has been going on for 50 years, causing material shortages in Cuba and an information black out in both of our countries. It's time for a change, and Pastors for Peace are on the forefront of the movement for peace between our countries.UPDATE JULY 7: To mark the occasion, the Northland Anti-War Coalition held a rally and press conference at the Duluth Civic Center that evening. Among the speakers were Duluth's mayor Don Ness, a spokesperson from Rep. Jim Oberstar, and Rev. Tom Smith of Pastors for Peace.
Later that evening NAWC hosted a fundraising concert at Carmody's Irish Pub that featured Latin and hip hop music.
All told NAWC was able to collect a substantial amount of building and other supplies for the caravan, as well as over $1000. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day a huge success!
June 10, 2010
Support the Pastors for Peace Aid Caravan to Cuba
by the Cuba Solidarity Committee
As world attention focuses on the devastating blockade of Gaza, it's a good time to remember another economic war closer to home.
For 50 years, the US government has banned travel, trade and donations to Cuba. The policy has caused massive shortages of medicine and other goods across the island and an information black-out for people of both countries.
This summer, volunteers with the NY-based Pastors for Peace will defy the blockade by openly and nonviolently delivering material aid to Cuba.
First they'll travel across North America to collect donations and educate folks about the human cost of this conflict. Making a gift of material aid is a great way to be part of this historic campaign, even if you can't travel to Cuba. As luck has it, the Midwest arm of the caravan is launching from right here in the Twin Ports on July 6th.
NAWC's Cuba Solidarity Committee has already reserved space for donations from our community -- now we need your help to fill it! We're especially looking for materials to help rebuild some 500,000 Cuban homes damaged by hurricanes in 2008. You can make an individual donation, or consider reaching out to your faith community, co-workers or social club. People like to help, and an aid drive is a great way to grow the movement. Several local people have been to Cuba and would be happy to speak to interested groups.
Donations must be NEW or IN EXCELLENT CONDITION and are due by July 4th (so we have time to properly pack and label the boxes). You can either call Joel (218-340-4356) to arrange a pick up or leave donations at Peace Church (1111 N 11th Ave E, Duluth) or the Duluth Labor Temple (2002 London Rd, avenue entrance). Below is a list of some of the items the caravan needs (a longer list can be found here).
We're also looking for financial contributions to cover shipping costs (about $20 per computer-size box -- NAWC has fronted $200 so far) Make checks out to NAWC with "Cuba" in the memo and mail them to:
Northland Anti-War Coalition
PO Box 16853
Duluth, MN 55816
If everyone pitches in a little, we can make a meaningful gift to the people of Cuba and send a strong message to our members of Congress that it's time to make peace with our neighbor.
We're particularly looking for the following building supplies:
--PLUMBING: nuts, bolts, washers and all thread, plastic pipe fittings, toilets, sinks, faucets, PVC plastic fittings, copper fittings and valves, drains and stoppers, pipes, shower fixtures
--CARPENTRY: nails, hammers, screws, drills, flashing, wall anchors, saws and saw blades, banding tools, door hanging tools, ladders, jacks, plaster, sandpaper
--ELECTRICAL: any electrical wiring, fasteners, electrical boxes and covers, electrician tools, solar panels, energy efficient lighting and bulbs, extension cords and adapters, generators, electric line testers, electrical tape, solar panels and equipment
--MASONRY: grouts, sealants, horizontal reinforcing, masonry admixtures, masonry hand tools (floats, trowels), chisels (wood and masonry)
--PAINTING: brushes, rollers, lead-free paint, brush extenders, paint plates
--PROTECTIVE GEAR: dust masks, work gloves, protective eyeglasses
Who gets the donations?
A non-governmental Ecumenical Distribution Committee made up of Cuban religious leaders will receive and distribute the aid to a variety of Cuban organizations and institutions serving the Cuban people on the basis of need.
Is delivery guaranteed?
No. The US government strictly prohibits trade, travel and donations to Cuba. There is always a chance that US authorities will confiscate the aid before it reaches Cuba. But they seem to realize that Pastors for Peace is on the right side of history, because almost all of the aid from 20 previous caravans has made it through to Cuba!
As world attention focuses on the devastating blockade of Gaza, it's a good time to remember another economic war closer to home.
For 50 years, the US government has banned travel, trade and donations to Cuba. The policy has caused massive shortages of medicine and other goods across the island and an information black-out for people of both countries.
This summer, volunteers with the NY-based Pastors for Peace will defy the blockade by openly and nonviolently delivering material aid to Cuba.
First they'll travel across North America to collect donations and educate folks about the human cost of this conflict. Making a gift of material aid is a great way to be part of this historic campaign, even if you can't travel to Cuba. As luck has it, the Midwest arm of the caravan is launching from right here in the Twin Ports on July 6th.
NAWC's Cuba Solidarity Committee has already reserved space for donations from our community -- now we need your help to fill it! We're especially looking for materials to help rebuild some 500,000 Cuban homes damaged by hurricanes in 2008. You can make an individual donation, or consider reaching out to your faith community, co-workers or social club. People like to help, and an aid drive is a great way to grow the movement. Several local people have been to Cuba and would be happy to speak to interested groups.
Donations must be NEW or IN EXCELLENT CONDITION and are due by July 4th (so we have time to properly pack and label the boxes). You can either call Joel (218-340-4356) to arrange a pick up or leave donations at Peace Church (1111 N 11th Ave E, Duluth) or the Duluth Labor Temple (2002 London Rd, avenue entrance). Below is a list of some of the items the caravan needs (a longer list can be found here).
We're also looking for financial contributions to cover shipping costs (about $20 per computer-size box -- NAWC has fronted $200 so far) Make checks out to NAWC with "Cuba" in the memo and mail them to:
Northland Anti-War Coalition
PO Box 16853
Duluth, MN 55816
If everyone pitches in a little, we can make a meaningful gift to the people of Cuba and send a strong message to our members of Congress that it's time to make peace with our neighbor.
We're particularly looking for the following building supplies:
--PLUMBING: nuts, bolts, washers and all thread, plastic pipe fittings, toilets, sinks, faucets, PVC plastic fittings, copper fittings and valves, drains and stoppers, pipes, shower fixtures
--CARPENTRY: nails, hammers, screws, drills, flashing, wall anchors, saws and saw blades, banding tools, door hanging tools, ladders, jacks, plaster, sandpaper
--ELECTRICAL: any electrical wiring, fasteners, electrical boxes and covers, electrician tools, solar panels, energy efficient lighting and bulbs, extension cords and adapters, generators, electric line testers, electrical tape, solar panels and equipment
--MASONRY: grouts, sealants, horizontal reinforcing, masonry admixtures, masonry hand tools (floats, trowels), chisels (wood and masonry)
--PAINTING: brushes, rollers, lead-free paint, brush extenders, paint plates
--PROTECTIVE GEAR: dust masks, work gloves, protective eyeglasses
Who gets the donations?
A non-governmental Ecumenical Distribution Committee made up of Cuban religious leaders will receive and distribute the aid to a variety of Cuban organizations and institutions serving the Cuban people on the basis of need.
Is delivery guaranteed?
No. The US government strictly prohibits trade, travel and donations to Cuba. There is always a chance that US authorities will confiscate the aid before it reaches Cuba. But they seem to realize that Pastors for Peace is on the right side of history, because almost all of the aid from 20 previous caravans has made it through to Cuba!
July 20, 2009
Pastors for Peace report and photos
by the Twin Ports Cuba Solidarity Committee
UPDATE 7/21: The caravan has successfully defied the blockade and crossed the border into Mexico. Pastors for Peace founder Lucius Walker says it was the easiest border crossing of any of the 20 caravans - a sign that the blockade is on its last legs.
Pastors for Peace rolled through Duluth on July 7 on their way to Cuba to challenge the US blockade. Caravanistas included Ellen Bernstein of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organizing (IFCO), German activist Sabine Caspar and Mike Rozumalski, pastor of the West Denmark Lutheran Church in Luck, WI. 60 people came out to Lafayette Community Center on the Point for an evening send-off and fundraiser. Melissa Boyle and Jane Hosking prepared a wonderful Cuban dinner of beans & rice, platanos and fruit, and we rounded out the evening with salsa lessons led by Sarra Vinnik and Nathan Zarnsorff. In between, Ellen Bernstein spoke about the budding relationship between IFCO and the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana - where 100 low-income people from the US are now studying to be doctors on full scholarship from the Cuban government. We also talked about current efforts in Congress to end the economic war on Cuba, noting that Senators Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Russ Feingold (WI) are among 29 co-sponsors of a bill to end the travel ban, and Congressman Oberstar (MN-8) has reliably put his name on similar legislation in the House. The dancing was fun and the mood was positive. We all know that the blockade is done for, it's just a matter of when.
UPDATE 7/21: The caravan has successfully defied the blockade and crossed the border into Mexico. Pastors for Peace founder Lucius Walker says it was the easiest border crossing of any of the 20 caravans - a sign that the blockade is on its last legs.
Pastors for Peace rolled through Duluth on July 7 on their way to Cuba to challenge the US blockade. Caravanistas included Ellen Bernstein of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organizing (IFCO), German activist Sabine Caspar and Mike Rozumalski, pastor of the West Denmark Lutheran Church in Luck, WI. 60 people came out to Lafayette Community Center on the Point for an evening send-off and fundraiser. Melissa Boyle and Jane Hosking prepared a wonderful Cuban dinner of beans & rice, platanos and fruit, and we rounded out the evening with salsa lessons led by Sarra Vinnik and Nathan Zarnsorff. In between, Ellen Bernstein spoke about the budding relationship between IFCO and the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana - where 100 low-income people from the US are now studying to be doctors on full scholarship from the Cuban government. We also talked about current efforts in Congress to end the economic war on Cuba, noting that Senators Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Russ Feingold (WI) are among 29 co-sponsors of a bill to end the travel ban, and Congressman Oberstar (MN-8) has reliably put his name on similar legislation in the House. The dancing was fun and the mood was positive. We all know that the blockade is done for, it's just a matter of when.
June 27, 2009
Pastors for Peace caravan to Cuba
Pastors for Peace send-off& SALSA DANCE PARTY
Tuesday, July 7
Lafayette Community Center (3026 Minnesota Ave on the Point)
'Over the Top' dance studio
8:00 p.m. until ?: Dance, dance dance!
Once again, Pastors for Peace is gearing up to defy the US embargo on Cuba by delivering aid to the island without a license. And once again, one of the legs of the Friendshipment caravan will start in Duluth. Come on out to support Pastors for Peace and shake your salsa thang!
This year we're lucky to hear from Ellen Bernstein, a long-time staffperson at the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organizing (IFCO) who has traveled to Cuba 60 times since 1990. She recently led the Congressional Black Caucus on their April tour of the island and also works with the Latin American School of Medicine to recruit low-income students in the US to study medicine on a full scholarship in Havana.
Sponsored by the Twin Ports Cuba Solidarity Committee.
Tuesday, July 7
Lafayette Community Center (3026 Minnesota Ave on the Point)
6:00 p.m. beans & rice dinner, presentation by Ellen Bernstein
7:30 p.m. Salsa lessons with Juliana Bertelsen of'Over the Top' dance studio
8:00 p.m. until ?: Dance, dance dance!
$10 suggested donation, no-one turned away
Once again, Pastors for Peace is gearing up to defy the US embargo on Cuba by delivering aid to the island without a license. And once again, one of the legs of the Friendshipment caravan will start in Duluth. Come on out to support Pastors for Peace and shake your salsa thang!
This year we're lucky to hear from Ellen Bernstein, a long-time staffperson at the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organizing (IFCO) who has traveled to Cuba 60 times since 1990. She recently led the Congressional Black Caucus on their April tour of the island and also works with the Latin American School of Medicine to recruit low-income students in the US to study medicine on a full scholarship in Havana.
Sponsored by the Twin Ports Cuba Solidarity Committee.
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