"After my family, what I miss most is the sea" Oscar L�pez Rivera
The Water's Edge/ La Orilla del Mar 
Welcome to the Water's Edge, the bi-weekly magazine of the
National Boricua Human Rights Network, featuring articles in English and Spanish.

Bienvenidos a la revista quincenal de la Red Nacional Boricua Pro Derechos Humanos 

"La Orilla del Mar", con art�culos en Ingl�s y Espa�ol.

 

View Past Issues

http://boricuahumanrights.org 

Melissa Mark Viverito, Speaker, NYC Council asks all
to Come Out for Oscar on Sat., May 30th

Ren� P�rez, Grammy Award Winning Superstar, Exhorts 
All to Support Oscar and Come Out on Sat., May 30th!
Urgent Fundraising Appeal from May 30 Coalition

We come from different backgrounds, but we speak with

"One Voice" For Oscar!

We are 20 days away from our march and rally for Oscar. On almost no money, all volunteer labor, and supporters far and wide who have donated dollars and time to bring this event about we are here. 

 

With thousands planning on attending and hundreds who have signed on we need one more push. Help us get there! We need to raise $10,000 to take us to the day when we rally with one voice, to let Pres. Obama know: FREE OSCAR LOPEZ NOW! 

 

Help us bring him one step closer to freedom by donating generously.

Visit our Paypal link (El Maestro Cultural Center is our fiscal sponsor). OR:
Mail checks to (and write May 30th Coalition in the memo):
El Maestro, Inc
1300 Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY 10459


Oscar L�pez Rivera ha luchado por la independencia de Puerto Rico, al que califica de colonia americana. �Qu� opinan los expertos sobre su caso?

Tiempo de Debate: �scar L�pez Rivera, �h�roe o terrorista?

Univision Canal 41 Nueva York

 

  Vease el video.

 

A call from former Puerto Rican Political Prisoners

Let's meet our goal of 100,000 petitions- We will bring Oscar Home!

In anticipation of May 29, the 34th year of Oscar L�pez Rivera's incarceration, we call upon supporters throughout the world to organize activities calling for his immediate release from U.S. prison and celebrating his life of struggle and commitment.  

 

On the occasion of his 72nd birthday,Oscar wrote: During the past 33 years, every act of solidarity that I have received, be it a letter or an activity carried out by the Human Rights Committee of Puerto Rico, the National Boricua Human Rights Network, 32 x Oscar, or the Women of the Bridge, has allowed me to experience and celebrate life, even under the most damaging and dehumanizing prison conditions. These expressions of solidarity have made possible the survival of my spirit - no, they still haven't been able to kill my spirit - and have allowed me to contribute my little grain of sand for the just and noble cause of independence and sovereignty of our beloved country.

 

The new year starts with renewed energy and enthusiasm with a drive to collect 100,000 signatures which we hope to accomplish by May 29. On that anniversary of his 1981 arrest, activities will take place throughout the world, including a walk to 34 municipalities in Puerto Rico ending in a large rally at the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Hato Rey, eventsin 34 cities in the United States, including a march in New York City on May 30, as well as activities throughout Latin America, Europe and Asia, which will fortify the call made by U.S. and Puerto Rican elected officials, religious leaders, Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, President Mujica of Uruguay, Maduro of Venezuela, Castro of Cuba, Ortega of Nicaragua and many other heads of state, internationally recognized artists and many others for the immediate release of Oscar L�pez Rivera.

 

Oscar is the oldest and longest held political prisoner in Puerto Rican history.  Human Rights organizations consider Oscar's disproportionate sentence, continued incarceration, and inhumane conditions to be torturous, or, as Oscar says, attempted "espiriticidio".

 

Those of us imprisoned with Oscar and released in 1999 have had the opportunity to enjoy and expand our families. Some of us have married, become parents and grandparents, created businesses, become teachers, counselors, social workers and artisans. Oscar has been denied this. He has been denied precious years in the development of his daughter's and granddaughter's lives.

 

We are ushering in a new year of work in the hopes of making 2015 the year of his release.

 

Elizam Escobar                      Edwin Cort�s                         Alejandrina Torres
 
Alicia Rodriguez                    Juan Segarra Palmer           Ricardo Jim�nez

Carmen Valentin                    Lucy Rodr�guez           Adolfo Matos

Luis Rosa                                Dylcia Pagan               Alberto Rodr�guez


 Download the letter to Obama (in English and Spanish)


International News/Noticias internacionales
Los Cinco reafirman apoyo a la lucha por la libertad de �scar L�pez Rivera (+Video)
Por Venezolana de Television

Caracas, 5 mayo de 2015.- Fernando Gonz�lez, uno de los Cinco H�roes Cubanos, reafirm� este martes en nombre de sus compa�eros el llamado latinoamericano a la solidaridad y la lucha por la libertad de �scar L�pez Rivera, quien est� preso en Estados Unidos desde hace m�s de tres d�cadas por su lucha a favor de la independencia de Puerto Rico.

El llamado es compartido por el presidente de la rep�blica, Nicol�s Maduro, quien comparti� con los antiterroristas en el programa n�mero 28 de En Contacto Con Maduro.

Gonz�lez coment� que en una de las c�rceles estadounidenses en donde estuvo recluido tuvo la oportunidad de conocer a L�pez Rivera, quien lleva preso 33 a�os por luchar por un Puerto Rico independiente, y expres� que compartir cuatro a�os en el mismo centro de reclusi�n, incluso en la misma celda, con el puertorrique�o fue "una experiencia extraordinaria".

"No es f�cil encontrar en prisi�n a personas con las que uno de manera cotidiana pueda comentar las realidades de lo que est� sucediendo en Cuba, en Puerto Rico, en Am�rica Latina", dijo.

Reclaman en La Habana fin del bloqueo y libertad para Oscar L�pez Rivera
Por Radio Cadena Agramonte, Cuba

La Habana, 9 may.- Reunidos hoy en el capitalino Pabell�n Cuba, integrantes de la comunidad de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales, trang�neros e intersex (LGBTI) exigieron el fin del injusto bloqueo econ�mico, comercial y financiero impuesto al pa�s por los Estados Unidos, desde hace m�s de 50 a�os.

Mariela Castro Esp�n, directora del Centro Nacional de Educaci�n Sexual (Cenesex), expres� que esa cruel pol�tica es el principal obst�culo para el pleno desarrollo de la poblaci�n antillana y para la garant�a de sus derechos, incluyendo a las del grupo LGBTI.

A su vez, con la misma emoci�n que caracteriz� el ambiente, centenares de cubanos y extranjeros reclamaron la liberaci�n de Oscar L�pez Rivera, preso puertorrique�o quien fuera encerrado en c�rceles estadounidenses por sus ideas independentistas.

"�l tuvo la posibilidad de salir de la prisi�n y decidi� permanecer hasta que sus compa�eros de lucha no sean absueltos, ya suman 33 a�os de privaci�n de libertad, una vida entera", se�al�.

Por Noticias Venezuela

(Caracas, 5 de mayo. Noticias24).- El presidente Nicol�s Maduro Moros, durante la transmisi�n de su programa de televisi�n n�mero 28, hizo un llamado a la solidaridad y a la lucha por la liberaci�n del nacionalista puertorrique�o �scar L�pez Rivera.

"Nosotros desde aqu� le enviamos un saludo al pueblo de Puerto Rico, a la familia de Oscar L�pez Rivera y a �l all� desde la celda de la lucha, de la resistencia, de la independencia de Puerto Rico, de la dignidad de Puerto Rico y hacemos un llamado a la solidaridad y a la lucha por la libertad de este patriota independentista puertorrique�o, nuestro caribe�o, nuestro americano", expres� Maduro.

En este sentido, tras conversar con los cinco cubanos liberados por el gobierno norteamericano: Ren� Gonz�lez, Fernando Gonz�lez, Antonio Guerrero, Gerardo Hern�ndez y Ram�n Laba�ino, el Jefe de Estado reafirm� que los caminos de la uni�n est�n trazados para que Am�rica Latina y el Caribe sean una potencia.

Si as� definen "radical" pues lo admito
Por Juan Cartagena, El Diario-La Prensa

Acabamos de recibir noticias de un art�culo auspiciado por un centro que aboga por las libertades del consumidor y patrocinador de restaurantes que acusa a LatinoJustice de ser una organizaci�n radical porque demandamos la excarcelaci�n de Oscar L�pez Rivera.

�Qu� qu�?Bueno, para empezar este cuento tenemos que elaborar sobre el papel que toman las organizaciones de derechos civiles en este pa�s. LatinoJustice PRLDEF naci� en los  70s justamente cuando los logros del movimiento de derechos civiles cobraron atenci�n y se�alaron la necesidad de aumentar el n�mero de abogados listos para implementar las promesas de la Constituci�n en cuanto al trato igual.Pues si un radical se define por ser un abogado que lucha contra la discriminaci�n, soy radical. Al conseguir �xito tras �xito en las cortes para proteger el pueblo puertorrique�o y latino, PRLDEF empez� analizar la marginalizaci�n que exist�a en esas comunidades con una perspectiva econ�mica.  Es decir, los casos originales enfocaron en atributos exclusivos que ten�an nuestros clientes porque hablaban espa�ol, o ten�an una estatura f�sica no muy alta, o porque nacieron en Puerto Rico en vez de los 50 estados.  Al expandir el an�lisis para combatir la discriminaci�n basada en pobreza realizamos que muchos latinos se beneficiar�n igual. Pues si me atrevo incluir un punto clasista en el debate de discriminaci�n racial y eso me arriesga ser radical, soy radical.
Pendiente el caso de Oscar pese al cambio de mando

WASHINGTON.- El cambio de mando en el Departamento de Justicia de Estados Unidos coloca en manos de la nueva secretaria  Loretta Lynch  el manejo de la solicitud de clemencia del prisionero pol�tico Oscar L�pez Rivera, quien en un mes cumple 34 a�os en c�rceles estadounidenses.

Lo que no se altera es que la decisi�n final la tiene que tomar -lo que puede hacer sin consultar a nadie- el presidente Barack Obama.

Desde hace tres a�os y medio, el Departamento de Justicia tiene una petici�n directa de L�pez Rivera a favor de su excarcelaci�n.

Lynch asumi� ayer en la tarde oficialmente su nuevo puesto. Es la primera mujer afroamericana en ocupar la secretar�a de Justicia y solo la segunda mujer. La primera secretaria de Justicia de Estados Unidos fue Janet Reno. nombrada por el entonces presidente Bill Clinton.

Calle 13 recuerda a 43 estudiantes desaparecidos en M�xico
Por The Associated Press

MONTERREY, M�xico - Ren� Perez "Residente", vocalista de Calle 13, inst� a mantener viva la lucha de los 43 estudiantes normalistas de Ayotzinapa desaparecidos hace siete meses en el sur de M�xico, e invit� a los latinoamericanos a abrazar y luchar responsablemente por las causas sociales que la regi�n demanda.

El cantante del famoso d�o boricua dijo hoy, durante su participaci�n en el Festival Pa'l Norte, que los m�sicos deben tomar los escenarios para expresarse, y afirm� que su apoyo a las familias de los 43 j�venes desaparecidos en el estado sure�o de Guerrero, ha sido desde el principio con total sinceridad.

"Voy a ser honesto, cuando me un� a esta causa (la de Ayotzinapa), as� como lo han hecho los hermanos de Caf� Tacvba y otros artistas de ac� de M�xico, hubo personas que no entendieron que �ste (el escenario) es el espacio de todos. Este es el espacio de ustedes y est� para manifestarse cuando quieran o necesiten", expres� Residente, previo a interpretar la canci�n "El Aguante", durante su intervenci�n en el festival musical que desde el viernes se realiza en la norte�a ciudad de Monterrey.

"Yo soy parte de esa labor y lo hago con todo coraz�n y no hay nada m�s que el aprecio de ustedes", se�al� P�rez que, junto a Eduardo Cabra, dan vida al popular d�o de m�sica urbana, ganador de varios premios Grammy y Latin Grammy.

Residente dijo que espera que sus colegas m�sicos se unan a otras causas sociales que demanda Latinoam�rica, tales como la liberaci�n del independentista puertorrique�o �scar L�pez, detenido en 1981 por el FBI, considerado el "Mandela latinoamericano".

"Ojal� alg�n artista de M�xico lo haga, como nosotros lo hemos hecho en Latinoam�rica y se pongan la camisa de mi pa�s, de nuestra lucha. �Est�n invitados, no me molesta!", apunt� el cantante de 37 a�os.

Puertorrique�os urgen a EEUU liberar a "Mandela latinoamericano"
Por HispanTV-Nexo Latino

El pueblo puertorrique�o dio inicio el s�bado a una caminata por 40 municipios de Puerto Rico con el fin de solicitar al presidente de Estados Unidos, Barack Obama, la liberaci�n inmediata del pol�tico boricua Oscar L�pez Rivera, encarcelado en EE.UU.

la �nica raz�n para tal ensa�amiento contra L�pez Rivera es por el amor a su patria, ya que se trata de un luchador por la independencia de Puerto Rico

El recorrido se inici� en la isla de Culebra hacia la isla hermana de Vieques y tiene planeado llevar el mensaje sobre la injusta prisi�n de L�pez Rivera, de 72 a�os de edad, a sus compatriotas.

Los caminantes tienen el objetivo de culminar su programa en San Juan, capital de Puerto Rico, el pr�ximo 29 de mayo, fecha en la que se cumplen 34 a�os del encarcelamiento de L�pez Rivera, considerado un preso pol�tico en la isla.

En ese d�a, seg�n los organizadores del evento, se celebrar� una protesta frente al edificio del Tribunal de Distrito de Estados Unidos en San Juan a favor del "Mandela latinoamericano".

From the/desde la Diaspora
Get Well Soon

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center and National Boricua Human Rights Network wish Mario Torres, brother of Alejandro Torres, a rapid and complete recovery from the stroke he suffered.

Hermano de �scar L�pez Rivera con una nueva visi�n para Puerto Rico
Por NY1 Noticias
Jos� L�pez, director ejecutivo del Centro Cultural Puertorrique�o en Chicago comenta sobre los �ltimos intentos para liberar a su hermano adem�s de promover una nueva identidad puertorrique�a.

MAY 1st March in NYC-Oscar-Presente!

By Ana M. Lopez, NYC Coordinator to Free Oscar L�pez Rivera

The May 1st march united thousands of people from all walks of life, nationalities and different economic and social classes and political ideologies in New York. Within this reality, we are living under grave economic times. Latinos workers are hurt at 18% higher rate and tend to lose their lives at the workplace. These are due to dangerous working conditions.  Many organizations gave solidarity messages and Oscars' image was the centerpiece of the day- one can imagine Oscar shouting "que viva la clase obrera" (long live the working class).  "Oscar 

en las calles" marched the whole four miles through the different sectors in lower Manhattan.  Over 2,000 palm cards announcing the Free Oscar May 30th March was distributed by the hard working activists 

of the May 30th coalition to Free Oscar.

Oscar Presente y Solidario en el 1ro de Mayo en Pittsburgh

Por Esmirna Matos, Capitulo Pittsburgh, NBHRN

En el d�a Internacional del Trabajado centenares de activistas en Pittsburgh marcharan a trav�s del puente Smithfield hasta Downtown Pittsburgh para reclamar derechos laborales y derechos para lo inmigrantes bajo la consigna "derecho pleno para los inmigrantes ahora", entre otras.  Esta marcha organizada por Labor Coincil for Latin American Advancement por sus siglas tambi�n en ingl�s LCLAA cont� con la participaci�n de grupos pro derechos humanos como: Fight back Pittsburgh, Fight for $15, ANSWER, entre otros. Este a�o marchamos para: acabar con la detenci�n y deportaci�n de indocumentados, el continuo asesinato de personas de color a manos de la polic�a y para lograr el aumento de salarios, mejores condiciones de trabajo y defender los derechos de todos los trabajadores. 

 

La imagen de Oscar estuvo presente y conversamos con l�deres religiosos, unionados y activistas sobre la campa�a para la excarcelaci�n de Oscar.  La respuestas de solidaridad y apoyo fueron la constante mientras distribuimos targetas para invitarlos a la marcha. Los presentes nos hicieron preguntas sobre Oscar y algunos pidieron m�s informaci�n para acompa�arnos en la marcha del 30 de mayo. Oscar tambi�n nos acompa�� enviandonos un comunicado.    En el, nos record� la escasa participaci�n de los trabajadores en las uniones, el deterioro al pasar del tiempo de las condiciones de trabajo y beneficios laborales, mientras el 1% se enriquece cada vez m�s.  En su escrito capturamos de Oscar la importancia y la urgencia del activismo.

Oscar "Marches" in May Day Detroit 2015

By Raquelle Seda, Detroit National Boricua Human Rights Network
Around 200 people marched throughout downtown Detroit as a show of solidarity with the people of Baltimore. In keeping the theme of state repression there were presenters speaking on Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar L�pez-Rivera and the struggle for Puerto Rican independence, Palestinian activist Rasmea Odeh and Palestine's struggle for self-determination, and the recent killing of Terrance Killom by a federal agent on Detroit's west side.  There were also speakers on the austerity measures against Detroit's poor and working class.  They spoke of the mass water shut-offs scheduled to start again this summer, the mass tax foreclosures by the county, the Governor's desire to turn Detroit Public Schools into a charter district, and gentrification. MAY DAY Detroit was sponsored by Moratorium NOW Coalition, National Boricua Human Rights Network-Detroit, Michigan Solidarity Network with Mexico, League of Revolutionaries for a New America, The People's Tribune, Michigan Emergency Committee Against War & Injustice, Workers World Party, and Detroit School Board members in exile.
Oscar Letter to the Cuban People and the Cuban 5 Read at 

UNAC National Conference

By Alejandro L. Molina, National Boricua Human Rights Network
A letter fromOscar L�pez to the Cuban people and to the Cuban 5, was read from the podium by Alejandro L. Molina, from the May 30th Coalition to Free Oscar L�pez Rivera, the over 400 audience members of the United Anti-War Conference on Saturday, May 9, 2015. 

Download Oscar's message here. View our Flickr album here.
Memorial Celebration of Josefina Fifo" Rodriguez
Translation by Marta Rodr�guez

On Thursday May 7, a posthumous memorial and celebration of the life of Josefina Rodr�guez V�lez Lamberti was held at the Ram�n Frade Auditorium of the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus. Josefina Rodriguez was an activist in the struggle for the independence of Puerto Rico, and mother of two of our ex political prisoners, Idaluz and Alicia Rodr�guez.

Fifo, Irma Romero and Alejandrina Torres at the Puerto Rican Poeples Parade in Chicago

 

The event was beautiful. the stage was filled to bursting with artists and activists who had known Josefina, who arrived to offer their art and testimony in recognition of her value and contributions to the Puerto Rican independence movement, as well as the Puerto Rican Community in Chicago.

 

Roy Brown, the folk music group Mapey�, Gris�l Ram�rez, Juan Gonz�lez and the group Alhambre Dulce were among the artists who participated in the event. Ex political prisoners Idaluz and Alicia Rodr�guez, as well as their sister Evelyn addressed the audience and thanked those present for the love they had shown their mother. They spoke of the sense of balance that Josefina always managed to maintain in her life; a sense of balance which enabled her to raise and nurture her children, instill in them values of dignity and pride in their culture and nation, as she addressed the needs of the struggle for her country's freedom. Ida Luz observed that Josefina never sought the recognition of others, nor to be looked upon as the main protagonist in any situation, but simply to give whatever her people's struggle required.

 

Idaluz's observation was echoed by everyone else who discussed their experiences with Josefina. Ex-political prisoner Alberto Rodr�guez, imprisoned on the charge of "seditious conspiracy" to overthrow the u.s. "government" in Puerto Rico, spoke of Josefina's calm and gentle demeanor, of her humility, and of the nerves of steel she demonstrated as she confronted a group of american racists who tried to attack a demonstration of Puerto Ricans against police brutality.

 

Ex-political prisoner Raymond Soto, jailed for his refusal to co-operate with federal grand juries bent on investigating the Puerto Rican independence movement, spoke of Josefina's immense solidarity. He observed that though she had two daughters of her own who were imprisoned and needed her attention, she managed to find time to travel to New York on September 23, 1983 to receive him when he was released from prison.

 

Many of those present spoke of her travels through Central and South America, where she made others aware of the plight of our political prisoners, as she in tern showed her empathy and solidarity with those who'd been tortured, disappeared and imprisoned in the region.

 

Excerpts of the book she wrote were read. The book concerned her experiences in Chicago -- her personal experiences, as well as her experiences in the struggle for Puerto Rico's independence.

 

Rest in peace Josefina. We value you, miss you, and will always remember you.

Live Art Fundraiser for the Oscar L�pez Rivera mural a Huge Success

By Marina Ortiz, East Harlem Preservation

East Harlem Preservation, Inc. has commissioned local artists to begin repairs to the 107th Street mural honoring Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar L�pez Rivera. Community-based artists Natalie del Villar, Marthalicia Matarrita, Xen Medina, and Carlito Rovira will revisit the damaged mural, which has served as a cultural landmark for Puerto Ricans throughout New York City who regularly visit the site for public memorials, rallies, musical performances, and poetry recitals. 

 

East Harlem Preservation has long showcased the neighborhood's "buildings as canvases" tradition through public awareness and outreach, and worked to preserve and repair endangered community art. The organization was recently rewarded for their efforts with a $1,000 grant from the Historic Districts Council, which will be used to help fund repairs to the mural. EHP then turned to the East Harlem community for additional support during an April 30, 2015 live art fundraiser at the East Harlem Cafe,  thus raising an additional $500 for the artists.

 

Oscar full figure by Natalie del Villar 

30 mayo en Nueva York: Un d�a en pa' Oscar L�pez Rivera

Publicado: martes, 28 de abril de 2015

La di�spora puertorrique�a en Estados Unidos tambi�n se prepara para tener, Un d�a pa' Oscar L�pez Rivera; Marcha por los Derechos Humanos, el s�bado 30 de mayo en la ciudad de Nueva York.

Ana M. L�pez, portavoz de la Coalici�n de organizaciones que trabajan en la campa�a de excarcelaci�n en Estados Unidos y la realizaci�n de la marcha inform� a CLARIDAD que cada vez es m�s visible en toda la costa este de los Estados Unidos, la consigna, "Oscar es el Mandela de Am�rica Latina".

"La Coalici�n est� planeando una manifestaci�n y rally por los derechos humanos para exigirle al presidente Barack Obama a que le otorgue el indulto incondicional al veterano condecorado de Vietnam de 72 a�os, Oscar L�pez Rivera, que fue condenado por conspiraci�n sediciosa despu�s de su detenci�n el 29 de mayo de 1981. El 29 de mayo de este a�o, comienza su 34to a�o de prisi�n", expres�.

Seg�n inform�, la Coalici�n inicialmente esperaba movilizar mas de 5,000 personas de los barrios puertorrique�os y latinos de la urbe neoyorquina, pero es posible que ese n�mero aumente con la participaci�n de 13 ciudades. "Hemos estado organizando en cuatro frentes principales: los estudiantes universitarios y profesores, las uniones y sindicatos locales, el sector religioso y las organizaciones comunales. El entusiasmo y la cooperaci�n de la gente ha sido incre�ble que me trae lagrimas de felicidad".

Jan Susler does not like to talk about herself. She makes it very clear at the beginning of the interview. A civil rights lawyer, Susler says the limelight is reserved for her clients, who are also her friends. "I want this to be about Oscar L�pez Rivera," she explains, referring to the Puerto Rican political prisoner whom she represents.

But I insist.

Jan Susler has been practicing law for the past 39 years. She specializes in prisoners' rights, police misconduct, and civil rights, and has worked at the firm People's Law Office in Chicago since 1982. She was born in the United States, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in a small town about three hours south, in a predominantly Jewish community with her mother, father, and siblings.

She has dedicated most of her professional career to representing Puerto Rican political prisoners: men and women who have fought for the island's independence from the United States.

She may be from Chicago, but many Puerto Ricans claim Susler as one of their own. And now, once again, like during the 1990s, she is at the forefront of a protracted battle, advocating for the immediate release of Oscar L�pez Rivera, a 72-year-old man, who in May will have served 34 years of a 55-year sentence in US prisons, convicted of seditious conspiracy and related offenses.

These are urgent times, but Susler agreed to give me an interview and talk a little bit about herself, but more about her clients and friends.

Hostos Student Government Association

Pass Resolution In Favor Of Oscar L�pez Rivera Freedom 

By Ana M. Lopez, NYC Coordinator to Free Oscar L�pez Rivera
On May 5, 2015, the Hostos Community College Student Government Association representing over 7,000 students passed a resolution calling on President Obama to Free Oscar. Also the resolution encourages students to mobilize to the May 30th March and Rally to Free Oscar in Harlem.  Students quickly sent the resolution to all their friends in Facebook

33 Mujeres NYC x Oscar in in Sunset Park, Brooklyn

By Marina Ortiz, 33WomenXOscar

On Sunday, April 26, 2015, 33 Mujeres NYC x Oscar rallied at the entrance to Sunset Park on 44th Street and Fifth Avenue in Brooklyn to create community awareness and help build a movement for the release of Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar L�pez Rivera. The group was joined by visitors from South Africa, NYC Councilman Carlos Menchaca, and a number of Brooklyn activists who all helped gather petition signatures from local residents asking President Obama to grant Oscar clemency.

 

The group will next gather in Union Square Park, the site of recent May Day and #BlackLivesMatter rallies.

May 30th Mobilization Receives Grant from AJ Muste Foundation
By Alejandro L. Molina, National Boricua Human Rights Network

The National Boricua Human Rights Network received a grant of $2,000 specifically for efforts to increase awareness of the campaign to free Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar L�pez Rivera, including building participation in a May 30, 2015 mobilization in New York. The Network, as well as the May 30 Coalition, thanks the Foundation.

Vieques 12 Years Later: Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied
Twelve years ago if you happened to be standing at the top of Monte Carmelo in Vieques, Puerto Rico, you would notice something different. Perhaps you would notice the collective sigh of relief, of hope, of victory. Or that the wave of visitors being arrested and detained in masse had eased after the United States finally decided to close its military base that had been used for bombing practice. However, standing there today you may still see bombs exploding as the result of detonation, or hear that local lands remain in federal hands or notice that the ferries from Vieques to mainland Puerto Rico are full of Viequenses seeking health services, many for complicated and serious illnesses. Over 70 years after the arrival of the Navy in Vieques, some have called the compounded and continuous human rights violations on the island a crime against humanity.
The Historic Murals in El Barrio Walk Tour Visits Free Oscar & Avelino Mural

This past weekend, the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) hosted Jane's Walkweekend with more than 100 free walking tours.  We decided to take the tour given by MAS and East Harlem Preservation, aptly named "Lost and Found Murals of East Harlem - Buildings on Canvas".

While the East Harlem of the 1930's was predominantly Italian, after the first World War, East Harlem welcomed a vibrant Latino and Puerto Rican community that brought with them a wealth of culture in their art, food and music.  

Our very knowledgeable Walking Tour Leader, Kathleen Benson Haskins, has been actively involved in the community for over twenty years.  In addition, we were joined by the Founder and President of East Harlem Preservation, Marina Ortiz, who has spearheaded an effort to restore and showcase the East Harlem buildings that have served as a canvas for these works for more than fifty years.

CONTINUE READING.

Unanimous vote by Professional Staff Congress of CUNY on Resolution in favor of Oscar Lopez Rivera freedom

By Ana M. L�pez, NYC Coordinator to Free Oscar L�pez Rivera

On April 16th the Professional Staff Congress, union representing 80,000 professors of the City University of New York passed a resolution calling on President Obama to exercise his constitutional presidential power of pardon and grant Oscar L�pez Rivera immediate and unconditional release.  If further encouraged the faculty of CUNY to mobilized CUNY students to the May 30th march and rally to free Oscar in HArlem. The resolution was introduced by the Hostos Community College chapter and presented by Professor Ana M. L�pez.

READ THE TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION.
LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE TICKETS!
NYC Sculptor/Activist Contributes to May 30 Buildup

NYC-based artist Jes�s Mangual has carved a bust of Oscar L�pez Rivera and will donate part of the proceeds to the May 30th Mobilization and Rally to Free Oscar L�pez Rivera. For raffle tickets, please contact him at: [email protected]

From/Desde Puerto Rico
Amnist�a Internacional-PR busca campa�a global de cartas por Oscar L�pez Rivera
Por Susanne Nicole L�pez Rodr�guez, El Post Antillano
Con el voto un�nime de su Asamblea Anual, la Secci�n de Puerto Rico de Amnist�a Internacional (AIPR) se propone pedir a la direcci�n internacional de esa organizaci�n que desarrolle una campa�a mundial de cartas pidiendo la excarcelaci�n de Oscar L�pez Rivera. El que Amnist�a Internacional tome la causa de L�pez Rivera implica la integraci�n a esa lucha por su excarcelaci�n de sobre 3 millones de activistas en 150 pa�ses. Amnist�a Internacional es una de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro m�s importante a nivel global que trabaja para el reconocimiento y la preservaci�n de los derechos humanos reconocidos en la Declaraci�n Universal de los Derechos Humanos aprobada en el 1948.
Originalmente publicada en el blog del MINH

Nos llega desde Cuba un poema para Oscar L�pez Rivera escrito por Norelys Morales Aguilera, escritora y periodista cubana y sobre todo, solidaria con Puerto Rico y su lucha m�s que centenaria.

 

Oscar, dicen que entre rejas

Otro de nosotros y nosotras anda por ah�, dicen que entre rejas.

S�, este que mientras enjuga un pan que extra�as manos le llevan
entra y sale del espacio que creen le depararon torpes jueces:
Borinqu�n es un aire, un susurro, un beso de mujer, un lugar 
en la mesa, un calor en la cama que jam�s estar� vac�a, 
una identidad, y ah� est�, es Oscar L�pez Rivera.
Lo �nico es que �l no llega cuando el nervio colonial seduce
para que ande como quiso aquel Ponce de Le�n, el vallisoletano,
sobre los de ayer y de hoy, de la Isla excelsa y sustantiva.
Lo �nico es que la hidalgu�a salta todos los embates
y su traje de prisionero parece para festejar en San Sebasti�n
con sonrisa de victoria anunciada por sobre los a�os o el dolor.
Todos los d�as hay alguien otro que le conoce o manda bendiciones,
y sabi�ndolo o no, no importa, �l le va levantado  la estatura
hasta el m�s fino verso o arpegio de guitarra meci�ndose 
en la pleamar tranquila que ofrenda el Caribe a mano llena.
No lo saben los guardianes y no pueden sostenerle la mirada.
Venga ahora usted, maestro don Le�n Felipe, y cu�ntele 
a las Mujeres en el Puente leyendo sus mejores versos
que para encerrar a un hombre libre cualquiera sirve,
cualquiera,  menos un carcelero del Norte que lo oprime.   

Norelys Morales Aguilera
Cuba, 28 de abril de 2015

VEA ORIGINAL.

El domingo 26 de abril de 2015, 33 mujeres poetas pidieron la libertad para Oscar L�pez Rivera, prisionero pol�tico del  gobierno estadounidense. La actividad se realiz�, como todos los meses, en el Puente Dos Hermanos, en San Juan. �Hasta su regreso! Fotos: Luis L�pez /MINH

Caminata por excarcelaci�n de Oscar llega a Salinas
Por Primerahora.com
Desde que la caminata parti� el 25 de abril desde la isla municipio de Culebra, los participantes han recorrido Vieques, Fajardo, Ceiba, Naguabo, Humacao, Yabucoa y Maunabo, entre otros.

La Segunda Caminata Nacional por Oscar llega hoy, domingo, a Salinas, en reclamo por la excarcelaci�n del preso pol�tico puertorrique�o Oscar L�pez Rivera.

Desde que la caminata parti� el 25 de abril desde la isla municipio de Culebra, los participantes han recorrido Vieques, Fajardo, Ceiba, Naguabo, Humacao, Yabucoa, Maunabo, Patillas, Arroyo y Guayama.

Durante el trayecto, se han unido grupos representativos de diversos sectores de la sociedad, con pancartas que exigen la liberaci�n inmediata del pepiniano L�pez Rivera, que este mes cumplir� 34 a�os confinado en c�rceles estadounidenses por conspiraci�n sediciosa, sin v�nculos a hechos violentos

"La Sonora Poncena por la Excarcelacion
de Oscar Lopez"

Help Us Bring Oscar Home/Como puede ayudar

     Demanding Oscar's immediate release.

     Join the scholars, academics, and people of conscience around the world-including prominent figures such as Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu, acclaimed novelist and activist Arundhati Roy, and philosopher and public intellectual Cornel West -who are demanding Oscar's release.

     Published online by the Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Dia. 

     We are in many cities across the US.

    Oscar L�pez Rivera, #87651-024

   Born/Nacido: 6 de enero de 1943

   FCI Terre Haute, P.O. Box 33
   Terre Haute, IN 47808

Submission guidelines/Directrices de presentaci�n

* Send us a picture, a headline and 2 paragraphs about your event supporting Oscar's release. Include contact information.

 * Env�enos una imagen, un titulo y 2 p�rrafos sobre su evento a favor de la liberaci�n de Oscar. Incluya su informaci�n de contacto.

[email protected]
 

The Water's Edge, the bi-weekly magazine of the National Boricua Human Rights Network, publishes the latest news about the Campaign to Free Oscar L�pez Rivera. Oscar, a 72 year old Puerto Rican political prisoner convicted for seditious conspiracy, has spent the last 33.75 years imprisoned for his political beliefs, and is the object of a campaign which has united Puerto Rican civil society, Nobel Laureates, as well as support throughout the US and internationally. 

Oscar L�pez Rivera has become known as the Nelson Mandela of Latin America.

La Orilla del Mar, la revista quincenal de la Red Nacional Boricua Pro Derechos Humanos, publica las �ltimas noticias acerca de la Campa�a a favor de la liberaci�n de Oscar L�pez Rivera. Oscar, un preso pol�tico puertorrique�o de 72 a�os condenado por conspiraci�n sediciosa, ha pasado los �ltimos 33.5 a�os encarcelado por sus creencias pol�ticas y es el objeto de una campa�a que ha ganado el apoyo de la sociedad civil puertorrique�a, de ganadores de Premios Nobel y de otros a lo largo de Estados Unidos y a nivel internacional.


 

Oscar L�pez Rivera se ha vuelto el Nelson Mandela de Am�rica Latina.

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