Thursday, 7 September, 2017 www.cubavsbloqueo.cu
THE NEWS OF THE DAY
Act for the 50th anniversary of IFCO and homage to Lucius Walker
At the headquarters of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples (ICAP), Thursday was a moving homage to the Interfaith Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO) and its founder, Fidel and Cuba’s great friend, creator of Pastors for the Peace, Reverend Lucius Walker, on the seventh anniversary of his physical disappearance.
In all the speeches, the speakers recalled the life and work of one who was a tireless fighter for justice from his biblical and theological roots, with political sense, incessant work in the communities and fighter against the blockade of the United States to Cuba.
On the occasion, Fidel’s words were recalled on August 25, 1993, following the Caravanists’ strike in Laredo during his trip to Cuba: “… from the lips of
Lucius did not utter a word of hatred against anything and anyone; only reasons, arguments, truths, hard truths, but simply truths, because Pastors for Peace fight precisely for that, for peace; the Caravan of Friendship fights precisely for that, for friendship: the friendship between the people of the United States and the Cuban people, the friendship between the people of the United States and all the peoples of the world. ”
In his speech, Fernando González, president of ICAP, stressed that Lucius struggled tirelessly to achieve social justice in his country, through the valuable work he developed at IFCO.
The Foundation focused all its efforts on getting more support from churches to progressive organizations and to fight for social justice primarily in the most disadvantaged communities such as African Americans and Latinas, he added.
Ferdinand recalled that on November 20, 1992, IFCO sent its solidarity hand to Cuba, organizing the first Friendship Caravan, which on a challenging voyage crossed the border in Laredo, Texas, after touring 90 US cities, collecting 12.5 tons of medicines, milk powder, bicycles, school supplies and bibles, thereby circumventing the criminal laws of the blockade.
“For Lucius, the Caravan would not be an economic rescue but a humanitarian aid that would also make it possible to spread the Cuban reality in the American people, and build a movement that would advocate the elimination of hostile US policies toward Cuba, he added.
He recalled that several caravanists led by Lucius decided to remain on hunger strike until the load was passed when they tried to prevent it. “They did not imagine that that vehicle would become a symbol of fighting the blockade and a genuine expression of friendship between our peoples,” he said.
The ICAP president emphasized that IFCO actively participated in the campaign for the return of child Elian and integrated the global campaign for the liberation of the Five; in addition to realizing the dream of Fidel and Lucius by extending the range of nationalities of the Latin American School of Medicine with the inclusion of American students.
Fernando thanked IFCO for his social activism, and finally expressed: we call them to join more members to the Caravan of Pastors for Peace, before the permanence of the hostility of EE. UU., Cuba needs united hands that stand united in support of its sovereignty. ”
Gail Walker, daughter of Lucius and Executive Director and IFCO-Pastors for Peace, thanked the tribute to his father who emphasized his commitment as a man, father, teacher, pastor, prophetic minister and community organizer and his status as an inspirer for social activism in support of the disadvantaged. “That is why he is honored and revered in many parts of the world,” he said.
He recalled anecdotes of Lucius from whom he learned as a witness of his struggles. “He often went out to the streets to protest for justice and the police dragged him. When they asked me if I was afraid for him I would say no, because he always came back, “he said.
Lucius was a beloved son of Fidel, and they both cultivated the idea and carried out the project of giving young Americans without the resources to train as doctors in ELAM, he added.
He was proud of, enriched by Lucius’ legacy, to continue his path for justice, “he continues to inspire us,” he remarked.
Charity Diego Bello. Head of the Office of Religious Affairs of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, was also in the chair of the event in which the Reverend Raul Suarez, Director of the Martin Luther King Center, conveyed a deep message of gratitude and brotherhood. “Talking about IFCO is talking about Lucius,” he said.
It meant that IFCO was conceived by Lucius as a result of his awareness of his experiences and the realities of Latin America and the world. “IFCO has a biblical, pastoral root and for him, everything had a political meaning, he realized that the ecumenical movement was lacking in the community and gave in to social activism,” he said.
All this brought him closer to the Latin American problems and to Cuba, for whose people he felt a great affection, being tireless in the fight against the blockade, he said.
On behalf of the American students of the Latin American School of Medicine, Adonay Castillo acknowledged Lucius’ exemplary effort to strengthen the friendship between the two peoples. “We are inspired by his legacy of international solidarity,” he added.
Ninah Raoul, member of the IFCO executive, Joel Ortega Dopico. President of the Council of Churches of Cuba, representatives of the International Peace, Justice and Dignity Committee to the Peoples, a group of Witness for Peace, ICAP workers and officials.
Shortly before the event began, IFCO executives and religious leaders deposited a wreath before the plaque that reminds Lucius Walker of the José Martí Anti-imperialist Tribune.
(Iliana García Giraldino / Photos: Orlando Perera / Always with Cuba)
