Friends,
In a rare visit to this area, Colombian peace community leader Jesús Emilio Tuberquia will speak tonight and tomorrow about the experience of community and nonviolence in the midst of war.
Thursday, April 7, 6:30 PM
Casa Quincy
507 Quincy Street NW, Washington, DC
View map and directions, or view on Facebook
Friday, April 8, 6:00 PM
American University, Ward Circle Building
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC
View map and directions, or view on Facebook
For more information, contact Emily Nelson at repusa2@pbicolombia.net
 Jesús Emilio has far too much first-hand knowledge of just how dangerous it is to work for peace in the middle of a war zone. He is a founding member of the San José de Apartadó Peace Community located in northwest Colombia.
In 1997, he and 800 other small farmers claimed their territory as a neutral civilian community, refusing to cooperate with any armed group. The community has survived threats, killings, massacres, disappearances and food blockades by armed groups, including the U.S.-funded Colombian army.
Just a few weeks ago, a man entered the peace community, went to Jesús Emilio's house and asked where he was, then walked around the settlement and asked others. A few days later, just after meeting with Jesús Emilio, fellow community member Bernardo Rios was shot and killed by paramilitaries.
Despite the threats and violence, Jesús Emilio and the peace community have succeeded in building a nonviolent community in resistance as an alternative to the war around them. Come hear their story!
The Fellowship of Reconciliation and Peace Brigades International, co-sponsors of the Jesús Emilio's speaking tour, maintain human rights observers in San José de Apartadó. |
