On Tuesday May 16, Jorge Martin spoke in Minneapolis, MN at the Waite House Community Center as part of his North American tour. The panel discussion was organized to politically motivate this weekend's "Hands Off Venezuela and Cuba" march in Washington, DC. 

The panel was made up of Jorge Martin, International Secretary of the Hands Off Venezuela Campaign, Gary Prevost, Professor of Political Science at St. John's University, and Maria Peña, Venezuelan journalist and local area immigrant rights activist.

They discussed the overall situation in Latin America, with a focus on the latest developments in Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, and the immigration rights movement here in the U.S.  Over 40 people attended and the mood was attentive and enthusiastic. 

Many actively participated in the question and answer session, reflecting a growing interest in political discussion here the U.S.  Although a broad variety of topics were covered, including a lively discussion on the lessons of the Nicaraguan Revolution in relation to the process in Venezuela, much of the discussion focused on ways to build consciousness here in the U.S., with the immigration rights movement an important point of reference. 

The meeting was organized by the MN-Cuba Committee, Hands Off Venezuela, and the MN-Venezuela Committee.  In light of the success of this jointly-organized event, more events will be co-organized in the coming months.  As world events make ever-clearer the inter-connection between various struggles, so must the organizing of solidarity and the building of the movement here in the U.S. broaden and reach out to new layers.

Special thanks to the Waite House Community Center for the use of their community-friendly meeting room and their hospitality. 

If you missed this event, you can hear artin speaking in St. Louis, MO by clicking  here