Philly Liberation Forum: No Coup in Venezuela, Free Puerto Rico!
Join the Party for Socialism and Liberation for a forum at the Philadelphia Liberation Center about two important fronts in the fight against imperialism in Latin America! Presentations include an eyewitness report from Gloria La Riva, who spent a month in Venezuela reporting on the ongoing U.S.-orchestrated coup attempt.
The Trump administration is attempting to install U.S. puppet Juan Guaido as president of Venezuela, despite the fact that he did not even run in the May elections and therefore received no votes. The U.S. government is seeking to overthrow the elected president Nicolas Maduro, who leads a process of change called the Bolivarian Revolution that is moving the country towards socialism. Guaido is leader of the far-right “Popular Will” party, a party which has little support from Venezuelans, apart from a wealthy and reactionary minority.
Meanwhile, Puerto Rico continues to suffer as a result of U.S. colonialism and exploitation. In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated the island. Thousands died or suffered injuries and many more were displaced from their homes. Puerto Rico was colonized for hundreds of years by the Spanish and remains under the colonial rule of the United States today. Although Puerto Ricans are technically citizens of the United States, the Trump administration's racist neglect of the island led to thousands more deaths and lasting devastation to the Puerto Rico's infrastructure.
Join us as we discuss these events and hear eyewitness reports from both Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Admission is free, and donations are always welcomed.
Featured Speakers:
Gloria La Riva: National Coordinator of the Venezuela Solidarity Committee and 2016 Party for Socialism and Liberation presidential candidate
Israel Moreno, Journalist and activist based in Kensington
Johnny Irizarry, Professor and Director of the Center for Hispanic Excellence at the University of Pennsylvania
Angel Nalubega, Philadelphia branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation