Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba in Northampton June 15

Pastors for Peace 19th Caravan of humanitarian aid to Cuba will stop in Northampton on June 15 to pick up local people joining the caravan, and educational, medical, and especially musical entertainment supplies for Cuba.  The Caravan is supported and hosted by the Pioneer Valley Cuba Solidarity Committee which meets regularly in Northampton. The caravan is people-to-people diplomacy, and gives U.S. citizens an opportunity to build an alternative foreign policy towards Cuba based on justice and mutual respect, by defying the 50 year old travel and trade embargo of Cuba.

This is the 2nd annual Hip Hop Without Borders Caravan, and on route to Cuba the caravan will collaborate and perform with Hiphop artists and community organizers. In Cuba supplies from the caravan supplies will help equip a Hiphop community center with the gear it needs, and participants will join some workshops and discussions on hiphop culture and activism in Cuba and abroad, and have the chance to perform with Cuban hiphop artists.

A scholarship for a hip hop performer or enthusiast, or other young person to travel on the caravan is being awarded by the Pioneer Valley Cuba Solidarity Committee. See the attachment below for a copy of the application. (deadline May 1).

A welcome and send-off event for the caravan will be held in Northampton on Sunday, June 15,  5:00-7:30 featuring a Cuban meal, and performances by local artists. All are welcome.

We are collecting supplies to box and put on the bus to Cuba, and we need your help.  We are focusing on musical instruments and equipment (guitar strings, blank CDs, microphones, speakers, mixers etc.) to help Hiphop performers in Cuba, medical and educational supplies.  If you have a donation or can make a  contribution to buy supplies, please let us know. All donations need to be received by June 7 in Northampton.  Contact Ruth at 413-256-8441 for specific information and where to bring the donations of supplies. Pickup is available.

For further information about the Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba
pastorsforpeace.org.


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Pamela Walker
walkerpamw@comcast.net