SUU Convocation Lecture Promotes Human Rights

Published: October 18, 2007 | Read Time: 1 minutes

Elvia Alvarado, a peasant leader in Honduras and head of International Relations for the Union of Rural Workers, will speak to students and the community as part of Southern Utah University’s Convocation Lecture Series on Tuesday, October 23 at 11:30 a.m. in the SUU auditorium.

For the past 30 years Alvarado has been at the forefront of human rights and land reform struggles. In her best-selling book, Don’t Be Afraid Gringo and the PBS documentary "Elvia and the Fight for Land and Liberty,” Alvarado tells her story. A powerful and inspiring speaker, Alvarado’s visit to SUU will open a lengthy U.S. speaking tour.

Alvarado has led dangerous land recovery actions in an effort to enforce national agrarian reform laws. As a result of her activities, she has been harassed, jailed and tortured at the hands of the Honduran military. She is also a passionate voice on the effects of economic globalization, particularly on women and children.

Trained by the Catholic Church to organize women’s groups to combat malnutrition, she began to question why peasants were malnourished.

Her growing political awareness, travels by foot over the back roads of Honduras, and conversations with people from all over the country gave her insights into the internal workings of Honduran society. This exposure has motivated her to improve the lives of the country's most impoverished citizens.

This event is free and open to the public.

For more information about Southern Utah University’s Convocation series and a complete listing of presentations for Fall Semester, please visit www.suu.edu/convocations.

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