Third Encuentro

2010 NYC Encuentro for Dignity and Against Displacement

A Convergence of Dreams: The Third Encuentro for Dignity and Against Displacement

April 2, 2010

The invitation reads, “We propose a coming together, a convergence, to which we can all bring: our histories, what makes us difference, and our dreams.”

Over 40 organizations were represented at the Encuentro in East Harlem, New York – Photo DR 2010 RJ Maccani

Zapatista-Inspired Rally Held in New York City; Aims to Fight Gentrification

NEW YORK – Over 120 people and 40 organizations participated in the Third Encounter for Dignity and Against Gentrification hosted by the Movement for Justice in el Barrio this past Sunday in East Harlem, New York. The meeting, referred to by the Spanish term encuentro, brought together activists from places as far as California, Puerto Rico, and Maryland.

“The objective of this third encuentro was to connect our struggle. Our struggle doesn’t have boundaries,” said Filiberto Hernandez, a member of the Movement for Justice in el Barrio.

El Barrio is Everywhere

On Feb. 28, more than 200 people, representing over 40 organizations, gathered in the basement of a community center on E. 116 St. in East Harlem. From throughout East Harlem, across New York City, and as far away as Los Angeles and Puerto Rico, they came together to share and unite their struggles against a common enemy: neoliberal global capitalism and its displacement of the poor, the invisible. The message was clear: “Our land, our homes are not for sale.” The event was called the Third NYC Encuentro for Dignity and Against Displacement, hosted by Movement for Justice in El Barrio.