IRTF Human Rights Banquet - Art & Historical Memory

Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 4-8pm ET
2592 W14th St. Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Fiesta de Derechos Humanos - IRTF Commemoration of the Martyrs & Human Rights Banquet

Come for any/all of the event: 4pm social hour 5:30pm interfaith ceremony and guest speaker 7pm Central American dinner

Reserved seats: $45 Group tables for 8 ($320 for a table)| Walk-ins: $50 at the door | Online only: $15 (Suggested donations)

Call 216.961.0003 and leave a message with your name and phone

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, the InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF) will commemorate the 45th anniversary of the martyrdom of Clevelanders in El Salvador. On December 2, 1980—four women (including CWRU alumna, Jean Donovan and Ursuline Sister/John Carroll alumna, Dorothy Kazel) paid with their lives for deciding to stay in solidarity with oppressed and marginalized peoples, despite political turmoil in El Salvador.

Our organization was founded to carry forward their legacy. Since 1981, we have been promoting peace with justice from Colombia to Canada by organizing Ohioans in education, action, and mutual aid.

To commemorate ALL the human rights defenders

and empower people to carry on their legacy, we need your help!

We respectfully request that you consider a sponsorship or a donation (gift card or product for our auction) towards our Annual Commemoration of the Martyrs.

This event will be held at the wheelchair accessible Pilgrim Congregational UCC in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. Approximately 250 IRTF friends and supporters will gather for a social hour, sit down dinner and interfaith program. Childcare available. Food will include a Vegan and Gluten Free menu.

We hope that you decide to support our work and use this opportunity to promote how your organization supports human rights across Abya Yala (aka the Americas)!

To sign up as a sponsor or contribute to our event by making an auction donation please contact [email protected]. You can also call us at 216.961.0003.We really appreciate your consideration.

[email protected] | 216.961.0003 | facebook.com/irtf19813606 Bridge Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113 - Checks payable to IRTF tinyurl.com/give2irtf

DO NOT LET COST BE A DETRRENT FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE! We have discounts for low-income attendees (70% off ticket prices) and we have several dozen FREE tickets available through the generosity of our sponsors and the mutual aid solidarity of several community members. Email [email protected] or text 8577191276 for a code.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Alma de Izote Collective is working to organize a Book & Music Tour with Sebastián Torogóz (of Los Torogoces de Morazán, the guerrilla folklore band connected to Radio Venceremos) and Padre Juan Vicente Chopin (priest, theologian, educator). The tour is scheduled to take place from November 3 – 15, 2025 and will include popular education events, concerts, and book launches in several cities across the Midwest, including Elgin, Illinois, Cleveland, Ohio, Madison, Wisconsin, and Chicago.

This project holds historical memory work (memoria histórica) at its heart, as well as international solidarity efforts between the United States and El Salvador. The book, co-authored by Sebastián and Padre Chopin, explores Sebastián’s experience during the armed conflict in El Salvador, the material conditions and oppression that led to it, and includes lyrics from many of Los Torogoces’ songs with contextual explanations. It also features contributions from internationalists such as Rogelio Ponseele, a Belgian priest integral to the formation of the Comunidades Eclesiales de Base and includes poems and other writings.

The primary goal of the tour is political education and solidarity—fundraising is an important but secondary goal. The tour seeks to reconnect with the historic regional Midwest networks of Latin America and El Salvador solidarity, fostering relationships between new generations, community elders, and veteran organizers while raising funds for ongoing solidarity efforts through book sales and partnerships with local organizations.

Info: Appetizers. Music. Dancing. Raffle. Auction

Info: Interfaith ceremony and Guest Speaker from El Salvador

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher InterReligious Task Force on Central America