Previous Venceremos events

October 18th 2008: Roundtable Discussion: U.S Presidential Election 2008

 Prior to the most talked about Presidential Election in generations, Venceremos gathered to discuss some of the key issues at stake and also some of the less talked about candidates.

Inevitably the central issue was the era of change pledged Barak Obama and the nature of change that he is likely to bring. We discussed the various issues on which Obama has compromised his position in order to gain the support of various powerful lobby groups, while others pointed out that he has succeeded in engaging a new generation of young Americans into the political system.

One of the other issues discussed was the role of third parties, and Ralph Nader in particular as they struggle to make their voice heard in a partisan filed dominated by Republican and Democrat allegiances. We discussed the credentials of Nader and the dilemma faced by many voters when they consider voting for 'unelectable' outsider candidates.

September 27th '2008- Prof. Georgy Katsiaficas on the Gwangju People's Uprising 1980

In solidarity with Venceremos, Professor Georgy Katsiaficas, a visiting professor of sociology at Chonnam National University, made the trip to Seoul to give a talk on the Gwangju People's Uprising of May 1980.

The principal theme was the organic nature of the Gwangju citizen's revolution and how real, direct democracy was established in just a few days in the face of brutal oppression from Chun Doo-hwan's militaty dictatorship.

After his talk, we opened the the room for discussion and Q & A. We went on to discuss the legacy of the Gwangju uprising in a 21st century context as well as some more general themes such as the roles of media and violent resistance within people's struggles.

You can find out more about Georgy Katsiaficas by visiting his website at www.eroseffect.com

June 15th & 29th 2008- 'Open Veins of Latin America': Two-part discussion group

In June we got together as a group to break down some of the issues raised in Eduardo Galeano's masterful comprehensive history of Latin America. Galeano brings history to life, giving a vivid account of ancient to modern day Latin American culture, as well as raising some of the regions social and political problems that remain relevant today.

The book prompted some fascinating debates that touched on a range of issues from the future of Socialism in 21st Century Latin America to mankind's relationship with nature.

The discussion had an informal, friendly tone and everyone present felt comfortable enough to raise their own questions and opinions. We hope to maintain this atmosphere for the forthcoming presentation and discussion meetings.

May 18th 2008- 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised'- Public Screening, Gwanghwamun, Seoul

Venceremos' inaugural event was a matinee screening of Kim Bartley and Donnacha O'Brian's groundbreaking documentary filmed inside the Venezuelan presidential palace on April 11, 2002, when Hugo Chavez was forcibly removed from office, giving them unprecedented access to the heart of the coup. The filmmakers were also present 48 hours later when, remarkably, he returned to power amid cheering aides. Their film records what was probably history's shortest-lived coup d'état. It is a unique documentary about media manipulation in the 21st century and an extraordinary portrait of Hugo Chavez.