Romero Human Rights Award 2019
The Center commemorated Saint Romero and honored human rights defenders, David Morales from Cristosal, and Ovidio Mauricio Gonzalez and Wilfredo Medrano from Tutela Legal, for their efforts to seek justice and accountability for current and past violence in El Salvador. All three are investigating and prosecuting the high profile El Mozote case. David Morales work in the El Mozote case was recently highlighted in a New York Times article. The 2019 program included a symposium and an award ceremony followed by a reception and opening of the America the Borderland exhibit.
Romero 2019
Symposium
Moderated by Ann C. Hudock, Counterpart International, the symposium featured: Ashley Feasley, US Conference of Catholic Bishops - Migrant and Refugee Services Craig Hovey, Ashland Center for Nonviolence; Human Rights Center Visiting Scholar David Morales, Cristosal; Honoree Romero Award 2019 Gabriella Pickett, Dayton Activist and Artist Linda Rivas, Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center
Ceremony
The Ceremony included remarks by Father Satish Joseph of St. Helen and Immaculate Conception Parishes, University of Dayton President Eric F. Spina, and 2019 Awardees, David Morales, Cristosal, Ovidio Mauricio Gonzalez and Wilfredo Medrano, Tutela Legal.
[Romero's] martyrdom compels us to respond radically to the social injustices of our time, and to respond to them as a respond to God’s call to holiness.
Fr. Satish Joseph