Speaking Tour by Mexican Activist February 1–14, 2012

Activist Who Lost Sister, Mother, Speaks on Costs of Drug War

Juan Fraire Escobedo

Juan Fraire Escobedo comes from a family of activists in Ciudad Juárez. Juan's sister Rubi Marisol, was killed in 2008. Their mother, Marisela Escobedo, became a prominent activist for human rights and against militarization in Juárez, and in face of the judicial system's indifference, she obtained evidence showing Rubi was killed by her boyfriend, who was arrested and confessed to the killing. After a court released him, Marisela was killed in December 2010 while maintaining a vigil in front of the Chihuahua governor's building.

Juan brings a powerful testimony of the human costs of the drug war, militarism and gun trafficking, and is part of growing actions to forge a path to peace with justice and dignity in Mexico. The United States has played an important part in the escalating war for drug prohibition. Mexican activists like Juan are reaching out to people in the U.S. to support efforts for justice and help forge a different path.

Juan was detained for three months after seeking asylum in the wake of his mother's murder, and has since pressed for justice through vigils in front of the Mexican consulate, as well as participated in events seeking justice for all those victimized by the drug war and gun violence in Mexico. His story was featured on NBC's "Dateline", while Marisela's story was dramatized by Mexican actor Ely Guerra. Juan will be joined by John Lindsay-Poland of the national interfaith peace group Fellowship of Reconciliation, who will speak about gun trafficking to Mexico, the drug war, and what we in the United States can do.

Juan will visit the Dallas metroplex February 8 - 10.

Dallas area Dates and Locations:

Sign reads: "Youth cry out for peace"

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 7:00 p.m., Plano: Presentation at First Plano United Methodist Church, 3160 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano.

Thursday, Feb. 9, 10:00 a.m., Dallas: Presentation at First United Methodist Church Rowlett, Dallas.

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2:00 p.m., Dallas: Press conference, New Waverly Baptist Church, 3927 Aransas Street, Dallas.

Thursday, Feb. 9, 7:00 p.m., Dallas: Presentation at New Waverly Baptist Church, 3927 Aransas Street, Dallas.

Friday, Feb. 10, 7:00 p.m., Dallas: Presentation (7:00) followed by reception (8:30) and testimonials with a prayer vigil (9:00) at Christ's Foundry UMC, 3363 Park Ln, Dallas.