Kerry Kennedy to Kick-Off Immigration Fast and Prayer Chain

Kerry Kennedy, daughter of the late Robert F. Kennedy, to initiate a 24-day fast and prayer chain to protest family separations and cruel detention of families at the border

McAllen, TX—The Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy has set off a humanitarian crisis along the U.S./Mexico border, unjustly separated over 2,400 children from their parents. In their response to criticism from across the political spectrum, the administration has moved toward the indefinite detention of families as the “solution.” This is not only immoral, it is also illegal under U.S. and international law.

La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP), Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, and Neta will protest these wrongful actions that hurt the immigrant community of the Rio Grande Valley through a 24-hour hunger strike and prayer chain that will last 24 days, in honor of the more than 2,400 children separated from their parents.

Fasting as a means of nonviolent protest is a historic tool utilized by Cesar Chavez, the founder of La Union del Pueblo Entero, in resistance to the injustice faced by farm workers of Mexican descent. Cesar’s commitment to nonviolent protest, including his fasts, won the support and friendship of Robert F. Kennedy to the farm worker cause.

This event reflects the lasting bond between the work of Cesar Chavez, the Texas Civil Rights Project, and the Kennedy family. TCRP represented UFW members in major lawsuits such as the inclusion of farm workers in the benefits of unemployment and workers compensation insurance, among others. The Kennedy family accompanied Cesar as he broke his first fast in 1968. We all stand united with courage against the actions taken by administration officials and Border Patrol that are inflicting enormous harm on immigrant families at the border.

WHAT: 24-hour fast chain to be initiated by Bobby Kennedy’s daughter, Kerry. The fast will continue for 24 days in honor of the 2,400 children separated from their parents.

WHEN: Saturday, June 23, 2018

WHERE: Archer Park: 101 N Main St, McAllen, TX 78501

TIME: 12 pm

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About La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE)

La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) is a nonprofit organization that helps the community organize for and win a better quality of life. LUPE was founded in 1989 by farmworker and civil rights leaders Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta. We are a membership-based organization and our strength is found in the participation of our over eight thousand members. LUPE is a member organization of the RGV Equal Voice Network. Learn more about LUPE online at www.lupenet.org

About Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP)

We are Texas Lawyers for Texas Communities, the Texas Civil Rights Project believes in a state where everyone can live with dignity, justice, and without fear. In its twenty-seven year history, TCRP has brought thousands of strategic lawsuits, defending voting rights, fighting institutional discrimination, and reforming systems of criminal justice. Today — with dozens of high-caliber attorneys and professionals in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston and the Rio Grande Valley, and an extensive network of pro bono counsel and community allies — TCRP is among the most influential civil rights organizations in the Lone Star State.

About Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights

Led by human rights activist and lawyer Kerry Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights has advocated for a more just and peaceful world since 1968. They work alongside local activists to ensure lasting positive change in governments and corporations. Whether in the United States or abroad, our programs have pursued justice through strategic litigation on key human rights issues, educated millions of children in human rights advocacy and fostered a social good approach to business and investment.

About Neta

Neta is a progressive community media platform and a leading Latinx voice in Texas based in the Rio Grande Valley. We create culturally relevant videos, stories, and podcasts to engage young people on urgent cultural and social issues.