OAXACA TEACHERS
RAQUEL CRUZ MANZANO, A LEADER OF THE STRIKING OAXACA TEACHERS, ADDRESSES PSC FORUM

Teachers in Oaxaca, Mexico, have been on strike since May, 2006 for better salaries and learning conditions for their students. On October 12, 2007, at the PSC union hall, Raquel Cruz-Manzano, one of the strike leaders, spoke at an evening that was political (updates and analysis), cultural (art and crafts/music from Oaxaca) and culinary (home-cooked Mexican food). The striking teachers have inspired a mass movement in Oaxaca that has called for a new governor, a new constitution and a new respect for the public sphere. They have been met with repression and violence in a drama that is symptomatic of the world-wide assault on the public sector and working and poor people. Cruz-Manzano, and other speakers (Electa Arenal, Mike Menser and Herardo Renique), explained how this relates to us and the lessons that can we learned from the courageous example of the Oaxaca teachers.

Political and graphic arts from Oaxaca

Home-cooked Mexican and Latin American dishes

Nancy Romer, (Brooklyn/ right)
introduces Raquel Cruz-Manzano (left)

Electa Arena, CSI (right) and
Raquel Cruz-Manzano (left)

Herardo Renique (CCNY)
reports on Oaxaca

Mike Menser (Brooklyn),
one of the commentators

A full house at the PSC union hall

The presentations were followed by
a lively discussion.  Lorraine Cohen
(LAGCC) asks a question.

Raquel Cruz-Manzano
responds to a question

Renate Bridenthal (Brooklyn/Retired),
one of the event's organizers at a
 table with a video on the Oaxaca
struggle made by Tami Gold (Hunter)

Arden Rothstein presents
arts and crafts from Oaxaca

Raquel Cruz-Manzano (center, pictured with
faculty, staff and student) also spoke at
Hostos Community College

PICTURE CREDITS:  All of the pictures on this page by Lew Friedman (except the photo from Hostos).

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