The Democracy Defenders Roadshow is on the move and we’ve been busy!
Over the past few days, our delegation has traveled through Chicago and Kalamazoo, building connections across movements, sharing lessons from frontline democracy struggles in Latin America, and creating space for powerful conversations about justice, accountability, and collective action.
In Chicago, our Democracy Defenders met with Robin Rue Simmons and Kamm Howard for an inspiring exchange about the different approaches First Repair is using to advance reparations for Black and Indigenous communities across the Americas.
Together, they discussed how generations of historical oppression must be addressed through restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition. While our movements may take different paths, we share a common commitment to justice, accountability, and democracy.
A special thank you to Robin Rue Simmons — former 5th Ward alderperson in Evanston, Illinois, who led the United States’ first government-funded reparations legislation addressing the harms of redlining and discriminatory housing policies and now leads First Repair — and to Kamm Howard, a Chicago-based leader in the U.S. and global reparations movements for Afro-descendants, for sharing their expertise and vision.
From Chicago, the Roadshow continued to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where 150 community members, faith leaders, organizers, and elected officials gathered for a powerful public event: “Across Borders: Communities Against Gun Violence and Voter Suppression.”
The evening opened with an energizing welcome from Vice Mayor Drew Duncan, who connected the threats facing communities internationally with the challenges people are confronting in Kalamazoo. From the start, the event reflected the strength of local organizing: Rabbi Schicker and Pastor Juarez offered blessings side by side, Pastor Doug King led a moment of silence for loved ones lost to gun violence and survivors of gun violence, and Monica Washington Padula offered a land acknowledgment.
Our partners at ISAAC — the largest faith-based organizing network in Southwest Michigan — helped create a gathering that felt rooted, interfaith, and deeply community-centered.
The panel featured democracy defenders from Guatemala, Colombia, and Mexico, with Sandra Calderón-Huezo interpreting. Mynor Alonzo spoke about the many meanings of democracy and the lessons of Guatemala’s organizing movements. Alí Bantú Ashanti shared his experience as a legal advisor and election defense organizer in Colombia, reminding the audience that setbacks are not stopping points, they are calls to move faster. Elena Gutierrez connected gun violence across borders, speaking about the flow of U.S. guns into Mexico and the devastating impact of arms trafficking on communities on both sides of the border.
After the panel, attendees moved into small-group discussions facilitated by El Concilio, ISAAC, the Vice Mayor’s office, and Our Beloved Community. The evening closed with a call to action led by Cathy Phason, inviting participants to fill out commitment cards and take the next step in this shared work.
From Chicago and Kalamazoo, the Roadshow continues on to more communities across the country. Upcoming and planned stops include Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, California, and Texas.
You can learn more about the roadshow, speakers, and upcoming events here and make sure to follow us on social media @globalexchange for updates and footage from the events.
Across the hemisphere, we will continue working together to resist authoritarianism and build a future where our communities can thrive.