**Simultaneous translation available**
On March 21, the Latin American Relief Fund with the support of the San Miguel Writers’ Conference will welcome Javier Zamora, author of Solito, the New York Times’ bestselling memoir. Javier’s story and this benefit for ABBA House could not be more critical than in this moment of crisis for migrants in Mexico and around the world. Javier will be joined in conversation by San Miguel’s beloved author, Sandra Cisneros.
As a 9-year-old boy, Javier left his grandmother, grandfather, and aunt in El Salvador to travel 3,000 miles alone through Guatemala and Mexico to reunite with his parents in the United States. At once sorrowful and hopeful, this remarkable true story is a mirror of a cycle that continues today as families struggle to escape violence and economic devastation.
The book’s beauty lies in the sometimes-terrifying vulnerability arising from a child’s perspective and in the care and support provided by fellow migrants who embrace and help Javier in his arduous journey north. Javier will revisit his story 25 years later in support of ABBA House, an organization that has opened its doors to thousands of Javier Zamoras and is now facing budget cuts due to the elimination of USAID.
Those of us in San Miguel who have had the privilege of meeting ABBA House Director Pastor Ignacio Ramirez know that he is an embodiment of principled compassion and love. Pastor Ignacio, his family, and his staff have given to every person who has stayed at ABBA House the respect and dignity all those who seek safety and a better way of life deserve.
Please join us in supporting ABBA House and to keep alive Pastor Ignacio’s transformative vision to create a Centro Cultural de Derechos Humanos/Center for Culture and Human Rights to provide long-time housing for ABBA House’s most vulnerable population who desire to remain in Mexico.
Friday, March 21 5:00 pm
Real de Minas
Reception after the main event at Posada Corazón for Javier Zamora and Pastor Ignacio RamÃrez.
Tickets can be purchased at Aurora Books (Calz de La Aurora 48A, Guadalupe) and Camino Silvestre (Correo 43, Centro) or The San Miguel Writers’ Conference website
$500 MXN/$25 US | Conversation Real de Minas – Camino Viejo del Panteón 1
$1500 MXN/$75 US | Conversation/ Reception Posada Corazón – Aldama 9, Centro
Our purpose is to offer visibility, community, and inspiration to the writers and readers of San Miguel de Allende; to honor the long history of distinguished writers living and working here; to enrich the cultural life and educational opportunities for local residents in both Spanish and English; and to establish San Miguel de Allende as a leading destination for literary and cultural tourism commensurate with its status as a World Heritage Site. We believe that reading and writing are essential, that great literature enriches our lives, feeds our souls, and facilitates greater understanding of ourselves and others.
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