Milwaukee to Launch 32nd Friendshipment of Medicine to Cuba on July 6

MILWAUKEE, WIS. — Milwaukeeans in support of normal relations with the people of Cuba, will launch the Pastors for Peace’s 32nd Friendshipment to bring needed medicines to Cuba, at ZAO MKE Church, 2319 East Kenwood Blvd., MKE 53211 on Wednesday July 6 at 7pm, preceded by a reception at 6:30pm. Starting in Milwaukee, Chicago, New York City and Albuquerque, the Friendshipment will hit 20 US cities to raise funds to concretely challenge the US economic blockade of Cuba, designed for 60 years “to bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government in Cuba,” according to US policy documentation long kept secret from the American public (https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1958-60v06/d499). The event will feature Cheryl Labash, from Pastors for Peace and co-chair of the National Network on Cuba, and raise funds to buy medical supplies to bring to Cuba and be shared with the Cuban Council of Churches. The program can also can be accessed from the church’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Among the supporting groups is Veterans for Peace – Milwaukee which voted to contribute $300 for needed medicines to Cuba, according to VFP Chapter 102 president, Bob Hanson, a retired Lutheran minister. “Our members have visited Cuba, and seen their priority on schools and healthcare, and we need to show that US veterans and others want peaceful cooperation with our neighbor on common challenges such as climate change, rather than embargoes or other hostility.”

Zao MKE Church describes itself as “a new and growing Jesus Rooted, Justice Centered, Radically Inclusive church on Milwaukee’s East side, with a diverse leadership team, majority queer, trans, and/or POC all under the age of 40.” “We are excited to be welcomed by Zao MKE Church,” stated Art Heitzer (he/him) from the sponsoring Wisconsin Coalition to Normalize Relations with Cuba. “This is especially appropriate as the people of Cuba are considering a new and progressive family code which re-defines families and responsibilities based on love and inclusion.”

The Wisconsin Coalition to Normalize Relations with Cuba was founded in 1994, inspired by Wisconsin people of faith and civic activists’ first-hand witness of serious food and material shortages in Cuba, alongside the ongoing commitment of Cuban people to endure. The Coalition’s mission and points of unity include respect for Cuba’s sovereignty, and opposition to obstacles erected between the peoples of the U.S. and Cuba. More information is available at the Coalition’s website, www.wicuba.org or via email at wicubacoalition@gmail.com.

[Here’s how to DONATE to the work of the Friendshipments to Cuba:
* at the IFCO/Pastors For Peace website — www.IFCOnews.org/Donate
* Text the word IFCO to 646.859.5344
* via check to IFCO, P.O. Box 1368, Orange, NJ 07051-1368 (Note: Do not write the word Cuba anywhere on the check)

All donations are tax deductible.]

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.