Locations: La Casa Roja

Maria was a poet, community organizer and Salvadoran refugee who became an integral part of many popular struggles in Los Angeles, California, where she eventually re-settled after fleeing El Salvador in 1980, having barely survived torture at the hands of US-trained paramilitaries. She passed away on May 16, 2015, but her legacy continues through the many lives she touched in this physical realm. In her own words, she states “it has helped me overcome my trauma, the kindness and solidarity of others has helped me...when people rise up we can make social change and create a new world". Friends of Maria Guardado will share stories about her life and legacy, as well as discuss the possibility of publishing a book of poetry in her honor.