Robert Meeropol Speaking in Boulder and Denver
Overview
Robert Meeropol,
the
youngest
son
of Ethel
and
Julius
Rosenberg, is coming to Boulder April 11th through
13th,
2002.
He
will
be
speaking in Boulder and Denver, and there will be a fund raising
reception for his foundation, the Rosenberg
Fund
for
Children, at the home of Tom Mayer, a professor
at
University
of
Colorado,
on
Saturday the 13th. The foundation provides support to the
children
of targeted progressive activists.
The story of what happened to the Rosenbergs has, of course, great relevance to what is happening today, with the current erosion of our civil rights. In addition, Robert is an ardent spokesperson and activist against capitol punishment. We are thrilled that Robert is able to come at this time, to share this painful story with us, and provide inspiration for the organizing that will help us reverse course.
Speaking Engagements
Robert Meeropol will be speaking in Boulder on Thursday, April 11th at 7 p.m. at the First Methodist Church, 14th and Spruce. He will speak at the First Mennonite Church in Denver, 9th and Elati, at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 12th. In his talks, titled "Capitol Conspiracy," he will speak about the similarities of the political climate now, and at the time of his parents' conviction and execution, in an effort to help us avoid yet more miscarriages of justice.
Donations will be requested for Robert's foundation, the Rosenberg Fund for Children, which provides support to the children of targeted progressive activists.
Press Release
Government Tactics Scrutinized in Lecture on Death Penalty
The United States has not had a capital conspiracy case since Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed for "conspiracy to commit espionage" in 1953 at the height of the Cold War. In the wake of 9/11, defendants charged with "conspiracy to commit terrorism" may face execution. In a public lecture on Thursday, April 11th at the First Methodist Church, 14th and Spruce in Boulder, and April 12th at the First Mennonite Church, 9th and Elati in Denver, Attorney Robert Meeropol, the younger son of the Rosenbergs, will re-examine government misconduct during his parents' case. His talk will warn that similarities between the anti-communist fervor of the 1950's, and today's crackdown on civil liberties amidst the war on terrorism, could spawn more miscarriages of justice. Both talks will begin at 7:00 p.m.
The Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center, American Friends Service Committee, Amnesty International and Coloradans Against the Death Penalty are sponsoring Meeropol's lecture entitled, "Capital Conspiracy: The talks are free and open to the public, but donations will be requested for Robert's foundation, the Rosenberg Fund for Children.
The events are part of a speaking tour that will include stops in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and throughout the Northeast.
Meeropol also will discuss the work of the organization he founded to honor his parents' legacy, the Rosenberg Fund for Children (RFC). The RFC is a public foundation that provides for the educational and emotional needs of children in this country whose parents have suffered because of their political activities. The RFC also provides grants for the educational and emotional needs of targeted activist youth (under age 25). Institutions and professionals are awarded grants to provide services for RFC beneficiaries at no cost or reduced cost. Services covered by RFC grants can include: school tuition, college books, special types of travel, music lessons, summer camp, therapy, day care, travel to visit an incarcerated relative, etc. With its Spring of 2002 awards, the RFC topped over $1,000,000 in total grants, made to more than 200 beneficiaries, since the Fund's beginning in 1990.
For information on the Rosenberg Fund for Children, downloadable photos, or to arrange an interview with Robert Meeropol, contact Amber Black at the RFC, 413-739-9020, amber@rfc.org or visit the PRESS ROOM at www.rfc.org.
For more information on local events:
Betty Ball
Nonviolence Education Coordinator
Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center
(303) 444-6981
rmpjc@earthlink.net
