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Exploring the Appalachian-Colombia,South America Coalfield Connection
The University of Kentucky International Studies Program, Department of Anthropology,
Appalachian Studies Program, and Latin American Studies Program proudly co-sponsor
"Exploring the Appalachian-Colombia (South America) Coalfield Connection: Linking Labor and Environmental Struggles across Borders" on Friday, November 14 at noon in room 230 of the Student Center.
On November 14, two union coal miners from Colombia, Estivenson Avila and Jesus Brochero, will visit UK. During this program, they share their thoughts about labor and environmental conditions in two Colombian coal mines. Steven Striffler, Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of New Orleans,will serve as their translator. Sara Pennington, of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, will precede the presentation with a slide show that draws connections between
Appalachian coal mining conditions and those in Colombia.
Estivenson Avila is President of the Sintramienergetica Coal Miners’ Union, which unites workers from the Drummond-owned and operated mine of La Loma, Colombia. Jesús Brochero is a top leader of Sintracarbón, the National Union of Coal Industry Workers, which represents employees of the multinational-owned Cerrejón Mine, Colombia. Sara Pennington is a member of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth (KFTC). Active in KFTC's Canary Leadership Network, she recently returned from visits to he coalfields of Colombia, where she spoke with unionists and community members affected by conditions in the world’s largest open pit coal mines there.
All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.