
This November 8 will mark the third anniversary of the death of Marcelo Lucero, who was attacked and killed in 2008 by a group of Suffolk teens who repeatedly targeted Latinos for assault.
A number of events commemorating the tragedy are being planned.
The Lucero family is holding a vigil in his memory on Sunday, November 6, at 2:30pm at St. Frances DeSales Parish Hall in Patchogue (220 South Ocean Avenue). All are invited to stand with Marcelo’s family that day. For more information, contact Joselo Lucero at joselolucero@yahoo.com or 631-745-0581.
In addition, in the week leading up to the anniversary, the Long Island Immigrant Alliance is organizing a series of events geared toward welcoming immigrants in our communities. More details about “Understanding, Accepting & Respecting our Cultural Differences Week” will be available soon.
The Alliance also wants to encourage faith communities to include Marcelo and other hate crime victims in their prayers during the commemoration week and to plan activities that encourage respect for immigrants. If your house of worship or religious group is planning an activity, please forward me the information at pycarecen@gmail.com.