In the aftermath of a hate crime, how do teachers open a conversation with their students about hate and intolerance? After seven high school students assaulted and killed Ecuadorean immigrant Marcelo Lucero in Patchogue, NY, local educators were shocked that this could happen in their town. At South Ocean Middle School, Principal Linda Pickford wanted to create a safe environment where her students could express their feelings about the tragedy, and share their ideas about diversity, immigration, inclusion and respect.
When Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri suggested that Principal Pickford host an art exhibit called “Embracing Our Differences,” she agreed that art was a great medium to explore these important issues, and she mounted the collection of banners on the front lawn of her school.
On the one-year anniversary of Marcelo Lucero's death, his brother Joselo visited South Ocean Middle School and spoke to the students about his experiences and his hopes for the future. At that time, Not In Our Town filmed the exhibit for Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness our upcoming documentary film about the community response to this tragic hate crime.
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Light In The Darkness videos
Joselo talks about what it means to remember his brother and go to the trial everyday.
Since the killing of his brother, Marcelo, in November of 2008, Joselo Lucero has worked to share his brothers story and raise awareness about anti-immigrant violence. Now one of the seven teens charged in the killing is standing trial, and Joselo will be attending court every day until a verdict is reached.
Send a message of support to Joselo and his family in the comments section below.
Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness features preview scenes from an upcoming PBS special about how a community responds to the hate crime murder of an Ecuadorean immigrant by seven local high school students. (3 min 48 sec)
Since the killing of his brother, Marcelo, in November of 2008, Joselo Lucero has worked tirelessly to share his brother's story and raise awareness about anti-immigrant violence. Now one of the seven teens charged in the killing is standing trial, and Joselo will be attending court every day until a verdict is reached.
Send a message of support to Joselo and his family in the comments section below.
After the killing of Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero, concerned community members of Patchogue, NY, formed the Unity Coalition, and hosted an evening of performances dedicated to unity and inclusiveness. Local high school students performed alongside a leading cast member of the Broadway production "In the Heights." (3:32)