NEW VIDEO: "JOSELO'S JOURNEY, PART 1"
What if you had to listen to the details of your brother's murder, over and over again? That's what Joselo Lucero is going through, as he sits in the Long Island courtrooms where 19-year-old Jeffrey Conroy is now standing trial for the murder of Joselo's brother, Marcelo.
Marcelo Lucero, an immigrant from Ecuador, was attacked and stabbed to death in the small town of Patchogue, N.Y. in a hate crime assault in November 2008. Seven local teenagers were charged in the attack. Today one of the assailants, testifying against Conroy, the only teen charged with murder, said the seven teens often went "beaner hopping," which he described to the court as “it’s when you go out and look for Hispanics to beat up.” The community of Patchogue and Latino leaders are working to address the safety concerns of immigrants in the aftermath of the crime.
Joselo has been heartened by the many people who have showed up in the courtroom to support him and his family. Others who cannot attend have been sending messages of support. Few of these people know the Luceros, but they understand the family's pain. Please join them in sending your messages of support below.
One group of supporters are the students in Julie Mann's human rights class at Newcomers High School. Most of them immigrants themselves, they have been following the story of Marcelo's hate killing, and decided to send messages to Joselo to let him know he is not alone.
“Please open your mind, don’t let the hate and anger take your heart and blind your eyes. Good luck boy, maybe you can do something that can help all immigrant students that improve their social place. I hope you can see the light, and don’t forget, we, the whole immigrant student group will support you and can go with you."Conroy is the only assailant to be charged with murder in what has been a racially-charged case from the start. Four other defendants pleaded guilty to lesser charges and await sentencing; two other trials are pending.
Comments
Prayers
I have no idea what you are going through but I do know that ALL people deserve to live without fear. I am so sorry that your brother was so senselessly murdered by some who were "having fun." My prayer is that justice will be served and that you know you are surrounded by those who care and by a God who loves you and your brother -- who has been welcomed by God into God's loving arms. God bless!
Powerful messages from the students
Dear Jose Lucero and Family.
I'm so sorry for your loss
Dear Lucero Family,
I am so sorry that you lost your brother in such a sensless, hateful manner. Please know that my prayers are with you and that I will do what ever I can in my power to fight against this angry swell that is happening in our country.
I hope that you can someday find peace.
Susan
Hola Señor Lucero:Espero que
Hola Señor Lucero:
Espero que Dios le este dando fuerzas para soportar todo lo del jucio. No se de porvencido al final del tunel siempre hay algo mejor esperando. Tambien espero que Dios le de resignacion a usted y a su familia. Quiero que sepa que lo apoyamos.
Saludos,
Maria
Lots of prayers
Joselo,
I cannot begin to imagine the absolute heart wrenching pain that you must be feeling right now. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family during this time. I pray for justice. I know your brother is watching you now and is so proud, so thankful to you for standing up for him even now, even when it would be easier to hide away from things that are so ugly. I also pray for peace for you and your family. I pray that you will find grace and calm in your hearts, and know that there are many people among you who are sending you and yours LOVE and GRACE.
xoxo-Linds
Prayers and apologies
Joselo -
My prayers are with you and your family during this trial. May these teenagers get punished for this hate crime, and may their hearts open up to the love they should feel for their fellow man.
Also, my apologies for my fellow men. May others in this country learn the love of tolerance and acceptance for all people of every race and nationality. May citizens of this country realize that America was built on a blending of many different cultures from different countries, and that is what makes us so great. This country's greatest asset is its diversity, and we need to remember that.
Love from a dutch-french-german-irish-british-greek heritage American gal.
We Can Stop This From Happening Again
Dear Joselo Lucero and family,
I am so very sorry sorry to hear about your brother's murder and the pain that all of you must be feeling. I cannot imagine what you are all going through right now. As a mother of multi-racial children, it is this kind of thing that I worry about most. We must be constantly aware of our surroundings. We must have ZERO tolerance for any racial remarks or actions of any kind. In today's society, the racial climate seems to be getting worse and worse. It's 2010 and we're still subjected to the kind of racist violence and hate crimes that took place 50+ years ago. We can't bring back your brother, and for that I am truly sorry. What we can do is continue to be constant in denouncing racism in all of it's ugly forms- words, actions, laws, behavior, etc. We can stop this from happening again. We must stop this from happening again. Please know, Joselo, that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know also that some of us in the world are doing all we can to put an END to racism and make the world a better place.
Hope in this time of despair
Mis condolencias a usted Joselo y toda su familia por la perdida inecesaria de su querido hemano. Hojala pronto su familia y usted puedan encontrar descanso y paz en sus corazones. Mientras tanto siempre lleven en alto el amor y los bellos recuerdos de su hermano.
My condolences to you and your family for the unecessary loss of your beloved bother's life. I hope that you and your family soon can find peace and love in your hearts. For now, may that love for your brother stand high and keep his legacy alive.
Sinceramente,
Ignacio P
I'm sorry...
Dear Lucero family,
I remember when this happened, and I was horrified. I am so sorry for the pain you are going through at losing Marcelo. Stay strong and know that you are better people than those who did this horrendous act. I don't know what else to say. I wish I could take away your pain as well as all the hate in the world. God bless you all.
- Lisa
Dear Joselo,there are no
Dear Joselo,
there are no words that can express your loss and the sadness I feel as I think of it.
We all must stand up against the ignorance and hate that infected these young boys' minds, so that no more brothers, sons, fathers, daughters, loved ones - become its victims. Justice should be done, but it is not enough. We must speak out so that the country understands the deep shame on a community that is a hate crime commited from among us.
Julia
I'm so sorry.
Dear Joselo Lucero,
I will pray for peace for you and justice for your family. I wish I had enough control over the hate in the world that I could promise it would never happen to another victim, but I don't. The act I hope to be mine is stopping these events in my own community. Your brother's memory is helping me find that strength.
I hope you can regard the my future actions and those of others on this site as Marcelo's legacy, his way of continuing to live in this world--and know that the goodness he inspired means he had the finest of souls.
Bless you.
Nic
Encouragement
Know that more people than you can know are there with you in spirit, waiting for closure, and searching for ways to overcome hatred.
Reply to comment | Not in Our Town
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My heart aches about this
I am absolutely appalled at this, even though I'm on the opposite side of the country, am not an immigrant, and don't know you. This is not the America I have always believed in. I have always thought immigrants are a wonderful addition to our diverse nation. My heart goes out to you and your family in this time which is terrible for you.
Reply to comment | Not in Our Town
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On Hate
From W.H. Auden's "September 1, 1939":
"The windiest, militant trash
Important persons shout
Is not so crude as our wish
What mad Nijinsky wrote about Diaghilev
Is true for the normal heart
For the error, bred in the bone
Of each woman and each man
Craves what it cannot have:
Not universal love
But to be loved alone
All I have is a voice to undo the folded lie
The romantic lie in the brain
Of the sensual man in the street
Or the lie of Authority
Whose buildings grope the sky:
There is no such thing as the state
And no one exists alone
Hunger allows no choice
To the citizen or the police;
We must love one another or die.
Joselo Queremos decirle que
Joselo Queremos decirle que estamos con ustedes en su sufrimiento y dolor. Sigue pa lante, Todos estamos con ustedes. Dios le bendiga y les de fuerza pa seguir adelante y seguir no solo buscando justicia pero tambien pidiendo un ALTO a crimenes como este.
Un Abrazo,
Osman
Mucho Animo!
Les deseamos lo mejor a toda la familia Lucero y que algun dia superen esta trajedia. Mucha suerte y esperamos justicia legal!
Dear Joselo and
Dear Joselo and Family,
When I first learned of your brother's murder I couldn't believe it. I first found out what happened in one of my Spanish classes in college. I was very moved by it. Shortly after, there was a vigil held in your brother's memory which many people attended, including myself. I've been following the case ever since and I just want you to know that I'm with you and your family. I hope that the jury makes the right choice and comes up with a guilty verdict in all charges.
One thing I don't understand is why such events are happening in this country. This country is a country of immigrants from all over the world. The economy of this country depends on them.
Just to let you and your family know, I'm an immigrant myself, and I'm with you have my full support.
My heart goes out to you Mr.
My heart goes out to you Mr. Lucero. I just watched with horror the PBS documentary "Light In the Darkness". I must express to you my sincere condolences to you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Words are inadequate. You have responded to this profound trajedy with honorable courageous action. Thank you. You are an inspiration. It is my belief that anger and hatred will fade away as hope and love grow. I will not keep quiet. With much admiration, Kathleen Mi corazón sale a usted Sr. Lucero. Acabo de mirar con horror el " del documental de PBS; Luz en la Oscuridad". Debo expresarle mis condolencias sinceras usted y a su familia. Lo siento tan muy para su pérdida. Las palabras son inadecuadas. Usted ha respondido a este trajedy profundo con la acción valerosa honorable. Gracias. Usted es una inspiración. Es mi creencia que la cólera y el odio se descolorarán lejos como esperanza y el amor crece. No guardaré silenciosamente. Con mucha admiración, Catalina
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