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Jose Alvarez Speaks to Celebrate International Peace Day

In celebration of United Nations Peace Day, the ������ý Peace, Justice and Human Rights Initiative in partnership with the Boca Raton Museum of Art hosted a talk by nationally known artist Jose Alvarez.

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In celebration of United Nations Peace Day, the ������ý Peace, Justice and Human Rights Initiative in partnership with the Boca Raton Museum of Art hosted a talk by nationally known artist Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A.).

Alvarez fled Venezuela in 1987 to escape persecution in his neighborhood against gay individuals. In 2011, police arrested Alvarez and charged him with identity theft and falsifying a passport. Alvarez was detained in Krome Detention Center in Miami for identity theft for two months in 2012. During this time he created a series of portraits of his fellow detainees using ballpoint pens and whatever paper he could find. Throughout his talk, he recounted all of the different stories of his fellow detainees.

“The Peace, Justice and Human Rights Initiative is committed to addressing issues of local concern and global significance. Jose Alvarez (��.��.��.��.)��discussed the perceptions and reality of immigration, an issue that impacts South Florida and is a fundamental human rights issue,” said Steven Roper, Ph.D., executive director of the Peace, Justice and Human Rights Initiative. “Alvarez contextualizes immigration and gives voice to the voiceless. It is a moving documentary of the plight of people, and the hardships they face.”

A special exhibition of Alvarez’s portraits from the Krome Detention Center will be showcased in the Boca Raton Museum of Art through Jan. 1, 2017.

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