The Cervantes Fraternal Society (CFS), founded in 1931 as part of the International Worker’s Order (IWO), represents an attempt to curb inequalities and discrimination faced by the Latino/Hispanic American communities, both in America and throughout the world.
The injustices have existed due to problematic economic barriers, the racial stereotypes promoted by the entertainment and mass media, and the general alienation presented by society. The CFS is committed to anti-imperialist and anti-fascist struggles both here and abroad. The US government and corporate powers have also imposed their neoliberal imperialist policies on Latin America. Historically, these policies have taken the form of economic blockades and sanctions, regime change, and even fascist death squads trained in the United States through the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (formerly the School of the Americas). Destabilization of Latin American countries has led to massive migration to the United States. This has made it increasingly difficult for refugees to gain proper acceptance.
The CFS is committed to combating systemic issues which interfere with the pursuit of equality for people of Latino descendants. Through this work, CFS aims to build an economically just and peaceful society in all of the Americas. The CFS continues the traditions of Latin American cultural and progressive elements in our history. The CFS calls for unity with other socially advanced Spanish-speaking organizations and other ethnic groups within the USA.
“These countries are not underdeveloped, they are over-exploited.” – Michael Parenti