November 19, 1999

Ilzamar Mendes lectures at Loyola

Ilzamar, widow of late environmentalist Chico Mendes, gives first lecture in the United States; special guest of weeklong celebration

Ilzamar Gadelha Mendes, widow of Francisco "Chico" Alves Mendes, will lecture at Loyola Tuesday, December 7, 1999, in Nunemaker Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Mendes will discuss "The Legacy of Chico Mendes."

Chico was a land conservationist and a rubber tapper in the Amazon forest. He was assassinated in 1988 for his work in defense of the rain forest and his people's ecologically sustainable way of life. Not long after the killing, which took place in front of Ilzamar and her two children, Ilzamar became president of the Chico Mendes Foundation. She has carried on her husband's work and is known globally for her work on behalf of ecological sustainability and social justice. Although the Mendes' story often has been told in films, magazine articles, and books, Ilzamar has never been interviewed. This is not only her first trip to America, but it is her first opportunity to discuss her husband's life and work in her own words.

In addition to Ilzamar's lecture, there are weeklong activities planned in recognition of her visit. Scheduled events include:

Friday, December 3
Voice of the Amazon, a documentary on the life and work of Chico Mendes, leader of the Brazilian rubber tappers. Bobet Hall, Room 332, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 4
Art exhibit opening: Jacqueline Bishop, author of Em Memória Chico Mendes, will show an installation of "Terra" and new paintings from the Orchid Series. Arthur Roger Gallery, 432 Julia Street, 6 ­ 8 p.m.

Monday, December 6
Presentation by Jake Kreilick of the National Forest Protection Alliance. He will speak on the preservation of national forests and show a short video on ending logging of national forests. Octavia I, 12:30 p.m.

Monday, December 6
Lecture by Professor Antonio Torres Montenegro titled "Where the World is the Land and the Land is the Village: The Struggle of the Pernambuco Indians for Their Culture and for Their Home." Montenegro, of the University of Pernambuco in Brazil, has worked with the indigenous peoples of the region. Audubon Room, 7:30 p.m.