Portside

'Commemoration of the life and contributions of Hugo Chavez Frías should not be about hero worship or uncritical praise of his unfinished Bolivarian project. There is no question that he set forth a singular profile, but we should not lose sight of the fact that he was a committed social individual, ultimately one among the many Venezuelans and people around the world dedicated to justice, equality, self-determination and sovereignty. Although he was vigorous, at times assertive, in arguing his principles, forthright in challenging his critics and passionate in his polices and collaborations with the poor and marginalized, he did indeed work successfully with people and national leaders often of radically different outlooks and stations in life in Venezuela and the United States and around the world.

'We will forever remember Chavez as we do King and Mandela in their bold convictions about justice, in their deep courage against great destructive powers and in their human foibles that nevertheless led social movements and governance policies that inspired and improved the lives of their societies and the world. And we ask you to do so also, but to do so by critically taking up solidarity with the Venezuelan and Latin American and Caribbean peoples and their governments that in memory of Hugo Chávez Frías are still inspired by his leadership and sincerely strive to improve their democracy, their self-determination and sovereignty, and their material and spiritual well-being.'

Danny Glover and James Counts Early

Activist and actor Danny Glover is
board member of the  TransAfrica Forum.
James Counts Early is a member of the
political committee of the Regional
Articulation of Afro-Descendants in
Latin America and the Caribbean, and
a board member of the Institute for
Policy Studies.