Parán is a small Indigenous community in the hills of Huaura, in central Peru. They are peach farmers. Their orchards line the mountainside. The same mountain where a new Canadian mine, known as Invicta, was beginning to operate. They feared for their future and that the mine would contaminate their precious springs, their only source of fresh water for their town and their peach trees.

In 2018, they began an around-the-clock roadblock against a new mine. When they were attacked by armed thugs, they held a community meeting and the entire village—all adult men and women—agreed to participate in the protest against the mine.
 
They were finally successful.

This is episode 39 of Stories of Resistance—a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange's Human Rights in Action program. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.
If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. 

You can see exclusive pictures, drone footage, and pictures of the Parán community in Michael Fox’s Patreon account: patreon.com/mfox. There you can also follow his reporting and support his work.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Resources: You can find out more about Lupaka Gold’s case against Peru through the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement over the Invicta Mine here: https://gtwaction.org/egregious-isds-cases/#lupakagoldvperu

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For nearly 20 years, the women of Calama traveled into the desert each day to search for their loved ones — their husbands and partners who were ripped from them, detained, tortured, executed, and disappeared in the weeks following Chile’s US-backed 1973 coup d’état.

Monday through Sunday, sun-up to sundown, they scoured the harsh desert earth with strainers and rakes, searching and hoping.

And finally, in 1990, on the edge of a hillside overlooking the expansive Atacama desert, the women found fragments of bones and pieces of teeth. This was the location their loved ones had laid buried for 17 years. 

This is the May Week of the Disappeared — a week to remember and honor those who have been forcibly disappeared and the fight for truth and justice for their families.

This is episode 38 of Stories of Resistance—a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange's Human Rights in Action program. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.
If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review.

You can also follow Michael Fox’s reporting and support his work and this podcast at www.patreon.com/mfox.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Resources:
Filmmaker Patricio Guzman’s masterpiece of a documentary, Nostalgia for the Light:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1556190/
Spanish singer, Victory Manuel wrote a song for the Women of Calama:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pkzzsK-uuA
Mujer de Calama Afeddep Calama Dictadura Chile:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6hG5m3BYhw
Acto de conmemoración de Afeddep a 45 años del paso de la Caravana de la Muerte por Calama:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__pUZR-68OE
Memorial for the Disappeared Detainees of Calama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2D6-es9Nnw

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On May 22. 2006, teachers struck across the Mexican state of Oaxaca against dismal resources for schools, kids, and themselves. They were met with widespread repression. It would kick off months of protests that would unexpectedly turn Oaxaca into ground zero for one of the most radical movements Mexico has seen in the 21st century.

They started holding people’s assemblies. They set up barricades across the city. Teachers, housewives, Indigenous organizers, health workers, and students took over 14 different radio stations to defend their struggle.

This is episode 37 of Stories of Resistance—a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange's Human Rights in Action program. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.

If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. 
You can also follow Michael Fox’s reporting and support his work and this podcast at www.patreon.com/mfox.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Resources:
Oaxacan teachers strike against Governor, 2006:
https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/oaxacan-teachers-strike-against-governor-2006
The Long Struggle of Mexican Teachers: https://jacobin.com/2016/08/mexico-teacher-union-strikes-oaxaca/
Documentary: Un Poquito de Tanta Verdad (Many of the clips in this episode came from this documentary): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37dWP-dBPL4

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José “Pepe” Mujica was a former political prisoner who suffered more than a decade of prison and torture under Uruguay’s military dictatorship. He rose to become the country’s president from 2010 through 2015.

They called him the world’s humblest president. He was often seen driving himself in his 1987 baby blue VW bug. He lived on a farm. His clothes were simple. So were his words and his actions. Yet he created tremendous change and left an indelible mark on the tiny country of Uruguay and the entire region of Latin America.

This is episode 36 of Stories of Resistance—a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange's Human Rights in Action program. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times

If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. 
You can also follow Michael Fox’s reporting and support his work and this podcast at patreon.com/mfox.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Resources: Below are some excellent videos in Spanish.
Las frases más memorables de Mujica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIEphwjxKwo
PEPE MUJICA se despide por sorpresa: "Hasta siempre, les doy mi corazón": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu2Erk16boU
Here is a video of people staying goodbye to Mujica on the streets of Uruguay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWK4INMcnqw

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Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925, exactly 100 hundred years ago. He would grow to become one of the greatest Black leaders in US history. Revolutionary Muslim minister. Black civil rights leader. Human rights activist. Black nationalist.

He stood up to racist violence, white supremacy, and police brutality throughout his life. Malcolm X’s speeches and his words continue to inspire, even 60 years after his assassination. 

This is episode 35 of Stories of Resistance—a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange's Human Rights in Action program. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.

If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. 

You can also follow Michael Fox’s reporting and support his work and this podcast at www.patreon.com/mfox.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Resources

• Malcolm X’s Fiery Speech Addressing Police Brutality
• Malcolm X Message To The Grassroots | House Negro/Field Negro
• Malcolm X Speech "Democracy is Hypocrisy"
• Malcolm X Fiery Speeches - Inspiring Words of a Revolutionary
• "By Any Means Necessary": Watch Malcolm X’s Speech on Racism & Self-Defense at Audubon Ballroom
• Malcolm X - Interview At Berkeley (1963)
• Malcolm X on Front Page Challenge, 1965: CBC Archives | CBC

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Augusto Sandino. The man who would lead the six-year rebellion against the US occupation of Nicaragua. The man who would become a legend across the country and also far from the shores of Central America.

The United States called him a bandit. Much of Latin America called him a hero. Augusto Sandino was one of the world’s first anti-imperialist heroes of the 20th century. His story and his resistance against the US occupation of Nicaragua is still the stuff of legends.

This is episode 34 of Stories of Resistance—a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange's Human Rights in Action program. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.
If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review.

You can check out exclusive pictures from Sandino’s hometown, Niquinohomo, Nicaragua, at Michael Fox's Patreon. There you can also follow his reporting and support at www.patreon.com/mfox.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Resources:
Below are links to Michael’s episodes on Nicaragua from his podcast Under the Shadow.

THE GRINGO WHO TRIED TO RULE CENTRAL AMERICA | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 8: https://therealnews.com/nicaragua-william-walker-under-the-shadow-episode-8

NICARAGUA. SANDINO | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 9: https://therealnews.com/nicaragua-sandino-under-the-shadow-episode-9

NICARAGUA, 1980S. REVOLUTION | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 10, PART 1: https://therealnews.com/nicaragua-1980s-revolution-under-the-shadow-episode-10-part-1

NICARAGUA, 1980S. CONTRA WAR | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 10, PART 2: https://therealnews.com/nicaragua-reagan-iran-contra-sandinista-revolution

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In times of repression and state violence, there is only one way to continue: Together. In 1973 Chile, people did what they could to survive and help others being hunted down by the regime.

This is episode 33 of Stories of Resistance — a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange's Human Rights in Action program. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.

If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. You can also follow Michael’s reporting and support at www.patreon.com/mfox.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Subscribe to Stories of Resistance podcast here

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In the early 1980s, one church in Tucson, Arizona, began to open its arms to the waves of migrants and refugees who were fleeing US-backed wars in Central America. They would take in migrants and refugees. They would shelter them against government agents and border patrol.

A new underground railroad for Central Americans fleeing US-backed violence abroad.

It quickly became a national movement. Within three years, 500 churches, synagogues, and university campuses had joined and were actively protecting Central American migrants. Good Samaritans standing for their Central American brothers and sisters.

As President Donald Trump continues to attack immigrants across the United States, the history of the Sanctuary Movement is more important than ever now. 

This is episode 32 of Stories of Resistance — a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange's Human Rights in Action program. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.
If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. You can also follow Michael’s reporting and support at www.patreon.com/mfox.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Resources:
Below are several short videos about the Sanctuary Movement.

This link includes an excellent talk from Presbyterian minister John Fife, which we used part of for the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwHOACm3Yaw

Sanctuary Movement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUzhG8kp8E8

1980's Sanctuary Movement was about Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NM8NsDpDGE

The Sanctuary Movement (Part 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZwfdVbhsYM

Sanctuary Movement / Central Americans Refugees 1981: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0N_shkAOcc

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After the Civil War, three women in different times and places celebrated the idea of a Mother’s Day for peace. For unity and solidarity. But when Mother’s Day finally did come, it was co-opted by businesses looking to profit off of it. The founder of the day railed against it. She filed lawsuits. She protested. She was arrested and she even organized a petition to stop it.

But it’s never too late to honor the true meaning of Mother’s Day.

This is episode 31 of Stories of Resistance — a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange's Human Rights in Action program. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.
If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. You can also follow Michael’s reporting and support at www.patreon.com/mfox.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Resources:
The Radical History of Mother’s Day: https://www.codepink.org/the_radical_history_of_mother_s_day
“Why Was Mother’s Day Created and Why Did Its Founder Protest Against It?”: https://medium.com/@rgdaksh03122005/why-was-mothers-day-created-and-why-did-its-founder-protest-against-it-81807571a7ee
She invented Mother’s Day — then waged a lifelong campaign against it: https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2024/05/11/anna-jarvis-mothers-day-founder/

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Roque Dalton is considered one of El Salvador’s greatest writers of the 20th century.

His poems are pure art, mixing politics with poetry, blending verse and prose. Humor and reality. History and current events. Beautiful lines, alongside anger at the suffering plight of humanity. And above all that of the downtrodden and poor of El Salvador.

But Roque Dalton did not just write words. He lived them. He attended the world youth festival in Russia. He traveled, met and spoke out against injustices He was imprisoned. Escaped. He lived in Czechoslovakia. Exiled in Mexico. Exiled in Cuba. And trained to fight, there.

Roque Dalton was born on May 14, 1935.

He was killed and and his body disappeared on May 10, 1975, just four days before his 40th birthday. 
His family members have continued to demand justice and the truth about their father's death.

His words live on.

This is episode 30 of Stories of Resistance — a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange's Human Rights in Action program. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.
If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. You can also follow Michael’s reporting and support at www.patreon.com/mfox.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Resources:
HABLA ROQUE DALTON SOBRE SU OBRA POÉTICA, UNA JOYA DE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Br5eflqfqE
Roque Dalton - dolores de cabezas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER8Mcj9HsDk
Alta hora de la noche (Roque Dalton) Recitado por Cortázar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TNlMrQc4Dw
Other Roque Dalton poems, read by Julio Cortazar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKEEkOwPHB4

Under the Shadow Episodes:
EL SALVADOR’S CIVIL WAR | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 4: https://therealnews.com/el-salvadors-civil-war-under-the-shadow-episode-4
‘RADIO VENCEREMOS’ AND EL SALVADOR’S CIVIL WAR | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 5: https://therealnews.com/radio-venceremos-and-el-salvadors-civil-war-under-the-shadow-episode-5

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