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Tireless activist, author and champion for human rights, Blase Bonpane turns 80 this week! His friends and allies have a birthday celebration planned over the weekend to reflect on his life and political legacy. Blase Bonpane has worked for nearly 50 years as an advocate for peace in the realm of US foreign and domestic policy. He is credited for his efforts as a Maryknoll priest on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised in Latin America and for initiating a historic dialogue between Christianity and Marxism that led to the inception of liberation theology. His activism followed him back to the States where he was a strong presence in the famous 1969 “Catonsville 9” trial in which 2 priests and 7 other church officials publicly burned Vietnam War draft papers. Blase has said of current anti-war activism with respect to Iraq; “We must continue to call for brave and outlandish resistance … Our efforts for peace are still not proportional to the immorality of this war.” Blase also strived for social change by running for office as a Green Party candidate for the House of Representatives in 1992. He is also the President of the Office of the Americas, a non-profit organization founded by his life-long partner Teresa Bonpane, which is dedicated to furthering the cause of international justice and peace through education. And of course, Pacifica listeners are inspired by him each Sunday morning during his weekly show, “World Focus”. I spoke recently with Blase Bonpane to reflect on his life.

GUEST: Blase Bonpane, President of the Office of the Americas, host of World Focus

Blase Bonpane’s 80th Birthday celebration is happening this Saturday April 18th at 7 pm at the Santa Monica Unitarian Church, 1260 18th St. in Santa Monica. There will be music, dancing, OOA Songsters, Blase Martin Jr., Peter Dudar, Dennis Davis, and others. Desserts and beverages will be served.

Call the Office of the Americas at 323-852-9808 for more information if you’re interested in attending. Or visit officeoftheamericas.org.