October 14, 2009 11:47 AM
One year after Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero was stabbed to death in Patchogue, his family will hold a vigil near the train station where he lost his life.
Seven teenagers were charged in the Lucero murder, which is being prosecuted as a hate crime. The suspects admitted that they routinely went "beaner jumping," a slang term that they used for assaulting Latinos.
According to a press release from the family (see below), they ask that those in attendance wear a white T-shirt to show solidarity for "peace, healing, and hope." The vigil will start at 6pm on Saturday, November 7, and be followed by a 7:30pm religious service at the Congregational Church of Patchogue on Main St.
During the vigil, the family will collect donations for the Marcelo Lucero Scholarship fund, which raises money for students at Patchogue-Medford High School. You can also contribute to the fund by mail, making your check payable to Marcelo Lucero Scholarship, and sending it directly to Patchogue-Medford High School (181 Buffalo Ave., Medford, New York 11763).
The Lucero family also asks that the vigil "not be used for any political agendas."
The press release:
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Vigil in Memory of Marcelo Lucero
Saturday November, 7th @ 6:00pm
RailRoad Ave. Patchogue, NY
Religious Service to follow at Congregational Church 7:30pm
My family’s wish is to create a new environment of peace and unity for our community. We would like to invite members of all communities to share in the vigil in memory of my dear brother, Marcelo Lucero, on Saturday November 7 at 6pm next to the train station where he lost his life. Following the vigil, we will walk to the Congregational Church of Patchogue located on Main Street for a religious ceremony scheduled for 7:30pm. We request from all who attend to wear a white t-shirt in solidarity to share in this day of peace, healing and hope. Our message is no more violence but peace, no more racism but instead brotherhood and no more abuse rather respect.
During the vigil, we will collect donations for the Marcelo Lucero Scholarship that I created last year for the students of Patchogue-Medford HS and monies will also be used to send a mural to Gualaceo, Ecuador, which was created by Pat-Med students as a symbol of peace. If your organization would like to send a contribution in advance please write checks to: Marcelo Lucero Scholarship and send it directly to the Patchogue-Medford HS, 181 Buffalo Avenue, Medford, New York 11763.
Please be advised that this event will not be used for any political agendas. We would like to thank you in advance for your support and for respecting our wishes.
En Solidarity,
Joselo Lucero and family