Dallas to welcome UN Caravan for Justice

by Beth Freed of Dallas Dreamer

A caravan of peace and justice activists are traveling from LA to NYC, sponsored by Pars TV. There, they will protest the presence of Ahmadinejad, Iran's latest president after a round of corrupt elections.

Local democracy solidarity activists will welcome the caravan at Dealey Plaza on Friday, September 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. A candlelight vigil and various speakers will mark the occasion.

Shawn Amoei is a 21-year-old student at the University of Texas at Arlington. His interest in community organizing began in high school when he was elected class president and started work with different advocacy groups. He currently writes a bi-weekly column analyzing the political issues of the day in Shahrvand magazine, the largest Persian language in North America.

"We are at an important cross-roads in the history of Iran and the United States, and as Iranian-Americans, we can play a unique critical role in serving as a bridge for understanding between these two nations," Amoei said.

Local organizer Arash Manzori was born in Iran but came to the United States at a very young age. He currently holds a private practice as a cardiologist and teaches medicine at UNT-Health Science Center in Fort Worth.

"We want the Iranian people to know that the American people are on their side in their quest for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, so they can keep the momentum of their struggles," said Manzori.

Local efforts are organized by the American Iranian National Affairs Council (AINAC). Centered on Facebook, the group provides a way for concerned North Texans to unite for democracy in Iran.

"The Iranian-American community in North Texas is a new, large, highly skilled, and highly dynamic community with great potential that has thus far lacked organization," said Amoei. "We aim to bring this key element and ensure that the voices of our community is heard."

Several AINAC members, including Manzori, will accompany the caravan to the UN headquarters in New York City.

Said Amoei of the group's goals: "We seek to show Americans of all backgrounds that Iranians are not the same as their government, that the fate of our two peoples are intertwined, and through joint efforts to promote greater freedom and democracy in Iran, a bright future of cooperation is awaiting our two nations."