On October 9th 1967, Che Guevara was executed after being captured while fighting in Bolivia. His death resonated across the world. Today, Che continues to educate and inspire poor and working people in the fight for a better world. Across the globe people continue to gather in October to commemorate Che and other heroic combatants who have given their lives in the struggle for social justice. On October 10th, Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC) organized a commemorative evening for the 41st anniversary of the Che’s death. With 60 people in attendance, the event featured film, poetry, music, and presentations on the relevance of Che’s ideas in the 21st Century. The evening opened with the film, “Tatu – Che in the Congo” – which details Che and other Cuban fighters 1965 mission to assist a Congolese fight against their corrupt, U.S supported government of Mobutu Sese Seko. Joaquin Ernesto then played soulful songs from the struggles of Latin America for dignity and justice. Following Joaquin, Free the Cuban 5 Committee- Vancouver (FC5C-V) organizer Sarah Alwell reminded everyone that the 5 Cuban heroes held in U.S. jails are fighting for justice and dignity for the people of Cuba just as Che did. Solidarity Coalition for a United Latin America (SCULA) organizer Rosa Quiero gave a fiery talk calling on the spirit of Che’s commitment to unity in the fight against imperialism. She was followed by FC5C-Vancouver coordinator Noah Fine, who read excerpts from Che’s historic writings, “Socialism and Man in Cuba”. There was a loud applause when Noah concluded with Che’s famous words, “At the risk of sounding ridiculous, let me say that the true revolutionary is guided by feelings of love.” Thomas Davies, an organizer with Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba and a member of the Fire This Time newspaper editorial board, summarized how Che’s commitment to humanity and action is relevant to the 21st Century today, in Cuba, in Latin America and the world. He brought this back to Canada, encouraging the audience to apply Che’s ideas and example to their daily lives and struggles. The night was brought to a special ending by the passionate poetry of Delia Ochoa. She was followed by the Cuban inspired melodies of the host of Co-Op Radio’s “El Bus de la Siete,” Ramon Flores. As Ramon’s music had everyone clapping and singing, while reflecting on Che’s legacy today. The evening was also an emergency fundraiser for Hurricane relief and reconstruction in Cuba after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. All funds raised from the delicious dinner and hotly contested raffle were donated to the Hurricane Relief effort organized by the Canadian Network on Cuba.	VCSC Report Back Commemoration of the 41st Anniversary of the Assassination of Ernesto Che Guevara Click on photos to enlarge