For the past few years, the English-speaking region of Cameroon has experienced violent conflict with the French-speaking government military. Both sides of this fight have committed many human rights abuses and put innocent people in the cross-hairs. It is in this environment that a small convenience store owner named Kwamba* was raising his children. As a child himself, Kwamba had [...]
Growing up in Brazil, Paulo* was taught conservative Christian values by his family. From a young age, they instilled in him that being gay was wrong. But despite these beliefs, he could not deny his feelings towards boys throughout childhood. This conflict within was very difficult for Paulo’s mental and emotional health. The trauma was increased when, at a very [...]
Growing up in a small Guatemalan town with his parents and two younger siblings, Gabriel* had a quiet, simple childhood. But everything changed when his father passed away from cancer. Gabriel’s mother had a serious heart condition and could not take care of him on her own. Though she tried her best to support her family, Gabriel eventually had to [...]
Patrick* grew up in a small village on the outskirts of a city in Cameroon. He was introduced to political advocacy at a young age through his father’s involvement in the Anglophones’ (English-speaking individuals) peaceful separatist movement. While he gained an understanding of his part in this movement, he was also able to follow his passion and earn a certificate in theatre, specializing in youth development. Through [...]
At the young age of fifteen, Josefina* left the Mexican countryside to live with her older brother in the United States. She had built a life for herself in San Diego by the time a man named Eric* entered her world. A mutual friend set Josefina and Eric up. They began messaging each other through social media, and started seeing [...]
Yoselin* grew up in Guatemala enduring abuse and neglect from her grandparents. At just 13, she was subject to enslavement and violence by her boyfriend and his family. After fleeing to the U.S., she was able to gain legal status through Casa Cornelia's Children's Program and now lives a life full of joy and possibilities with her uncle and cousins. Yoselin* [...]
Each year, Casa Cornelia Law Center honors persons and organizations that have made an outstanding contribution in meeting the needs of victims of human and civil rights violations by bestowing the La Mancha Awards. Casa Cornelia is proud to announce that this year, Judge Dana Sabraw has been selected by our Board of Trustees as the 2019 recipient of the [...]
Fernando* comes from the conflict-ridden country of Venezuela. Growing up, he endured violence and persecution based on his sexuality, political views, and nationality. After attempting to find safety in several other countries, he finally made his way to the U.S., where he could finally be free from the violence that followed him everywhere he went. Fernando knew he was attracted to men from a [...]
