Quixote Center

The Quixote Center is a social justice group in Maryland founded by Catholic priest William R. Callahan and Dolores "Dolly" Pomerleau[1] in 1976.[2]

History

The Quixote Center achieved prominence in its support of the ideals of the Sandinista government of Nicaragua in the 1980s. The Center raised more than $100 million in humanitarian aid for the Nicaraguan people.[3] Although the Center did not officially take sides during the revolution in Nicaragua, its work was described by The New York Times as "intensely political" and the aid it sent went largely to assist victims of the Contra War. A leader at the Center described U.S. efforts in Nicaragua as a "policy of terrorism." Some critics accused the Center of following a Marxist agenda and the United States Department of the Treasury investigated allegations that Quixote Center had smuggled guns, but no charges were brought and leaders of the Center described the allegations as politically motivated.[4]

The Center has actively opposed the death penalty.[5]

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio worked for the Center in 1988.[6]

Support for the Equal Rights Amendment

In the 1970s and early 1980s, many activists affiliated with the Quixote Center supported the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment including Sister Maureen Fiedler.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Dolly Pomerleau". Quixote Center. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  2. ^ "QUIXOTE CENTER RECORDS, 1972-2012 ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY/SCOPE AND CONTENT // Archives // Raynor Memorial Libraries // Marquette University". www.marquette.edu. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  3. ^ "Rev. William R. Callahan Dies at 78; Dissident Who Challenged Vatican," Douglas Martin, New York Times, July 10, 2010, [1]
  4. ^ "A Mayoral Hopeful Now, de Blasio Was Once a Young Leftist," Javier Hernandez, New York Times, [2]
  5. ^ "Ideas & Trends; Death and the White House," Jim Yardley, New York Times, Dec. 17, 2000 [3]
  6. ^ "A Mayoral Hopeful Now, de Blasio Was Once a Young Leftist," Javier Hernandez, New York Times, [4]
  7. ^ "QUIXOTE CENTER RECORDS PROGRAMS, 1975-2010 Scope and Content Note // Archives // Raynor Memorial Libraries // Marquette University". www.marquette.edu. Retrieved 2022-12-21.