Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

Forty years ago, a group of local activists came together to advocate for social justice in Latin America.

ROCLA sought to be a bridge between Rochester and Latin America, supporting efforts such as School of the Americas Watch, the Mexico Solidarity Network and the Rochester Labor Film Festival. They have also supported Friendshipment trucks, which defied embargo rules to get supplies to people in Cuba.

On Thursday, the group celebrated decades of activism with a potluck dinner and event at Cobbs Hill Park.

“ROCLA has initiated countless interesting and important events over the past 40 years,” said member Arnold Martin.

The group holds its meetings at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St.