PEOPLE WITH A
PASSION FOR PEACE
Since 1995, the all-volunteer and interfaith peaceCENTER continues to be a significant community catalyst for peace in San Antonio, Texas. Compassion and Justice are our strong guiding lights. Contemplative Practices, Experiential Education, and Nonviolent Actions are our working expressions throughout the community at large.
285 Oblate Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78216
The peaceCENTER is a 501(c)((3)) non-profit
Monday’s Monument: Tortura Nunca Mais, Recife, Brazil
The Monument No More Torture is in Padre Henrique plaza in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. It was designed by the architect Demetrio Albuquerque in response to a city request for proposals. It was the first monument built in honor of the dead and disappeared during the military dictatorship (1964-1985.) The city envisaged construction of a monument to represent torture conditions and the disrespect to human dignity to which the population had been subjected. It was dedicated in 1993. The torture device is a Pau de Arara, a Portuguese term meaning “macaw’s perch,” originating from the practice of tying birds to a pole for sale. The torture technique consists of a tube, bar or pole placed over the victim’s biceps and behind the knees while tying both the victim’s both ankles and wrists together. The entire assembly is suspended between two metal platforms forming what looks like a bird’s perch. This technique is believed to originate from Portuguese slave traders.
