Trust the Circle: The Resistance and Resilience of Rubén Castilla Herrera
This biography chronicles the life and legacy of Rubén Castilla Herrera, a grassroots organizer whose sudden death in 2019 left a profound impact on Ohio's social justice community. Through oral histories and community voices, author Paloma Martinez-Cruz documents Herrera's decades of activism on behalf of immigrants, refugees, farmworkers, and marginalized communities.
From Farmworker to Organizer
Herrera's activism began in his childhood in Texas and Oregon, where he and his siblings were forced into agricultural labor following their mother's early death. These formative experiences introduced him to the Chicano activism of César Chávez and Dr. José Ángel Gutiérrez, shaping his lifelong commitment to labor rights and social justice.
Circle-Based Leadership Approach
After relocating to Columbus, Ohio, Herrera developed his distinctive circle-based leadership methodology, an inclusive and intersectional approach to community organizing. This framework emphasized collective decision-making and horizontal power structures, proving effective across diverse campaigns for immigrant rights, worker protections, and sanctuary provisions.
Queer Latinx Identity and Activism
The biography explores Herrera's coming-out as a queer Latinx man in middle age, examining how his intersectional identity informed his organizing philosophy. His work bridged LGBTQ+ advocacy with immigrant rights, demonstrating the interconnected nature of social justice movements.
Sanctuary Work and Trump-Era Resistance
During the Trump administration, Herrera intensified his efforts to provide sanctuary for undocumented migrants, working tirelessly until his death. The book documents these campaigns through the voices of community members, organizers, and those who benefited from his advocacy.
A Blueprint for Grassroots Organizing
Trust the Circle functions both as a biography of one organizer's profound impact and as a practical guide to intersectional, inclusive organizing applicable to any community facing injustice. Published by Belt Publishing in paperback, this work preserves Herrera's legacy while offering tools for future activists.
