cn 2014 calendar journal

Transcription

Original drawing for the Puerto Rican Family Monument, Hartford, CT. Jose Buscaglia Guillermety, pen and ink, 30 X 30, 1999.
La Diáspora Puertorriqueña: Un Legado de Compromiso
The Puerto Rican Diaspora: A Legacy of Commitment
Puerto Ric an Heritage Month
November 2014
C ALENDAR JOURNAL
ASPIRA of NY ■ Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños ■ El Museo del Barrio ■ El Puente
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, CUNY ■ Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly
La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña ■ La Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular, PR
LatinoJustice – PRLDEF ■ Música de Camara ■ National Institute for Latino Policy
National Conference of Puerto Rican Women – NACOPRW
National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights – Justice Committee
Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration
www.comitenoviembre.org
*with Colgate® Optic White® Toothpaste, Mouthwash, and Toothbrush + Whitening Pen, use as directed.
Use Mouthwash prior to Optic White® Whitening Pen. For best results, continue routine as directed.
COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE
Would Like To Extend Is Sincerest Gratitude To The Sponsors And Supporters Of
Puerto Rican Heritage Month 2014
City University of New York
Colgate-Palmolive Company
The Nieves Gunn Charitable Fund
Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center
John Calderon
United Federation of Teachers
Compañia de Turismo de Puerto Rico
Acacia Network
Carlos D. Nazario, Jr.
Dolores Batista
Hostos Community College, CUNY
Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly
Puerto Rico Convention Bureau
Embassy Suites Hotel & Casino, Isla Verde, PR
American Airlines
Rums of Puerto Rico
Hotel la Concha
Hotel Copamarina
Omni Hotels & Resorts
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
Shape Magazine
MEMBER AGENCIES
ASPIRA of New York
Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños
El Museo del Barrio
El Puente
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College/CUNY
La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc.
La Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular
LatinoJustice: PRLDEF
Música de Cámara
National Conference of Puerto Rican Women
National Institute for Latino Policy
Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (Advisory)
Comité Noviembre Managing Office
TAS Communications, LLC, 45 East Hartsdale Avenue, Suite 3L, Hartsdale, NY 10530
(914) 263-6599
Special thanks to:
José Acevedo, Elba Cabrera, Carmen Marilla Castro, Luis Cordero Santoni, Sulieka Cabrera Drinane,
Wallace Edgecombe, Alicia Rodríguez, Lisa M. Rodriguez, Teresa A. Santiago, Angel Santini, and Lili Santiago Silva
Contributing writers: Eva de la O, Clara Maria Galvano Rivera, Noemí Figueroa Soulet, and Teresa A. Santiago
© 2014 COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE
Artwork: Maestro José Buscaglia Guillermety
Cover design: José Garcia
Graphic design: Luis Cordero Santoni
Photography: Robert Figueroa, Ana Alicea, Carlos Fernandez
Editors: Teresa A. Santiago
Calendar: Lili Santiago-Silva
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28 Anniversary
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MESSAGE ON BEHALF OF COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE
In 2014, CN accomplished many goals, here are some highlights: established the First Annual Women’s History Month Celebration & Puerto Rican Women Legacy Award; marched in the National Puerto Rican Day Parade for the first time, co-sponsored El
Festival de la Palabra, conducted several fundraising theater events throughout the year to raise additional funds for the scholarship
and educational programs and partner with Puerto Rican/Latino actors and theaters. Partnered with American Airlines and Embassy
Suites Hotel and Casino to raffle off a roundtrip tickets plus hotel stay, the winner will be announced at the 9th Annual Artisan
Fair on November 22nd. A raffle was also conducted with tickets donated by the Spanish Broadcasting Systems to El Megaton de
Polito Vega in September the raffle garnered an additional $2000 for scholarships. CN began its second year of collaboration with
Agenda Ciudadana, a non-profit, non-partisan organization in Puerto Rico to continue an open dialogue on issues, solutions and
strategies for the Puerto Rican community both on the island and mainland. CN hosted the Banda Nacional de Puerto Rico led by
Maestro Angel “Cucco” Peña at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico a partnership with the Instituto de Cultura de Puerto Rico. Visited
a non-profit organization called El Meson del Amor that feeds college students from the University of PR that don’t have enough
money for meals committed to raise funds during the Day of Community Service and Social Responsibility for El Meson del Amor
in addition to the food drive and turkey distribution that feeds 300 families during the Thanksgiving holiday. CN is also partnering
with Catholic Charities’ Feeding Our Neighbors Campaign.
Our theme this year clearly reflects on our accomplishments and commitment to our mission, whether it’s raising money for educational opportunities and scholarships, collecting food for the hungry or co-sponsoring important cultural events, CN is motivating,
mobilizing and empowering our community to take action and affect change. The 2014 theme is: ‘‘La Diaspora Puertorriqueña
… un legado de compromise/The Puerto Rican Diaspora… A Legacy of Commitment’’ celebrates the commitment of the Puerto
Ricans that came before us and struggled against many obstacles to build organizations, empower our community and achieve
the necessary changes of their time so that today Puerto Ricans and other Latinos benefit from their commitment, dedication and
perseverance. CN humbly tries to honor these pioneers of the Diaspora everyday through the work that we do by preserving and
protecting their legacy of commitment.
I am honored that world renowned sculptor Maestro José Buscaglia Guillermety has allowed us to use his pen and ink study for his
monumental sculpture titled Monument to the Puerto Rican Family, which was inaugurated on September 23, 2009 to coincide with
the anniversary of the Grito de Lares, the sculpture stands in the Learning Corridor in Hartford, CT. He is a Fellow of the National
Sculptor Society and a founding member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences of Puerto Rico. His works can be seen throughout
Puerto Rico, Spain and the United States.
This journal also carries interesting, cultural and educational information that we hope will be of interest to you. We pride ourselves
in being able to discuss all aspects and issues of our community – with respect and objectivity. I am proud that we have a piece on
the 100th Anniversary of Julia de Burgos, by freelance writer and journalist Clara Maria Galvano Rivera, A year of Honors for the
Puerto Rican Soldier by Noemí Figueroa Soulet, Founder and President of El Pozo Productions and Producer of the award-winning
documentary film, “The Borinqueneers”, and an article on the groundbreaking scientific medical work being done at the University
of Puerto Rico to vcreate an HIV vaccine. Most importantly, we want to share with you the inspiring stories of our Lo Mejor de
Nuestra Comunidad award recipients. CN chose ten incredible people from nominations that were submitted by the community.
For the past twenty-eight years, CN has created and developed programs all geared to the support of educational opportunities and
leadership development for Puerto Rican and Hispanic youth with a cultural twist. These programs are firmly rooted in the belief
that, in order to succeed in life, you must pursue a higher education, give back to your community through volunteer efforts and
know your cultural roots. Our success story covers 230 scholars awarded since the CN Scholarship program was instituted in 1996,
and an additional 17 scholars awarded the Richie Pérez Scholarship for Peace and Justice, since its inception in 2006. This year
also marks the 10th anniversary of Richie Pérez’ passing, we are proud that we have been able to keep his legacy of activism and
social justice alive through the exceptional young men and women who receive the Richie Pérez Scholarship for Peace and Justice.
This year’s benefit event will take place on Friday, November 14 2014 at the NY Hilton in Manhattan and will honor: Jacqueline
J. Gonzalez, Executive Director, National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, New York, EMMYS, Sebastian VillariniVelez, member of New York City Ballet’s corps de ballet; Ana Celia Zentella, Professor Emerita, University of California San
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Photo: Ana Alicea
Comité Noviembre Board Members and 2013 Gala Honorees
Diego, (UCSD) Department of Ethnic Studies; John Calderon, President, Theracare; Johnny Lozada singer, host of Univision’s
Despierta América! and CN’s 2014 CN Spokesperson and Maestro José Buscaglia Guillermety. The proceeds of this annual event
supports all of our programs, and allows CN to provide free programming and information to the community year round as well as
scholarship dollars.
Many events have been planned throughout New York State as well as the tri-state area and Puerto Rico to celebrate our rich culture,
traditions and history. CN urges everyone to participate in these events, including our 9th Annual Artisans Fair and the Third Annual
Puerto Rican Authors Book Expo that will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2014, from 11AM – 7PM at Hostos Community
College in the Bronx. The day will include the annual performance of Danza Fiesta.
The 20th annual Day of Community Service and Social Responsibility has become a 2-day program with food distribution taking
place in specific locations on Saturday November 22nd and Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 11AM – 2PM in several locations
throughout the City. On this day CN along with young people from ASPIRA of New York, Inc., El Puente and Big Brothers Big
Sisters Latino Bigs will be distributing the non-perishable food they collected during several food drives that were conducted simultaneously throughout October, to create Thanksgiving baskets for the poor of New York.
As children of the Diaspora let us honor the commitment and dedication of those that came before us, who faced so many injustices
but struggled against many obstacles to build organizations and achieve the necessary changes of their time so that today Puerto
Ricans and other Latinos benefit from their struggle and commitment. Let us honor la familia puertorriaueña and the pioneros that
opened the doors for so many of us. We stand on their shoulders and we must never forget. We must preserve the history, victories,
accomplishments, and struggles of the Puerto Rican Diaspora and honor ese legado de compromiso.
For Comité Noviembre
Teresa A. Santiago, Chairperson
MEMBER AGENCIES
ASPIRA of New York
Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College/CUNY
El Museo del Barrio
El Puente
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College/CUNY
La Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular
LatinoJustice: PRLDEF
Música de Cámara
National Conference of Puerto Rican Woman – NY Chapter
National Institute for Latino Policy
Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (Advisory)
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SPOKESPERSON AND HONOREE
Johnny Lozada
Singer, actor, presenter, Johnny Lozada is without a doubt one of the most
charismatic personalities on Hispanic television. This witty and humble Puerto
Rican has been appealing his fans for over two decades throughout the Americas.
Currently, Mr. Lozada is the host of Univision’s popular morning show, “Despierta
America.” Before “Despierta America,” Johnny hosted “Sal y Pimienta,” “Quien
tiene la razon,” “Transformacion Total,” “Escandalo TV,” “Fear Factor VIP,” and
“Big Brother.” His popularity and his public affection have surprised Johnny
since he was a child. He grew up in Puerto Rico as part of the group “Menudo”
from 1980 to 1984. He lived glorious moments with this group as they recorded
8 albums including “Quiero Ser,” Menudo’s most successful album. Johnny also
starred in the movie “Una Aventura llamada Menudo.” He was part of the historic
show in which Menudo: presented in the Azteca Stadium in Mexico, as well as
2 telenovelas that were filmed in Venezuela: “Quiero ser” and “Es por Amor.”
Johnny was recognized as the most romantic of the group and his hits with
“Menudo” included songs such as: “Clara” and “Señora Mía,” but he also gained
popularity playing roles such as “Mi banda toca Rock.” After he left the group,
Robby Draco replaced Johnny, but Johnny continued in the music business. He
recorded his first album named “Invitame,” was nominated for a Grammy and recognized for many other awards.
During this time, Johnny participated in a campaign to promote sexual abstinence among youth and recorded a duet
with Tatiana: “Cuando estemos juntos” and “Détente.” This created so much popularity for him in the United States
that he was interviewed for the show 20/20. Besides his career in music, Johnny began his work as an actor, landing
roles in telenovelas such as, “Escandalo” alongside Charytin (1986), “Alba Marina” (1988), “Señora Tentación” (1994),
“Cuando Calienta el Sol” (1995), “La señorita Ana” (1996), “Amigas y Rivales” (2001), “Complices al Rescate” (2002),
most of which were produced by Televisa, the biggest Hispanic production company in the world. As for theater, he
was worked on “Alzo Aire” (2004), “Quien mato a Hector Lavoe” (2007), “Descargados” (2007), and “Confesiones del
Pene” (2012).
At the same time as he was dedicated to acting, Johnny founded the group “Proyecto M.” Alongside Rene Farrait and
Ray Reyes, he recorded several albums and gained a lot of popularity in Venezuela and Puerto Rico. When the group
broke up, Johnny returned to telenovelas and a while later returned to music once again. This time forming the group
“Reencuentro” with Rene Farrait, Miguel Cancel, Ricky Melendez, and Charlie Masso. Together they have toured all of
Latin America, bringing back memories to former fans of “Menudo.” They also released the album “El Reencuentro”
which broke records and was nominated as the “Best Group Album” at the “Billboard” awards.
In 2010, Johnny joined the group of hosts on “Sal y Pimienta,” Univision’s Entertainment show. Two years later, he
was chosen to be one of the presenters for “Despierta America.” In 2010, Univision invited him to participate in “Mira
Quien Baila,” where he ended up winning the competition in first place. That same year, “TV y Novelas” awarded him
“Best Host.”
Johnny currently resides in Miami with his wife and children.
About the Artist
José Buscaglia
The field of monumental sculpture is barely part of the
current art vocabulary, making the art of José Buscaglia
all the more compelling. Referring to himself as a
cultural nationalist, Buscaglia has committed a long and
impressive career to the social and political context of
public art. Trained in Puerto Rico and Barcelona, Spain,
as well as Harvard, he has been internationally recognized
as a sculptor, painter, educator, social scientist and as a
specialist in the study of creativity. Born in the capital
city of San Juan in 1938, his involvement with the arts
dates from the precocious age of eight. During this early
phase of his career he underwent intensive training with
the Catalonian artist Ismael DíAlsina. While a student at
Harvard, he spent a year abroad in Barcelona, working at
the studio of world-renowned sculptor Enrique Monjo. He
also took courses at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes
de Barcelona, where Picasso, DalÌ and Miró had studied
earlier. Following his graduation with honors from Harvard
in 1960, he collaborated with Monjo as his assistant and
secretary. Returning to Puerto Rico in 1962, Buscaglia held
positions for 18 years at the University of Puerto Rico as
professor, sculptor in residence and Director of Fine Arts.
His lifelong interest in the nature of the creative process
and thinking skills led to his participation in the designing
and implementation of experimental educational programs
in Venezuela from 1979 to 1985. A joint effort by Harvard
University and the Venezuelan government led to an
innovative process-oriented program to teach thinking
skills known as Project Intelligence.
Buscaglia is perhaps one of the most prolific artists
in the field of monumental sculpture, with major shows
at Harvard, Yale, Rockefeller Center in New York, and
several times in Washington, D.C., Barcelona and Madrid.
In 1968 The New York Times referred to Buscaglia’s
bronze bust of Robert Frost, unveiled at the National
Portrait Gallery ( Washington, D.C.) as: “Unofficially the
most important gift to the gallery since its opening”.
Artist/Professor Ben Shahn said of Buscaglia: “There
are few sculptors, young and old, who have the courage
to go their own way, not to be overwhelmed by trends and
by journalistic approval: there are fewer still who have
the competence to do the kind of work that José can and
does.” Buscaglia has authored over 40 public monuments
in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the United States.
He is a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society and
founding member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences
of Puerto Rico. As an educator he has taught and lectured
at leading institutions in Europe, Latin America and the
United States, and has published considerably on the
teaching of intelligence and the voluntary control of the
creative process.
Photo: Maestro José Buscaglia with The “ARA PATRIA”, central group of THE PLAZA OF PUERTO RICAN IDENTITY bronze, Altar de la Patria, 2006
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the 2014 Poster
MONUMENT TO THE PUERTO RICAN FAMILY
by Jose Buscaglia Guillermety
Collores, the best-known poem by the Puerto Rican poet
laureate Luis Lloréns Torres, which expresses the anguish
of departure.
From the lower left to the mid-central area, migrants
ascend a staircase to board the airplane that will bring them
to the mainland. They carry with them various symbols of
their cultural heritage.
In the lower triangular area below the staircase,
an allegorical representation evokes the dreams and
aspirations of the migrants. This is signified by a female
figure daydreaming in a plantain grove—“el sueño en el
platanal.” In front of this figure two girls jump rope, and
on the left angle a motif of tropical fruits completes the
symbolism.
The lower right triangular area provides the psychological
counterpoint to its equivalent one on the left side. The main
figures show a mother with two children defying adversity
in a poorly lit basement. The corner motif, which on the
left side is an array of tropical fruits, has turned into an
entanglement of thorns.
From the lower right to the mid-central area, a progression
of people struggles to help each other rise to higher
ground. Brick steps suggesting tenement housing replace
the boarding staircase here. The last top figures at the top
complete the process by pointing to the city of Hartford on
the upper right-hand corner of the composition.
Comite Noviembre’s poster for 2014 features a pen and
ink study for a monumental sculpture titled Monument
to the Puerto Rican Family by the dean of Puerto Rican
sculptors, Jose Buscaglia Guillermety. Inaugurated on
September 23, 2009 (the anniversary of the Grito de
Lares), the sculpture stands in the Learning Corridor in
Hartford, CT.
Answering Lloréns Torres’ poem, the area to the right of
the central group carries sculptor José Buscaglia’s poem,
which describes the migrants’ journey and final triumph in
their new homeland.
The bronze relief is 12’ wide and 10’ high. It is
permanently anchored to a granite stela and rests upon a
4’ high three-ton attached pedestal, structurally integrated
into a supporting wall. The bronze weighs approximately
2,000 pounds.
Four heroic-size figures dominate the central area of the
composition. Husband and wife stand together and in front
of them, their daughter and son carry the Lamb of God, the
heraldic and official symbol of Puerto Rico. The family
group is placed within its historical and psychological
context through eight main thematic areas that surround
the central portion of the relief.
The front of the monument carries the following
inscription:
The upper left-hand corner depicts a typical town in
Puerto Rico setting the point of departure. The path that
leads away from the town shows the migrant leaving on a
mare. This is in direct reference to a segment of Valle de
The back of the monument shows the Puerto Rican flag
in full color and, underneath, the names of all the towns of
the island.
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HONORING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE
PUERTO RICAN FAMILIES TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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MISSION
CN’s mission is to commemorate and acknowledge all aspects of Puerto Rican life from the social and cultural to the
educational, economic and political. The charge of CN is to create awareness of and preserve our rich culture, language,
and heritage, especially for our youth – to recognize and take ownership of it every day but specifically during the month
of November.
CN is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to commemorating and acknowledging the contributions Puerto
Ricans have made to this nation. CN is composed of fourteen of the oldest and most prestigious Puerto Rican organizations: Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly, ASPIRA of New York, El Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños,
Hunter College/CUNY, El Museo del Barrio, El Puente, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College/CUNY, La Casa
de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc., La Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular, LatinoJustice: PRLDEF,
and Música de Cámara, National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights --Justice Committee, National Institute for Latino Policy, and Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration which serves in
an advisory position. This coordinating body plans and promotes CN’s annual programs and events.
CN ANNUAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Educational/Youth Leadership Development
1. Two Scholarship Programs
• CN Scholarship Awards Program
• The Richie Perez Scholarship for Peace & Justice
2. Leadership Development/Motivational Presentations
Partners include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Latino Bigs,
NASA, Caridad De La Luz, La Bruja
2. Annual Classical Music Concert Series – CN/Música de
Cámara/ Archdiocese of San Juan, PR
3. Manhattan Neighborhood Network & CN’s “Buscando
Nuestras Raíces,” monthly one-hour cable television show
4. Three Kings Celebration & Toy Drive
5. Culture related workshops, forums and events.
and events.
Annual Puerto Rican Heritage Month Celebration
Puerto Rican Artist Development
1. Commemorative calendar journal
1. Artisans Fair & Exhibit
2. Annual Artist competition
2. Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the 3. Commemorative poster
Arts, P.R.I.D.A.
4. Selection of a spokesperson
3. Puerto Rican Authors Book Expo
5. Annual Awards Events:
4. Poster Traveling Exhibit
• Annual Women’s History Month Event/Puerto Rican
Archival Initiatives with Centro Library Archives, CUNY
Women Legacy Award
Cultural Development
• Puerto Rican Heritage Month kick-off celebration/Lo
1. Educational trip to Puerto Rico, “Buscando Nuestra
Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad Award
Raíces”
• Annual benefit event/Puerto Rican Heritage Award
CN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PROGRAMS
In order to secure better educational opportunities for our youth, in 1996, in celebration of its tenth anniversary of Puerto
Rican Heritage Month the CN Scholarship Awards Program (CNSAP) was established. To date $230,000 has been
awarded in scholarships, an average of 12 scholarships a year with a college graduation rate of 90%. Eight years ago,
to commemorate our 20th anniversary, CN enhanced the Scholarship Program to continue to award the top two scholars
$1,000 scholarships each year until graduation. These scholars must maintain a 3.5 grade point average and documented
community work in the Puerto Rican community to continue to receive the 4-year $1,000 scholarship.
An additional $17,000 has been awarded by the Richie Pérez Scholarship for Peace and Justice. Each year, the members
of the CN Scholarship selection committee are awed by the clear sense of self and strength of character of these selfless
and inspiring young people who are building our communities and making a difference early on in their lives.
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Comité Noviembre Mission and Programs (continued)
COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE SCHOLARSHIP
In November of 1996, in celebration of its tenth anniversary of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, the CN Scholarship
Awards Program (CNSAP) was established. To date, CNSAP has awarded 201 scholarships of $1,000. Seven years ago,
to commemorate our 20th anniversary, CN enhanced the Scholarship Program to continue to award the top two scholars
$1,000 scholarships each year until graduation. These scholars must maintain a 3.5 grade point average and documented
community work in the Puerto Rican community, to continue to receive the 4-year $1,000 scholarship.
THE RICHIE PEREZ SCHOLARSHIP FOR PEACE & JUSTICE
In 2004, the Puerto Rican community lost an advocate, community leader and urban warrior. Richie Pérez was a beloved activist and leader in the fight for social justice and human rights. He brought integrity and unity to many causes
to which he was committed, which included the struggle for racial justice and against police brutality, Puerto Rican
independence and universal human rights. In his memory, Comité Noviembre established the Richie Pérez Scholarship
for Peace and Justice. The award recognizes Puerto Rican young people for their commitment, activism and achievements in any of the areas of human rights and social justice. This annual scholarship promotes both the advancement of
new leaders in the movement for peace and justice, and invests in their continued growth by providing support for their
ongoing education and political development. The scholarship recipient will receive $1,000.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
To ensure that young adults have the opportunity to meet and interact with professionals from all fields and careers, CN
has partnered with several organizations throughout the years including NASA Big Brothers Big Sisters, Latino Bigs to
identify Puerto Rican/Hispanic mentors and conduct leadership development forum. The program with NASA continues at Hostos Community College.
ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL CULTURAL TRIP TO PUERTO RICO “BUSCANDO NUESTRAS
RAÍCES”
Buscando Nuestras Raíces is an adventure into a cultural and educational experience for Puerto Ricans and others who
want to explore the richness of Puerto Rico’s culture, ancestral roots and history. Making this trip a reality was a natural
progression of CN’s mission and goals. The itinerary takes into account that many of us, although we visit the island
frequently, rarely visit the cultural and historical sites and landmarks unique to Puerto Rico and renowned throughout
the world. It is a journey participants will remember for many years to come.
This trip has become a catalyst for discussion on the economic, social and environmental issues that are affecting Puerto
Rico. CN has become a vehicle by which to bring these issues to light on the mainland. CN has championed several
and has been vocal in their support and position both on the island and in New York. Through articles, workshops and
forums after visiting Puerto Rico during the educational trip, CN has taken positions and action on the clean-up, health
and economic situation of Vieques, protection of the Northeast Ecological Corridor, the building of el gasoducto, equal
benefits for veterans living in PR, securing Puerto Rico’s boarders from terrorists and drug trafficking, social service
programs for the elderly, veterans and the drug addicted. This year we formed a partnership with El Meson del Amor
a volunteer, non-profit organizations and feeds students from the University of Puerto Rico that don’t have money for
meals. CN also partnered with Instituto de Cultura to host La Banda Nacional de Puerto Rico at el Museo de Arte de
Puerto Rico, The ninth annual Buscando Nuestras Raíces trip is being planned for the summer of 2015.
PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH KICK-OFF CELEBRATION
The CN Puerto Rican Heritage Month kick-off event usually takes place each year during the last week of October. At
this event, CN honors Puerto Rican community heroes through Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad Awards, announces
our scholarship recipients, unveils its annual poster and distributes its journal calendar of event. This event is free for the
community. Over 300 key community and business leaders as well as elected officials attend this very festive, musical
and cultural event.
LO MEJOR DE NUESTRA COMUNIDAD AWARD
Through Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad award, CN recognizes outstanding individuals who are the unsung heroes of
our community and who are making a difference in the Puerto Rican communities of this country. Puerto Ricans whose
pride in their heritage and strength of character have empowered themselves and inspired others to make significant
impact on the community are recognized. The recipients of this award are chosen by CN from nominations submitted
by the community. These individuals are honored at the Puerto Rican Heritage Month kick-off celebration.
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CN’S ANNUAL GALA BENEFIT
The CN Annual Gala Benefit was instituted in 1996 at its tenth anniversary to raise funds for its scholarship award program and other CN educational, cultural and leadership development activities. The event has continued to attract key
leaders of New York’s Puerto Rican community and Corporate America. The gala is scheduled for Friday, November
14, 2014 at the NY Hilton in Manhattan. The proceeds of this annual event, support all of our programs and allow CN
to provide free programming and information to the community year-round as well as scholarship dollars.
CN’S ANNUaL PUERTO RICAN ARTISANS FAIR & EXHIBIT
The Artisan Fair & Exhibit was established in 2006, in celebration of Comité Noviembre’s 20th anniversary. Making
this fair a reality was a natural progression of CN’s goals and mission, and was made possible by CUNY’s Vice Chancellor Ernesto Malave who passed away in November 2009.
CN invited Puerto Rican artisans from throughout the US and Puerto Rico to participate in this Fair. Over 40 artesanos
puertorriqueños participated, and the event boasted an attendance of over 5000 people in this very first Fair in 2006 at
Hunter College and again in 2007. In 2008, the Fair which continued to exceed CN’s expectations with over 60 artisans
participating and a steady flow of 5000 people, the fair was moved to the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan. Four years ago the fair found its home at Hostos Community College in the Bronx. For the past six years CN has
conducted workshops for children and adults, to ensure that our youth learn about our culture, traditions and folklore.
This event, which is free to the community, is advertised as an opportunity to kick-off the holiday shopping season and
to purchase unique Puerto Rican original gifts for that special person on your list and, at the same time, support our
artesanos.
Two years ago, CN instituted its first annual Puerto Rican Author’s Book Expo, PRABE,. The event garnered the participation of over 25 respected and well known Puerto Rican authors. Some of the finest Puerto Rican writer’s in New
York were at hand to sign, sell and read from their books. This year the 3nd annual PRABE will be coordinated by poet
and performance artist Maria Aponte.
Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts, PRIDA
The vision of Luis Cordero, Co-Chair of the CN Annual Artisans Fair & Exhibit, PRIDA, was established in 2011 in collaboration with CN to assist, promote and support Puerto Rican artists by establishing a membership program that will
advocate, empower and service the member organizations and artists. PRIDA grew out of the success of the Artisans
Fair and the need to promote and assist Puerto Rican entrepreneurs, grow, expand and develop their unique businesses.
CN’S DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Day of Community Service and Social Responsibility, was established in 1995 to coincide with the theme: “The
Spirit of Commitment …The Power of Action. Live it! For the past eighteen years, CN has set aside the Sunday before
Thanksgiving as a day of community service and social responsibility.
During this day people participate in several volunteer efforts that aid the Puerto Rican community and its organizations.
The purpose of the day is to show the spirit of commitment and the power of action. Over the past years, this event has
been a great success and organizations throughout the city have benefited from this collaboration, including homeless
and battered women’s shelters and senior centers as well as individual families. The event has developed into a two-day
event that will take place on Saturday November 22, 2014 and Sunday, November 23, 2014 simultaneously at several
locations throughout the City in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, from 11AM to 2PM.
CN along with youth leadership development and education organizations of ASPIRA of New York, El Puente, Big
Brothers Big Sisters’ Latino Bigs will conduct a food drive of non-perishable foods before the event to create Thanksgiving dinner baskets for the poor of NY. This year’s goal is to create 300 food baskets. Food baskets will be distributed
on the 22nd and 23rd.
CN Day of Community Service and Social Responsibility Thanksgiving Turkey Fund
Each year CN distributes over 300 turkeys to needy families. The Yorkville Pantry generously donates 75 turkeys for
distribution at El Museo del Barrio, and in the past we have received donations from Health First and City Harvest Food
Bank but it is never enough. This year, CN is requesting donations from YOU, the community to purchase 300 – 10 to
15lb turkeys. The goal is to raise $4000. Please make out check to: Comité Noviembre and include Turkey Drive in
the memo section of your check. Please mail check to: Comité Noviembre C/O TAS Communications, LLC, 45 East
21
Hartsdale Avenue – Suite 3L, Hartsdale, NY 10530, Attn: Teresa A. Santiago. You can also make donation by PAYPAL
by logging onto our website at www.comitenoviembre.org and follow PAYPAL directions. Help us make a difference
through the Spirit of Commitment and the Power of Action!
CN’s Manhattan Neighborhood Network Cable Television Show
Two years ago, CN partnered with Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) to launch a monthly cable television
show. The one-hour show will stay true to CN’s mission of commemorating and acknowledging all aspects of Puerto
Rican life, from the social and cultural to the educational, economic and political, to create awareness of and preserve
our rich culture, language, and heritage. MNN has a reach of 650,000 subscribers and can be watched worldwide over
the internet at www.mnn.org. The CN website will also carry the link to view shows as well as profiles of guests for
educational purposes.
The inaugural show aired in March 2012, and focused on the role of the Puerto Rican woman in the development,
growth and enhancement of the Puerto Rican community in New York, in celebration of Women’s History Month. Subsequent shows have dealt with Puerto Rican music, culture, the CN galas and various projects.
ANNUAL SPOKESPERSON
Each year, CN selects a spokesperson that is making a difference in this country, empowering others and shaping, not
only our future as Puerto Ricans, but the future of all Americans. They have all played an important role in leaving our
unique imprint in the current and future history of this country.
THEME DEVELOPMENT
The CN theme has a two-fold purpose: to celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage and to motivate, mobilize and empower our
community, specifically our youth, to take ownership of our culture, traditions and heritage.
COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL
The annual journal calendar becomes a collector’s item because of the articles and historical information that it provides. These essays and articles, written by community activists, educators, artists and CN members, are published
annually in several newspapers ranging from The New York Daily News, El Diario La Prensa, as well as the San Juan
Star and El Nuevo Día in Puerto Rico. The journals are distributed to educational, cultural and community organizations. Over 250 events and activities are sponsored and held by community based organizations, cultural institutions and
government officials throughout New York.
POSTER/ARTIST
Since its inception, the annual CN poster has been in high demand by teachers and educators. The competition to be
the commissioned artist of CN and design the coveted poster has also been exciting throughout the years and has led to
the promotion, acknowledgement and exposure of very talented Puerto Rican artists. The poster is created each year to
promote and inform the public about Puerto Rican Heritage Month, and to create an artistic expression of the organization’s theme. The poster is distributed throughout New York, New Jersey and the tri-state area.
Annual Traveling Poster Exhibit
To commemorate CN’s 25th anniversary an exhibit highlighting the artistic renditions of our theme over the past 25
years was curated. CN is proud that this Exhibition has become an annual event adding our current poster to the collection. The Exhibit has been shown at Riverbank State Park – Cultural Complex/NYS Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation in Manhattan on November 2012. In June 2013 the exhibit was displayed at Taller Boricua
at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center in Manhattan and Terrence Cardinal Cooke auditorium. If your organizations is
interested in displaying the CN Poster exhibit please call 914 263-6599.
CN WEBSITE – www.comitenoviembre.org
The website provides the history of CN as well as the Puerto Rican community in Puerto Rico and the United States.
The website will serve as an educational vehicle of all those searching for information on Puerto Rican history and culture especially educators and students. The website launched in November of 2006 and was designed with the capacity
to hold company logos or messages (web advertising) for sponsors of the website or CN programs. The sponsor of the
website will have prime signage year-round. Due to high printing costs and the world going “green” CN will promote
heavily the use of the website for access to calendar journal information as well as scholarship applications and other
educational materials.
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De Nuestra Comunidad
Ce le bran do Lo M e jor
Melba Olmeda Amaro has worked for over thirty years as a higher education career development
administrator with the City University of New York. She has been employed at Hostos Community College, Bronx Community College and currently at Borough of Manhattan Community as
the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Admissions Office.
Melba Olmeda Amaro is the first member of her family to graduate from college. She is a proud
alumna of Hunter College, where she found her identity by majoring in Black and Puerto Rican
Studies and Sociology. This experience was the beginning of her dedication to serving her South
Bronx community. While earning her Bachelor’s degree, she worked as an advocate for children
and adolescents in foster and group homes. She interned at the United Bronx Parents with her favorite college professor and mentor, Dr. Evelina Antonietty, a community activist who advocated
for improved education for children in the South Bronx public schools. She volunteered to work
with Father Louis Gigante, the Bronx Democratic Club and St Athanasius Church to educate and
organize the residents of the Hunts Point area of the Bronx to fight for the decent housing, and
the economic and civic rehabilitation of the South Bronx.
Melba
OlmedaAmaro
While earning her Master of Arts degree from the New School University she was offered a
counseling position at Hostos Community College. There she also taught Labor Relations, was
an Employer Relations Specialist and Director of the multi-service Center for Women and Immigrant Rights. After working at Hostos for thirteen years, Bronx Community College offered her
the Career Services Director’s position where she worked for another for thirteen years.
At Bronx Community College Melba spearheaded several empowerment, cultural and political
events that exposed students to prominent and successful role models. Melba personally escorted
students to the Somos El Futuro Legislative Conference in Albany and chaired the CUNY/ HOSTOS Community Health Fair, the CUNY Bronx Community Job Fair, and multiple community
Blood and Toy Drives for the El Coqui Lions Club and the Hostos Child Development Center.
Melba has helped thousands of community college students earn their college degrees and secure
meaningful career opportunities, internships and jobs.
Melba is a former President of the CUNY Career Services Association and has presented at numerous regional and national conferences. She is a Certified Leader from the National Institute for Leadership Development, Certified Career Planning and Life Skills
Facilitator and a Certified Vocational and Personality Type Administrator. She is the recipient of many professional honors and
recognition awards. She is committed to supporting organizations that help open doors for those who seek educational opportunity
and equality. In particular, organizations that provide financial, professional and personal support to woman and people of color
who are in college.
Dawn Diaz
Dawn Diaz is a dynamic and powerful speaker, author and coach. She is the Founder and CEO
of the Non-Profit Organization Milagros Day Worldwide, which provides leadership coaching
and mentorship to survivors of domestic violence. A former Captain in the New York City Fire
Department, Dawn has studied with some of the most prominent spiritual leaders of our time,
including her mentor Karen Hoyos; and is a co-author in the book Building On Greatness, The
Courage to Thrive with International
Business Consultant Daniel Gutierrez. Dawn is the creator of personal growth courses Dare to
Dream, Happiness is a Choice, and Design Your Future in 8Hours, as well as the iconic Brooklyn
Bridge Mother’s Day Walk and Multi-Cultural Concert. Dawn has been an expert guest on Fox
News, CNN and Univision; is featured as an Inspiring Woman in the April 2014 issue of Latina
Magazine, and her story has been archived in the National Library of Congress.
23
C e le b ra n do Lo Mej or
Maria
Diaz
Santiago
Marie Diaz-Santiago is the ultimate professional with a flair for details and
organization. She is well respected at the Colgate-Palmolive Company where she
has worked for 24 years currently as administrative assistant to Marsha E. Butler,
Vice President, Global Professional Relations. Maria is responsible for Minority Oral
Health Improvement (MOHI) Financial Reporting and is an Ebuy Expert, the Colgate
accounts payable system for processing payments to suppliers. At Colgate Maria
volunteers to be the program coordinator for the volunteermatch.com website where
Colgate employees can sign up to volunteer with the Bright Smiles Bright Futures Van
Program which screens and educates children ages 1 – 12 on dental hygiene in low
income underserved communities.
Maria’s volunteer service to her church community, family and neighbors is
exceptional. She has been an active member of the New York City Church of ChristBronx Region for 18 years. As a Children’s Ministry Teacher she assists in the
nurturing, care and spiritual growth of children in a Church School setting. Maria
participates in scheduled teachers’ meetings and follows the curriculum chosen by
the parish. She spends countless hours planning and preparing before every lesson
each week. She is a role model to these children and everyone around her. She is
highly respected and has the task of screening parents for teaching. Additionally, she
visits her neighbors and family members that are in the hospital or home bound. She
collects food, clothing, and furniture for her church family and people in need and is
always ready with a prayer of thanksgiving. In her life there is always time to help
others.
Maria volunteers for CN as the co-chair of the Silent Auction as well as developing
and updating CN’s database. She has created a credit card payment system that makes
the Silent Action more effective. Through Colgate-Palmolive she has been able to
donate items for CN’s gala gift bags and educational trip where she also volunteers her
time and helps with set up and breakdown events. This year, because of her years of
volunteer work with CN, Colgate Palmolive is making CN a partner which will allow
for an increase in sponsorship.
Maria is married to George Santiago is the mother of four and has two granddaughters
and her motto is: ”Never underestimate the difference YOU can make in the lives of
others.”
24
Lourdes (Lulu) Belén García was born in Naguabo, Puerto Rico and raised primarily between the Lower
East Side of Manhattan and Puerto Rico. She has been an activist on behalf of poor and working class
people and women of color her entire life. Her early years were shaped by her proud, stubborn Puerto
Rican mother who worked in the garment district of NYC and was at one point herself an organizer trying to unionize the shops she worked in. Lulu comes from a working class family that was shaped by
early militant tobacco workers and passionate and outspoken political activists of all stripes. Her own
path has been a journey of discovering, reclaiming and promoting her Puerto Rican
heritage within a broader struggle for human rights and human dignity.
Lulu
Garcia
As a member of a Puerto Rican organization, El Comite-MINP, in the 70’s she was
shaped by the struggles for Puerto Rican independence, the work to free the Puerto
Rican Nationalist prisoners, protests to end the Vietnam War, as well as the struggle for
workers’ and women’s rights. She was active throughout three decades in the struggle
to end the bombing of Vieques and continues to demand reparations and clean-up by
the US Navy for the people of Vieques. She was active in the Latin Women’s Collective an organization formed to educate, organize and protest the forced sterilization of
Puerto Rican women and to struggle for the democratic rights of all poor and working
class Latinas. As a community organizer, she participated in the struggle for community control of the schools, bilingual education and housing rights. Lulu has also been
a welder, a union organizer and president of a union. She continues to be a passionate,
outspoken and proud card-carrying union member.
Hand-in-hand with her community activism, Lulu has also identified with and been
passionately involved in the struggles for justice of Latin America and the Caribbean
in particular Nicaragua, Panama and Cuba. In 1982 she co-founded the Women’s
Workshop in the Americas (Taller de Mujeres en Las Americas). As part of the “Taller” she helped to develop and facilitate workshops and encounters and participated in
several international and regional events and forums on race, class and gender. She
has focused on many of the critical issues affecting the various poor and working communities of the region: militarization, human rights violations, racism, sexism, and especially the discrimination against and
exploitation of indigenous and black women, children and youth in the region. She also helped prepare funding proposals for
women’s organizations in the Latin American/Caribbean region to obtain funding for women-owned cooperatives and projects
in the various communities and has provided training in Capacity Building for women to teach them to analyze their projects
and prepare their own funding proposals.
Lulu is currently the Chairperson of the Southern Diaspora Research and Development Center and has engaged in the economic development activities of the organization in Panama and in its work in Central America. She is the Alternate Annual
Representative of the Southern Diaspora Research and Development Center in New York and Vienna as a United Nations NGO
in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). She is a member of the coordinating committee of
the 33 Mujeres x Oscar Lopez Rivera, which seeks the freedom of Oscar Lopez Rivera, a Puerto Rican political prisoner. Lulu
is also a co-founder and board member of the Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts (PRIDA) which seeks to
promote Puerto Rican culture and art.
In the past twenty years, Lulu has also turned to healing work and has become a Reiki Master, an aromatherapist and herbalist.
She offers low-cost or free treatments to women from all walks of life, and has developed and facilitated workshops for community groups, church groups, as well as women with breast cancer and AIDS. She works to create a safe space for women to
share their histories, hopes and dreams with each other and to build consciousness about the socio-economic and environmental
power structures which create and contribute to illnesses and diseases in our communities. Along with her sister, she created
BotaniCafé, a business dedicated to developing natural traditional and modern herbal remedies like alcoholados. Lulu continues to build her healing practice hand-in-hand with her political work with the perspective that true healing must be a wholistic
blend of the personal (ourselves) and the political (our communities, our world).
25
Jose Cheo
Oliveras
Mr. Oliveras is an educator, professional actor, director and arts administrator. For
the last two decades he has worked as an actor and director for leading companies
in NYC such as Repertorio Español, The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre and the
Public Theater, among others. In 1994 Mr. Oliveras founded Teatro Círculo and
since then has served as its Artistic Director. During his tenure at Teatro Círculo,
the company has received more than 35 awards for artistic excellence including
one OBIE Award for its classical work. Besides its regular seasons in NYC Teatro
Círculo travels extensively throughout the USA, Latin America and Europe, and
offers a variety of educational and training programs for students and professional
actors. Most recently, under Mr. Oliveras’ leadership Teatro Círculo successfully
completed a multi-million capital campaign to renovate its own theatre in the Lower
East Side. In doing so, Teatro Círculo became the first Latino theatre company in
Manhattan to own its own performing space. As an actor and director Mr. Oliveras
has won one Hola Award and five ACE Award, including the Institutional Award
in 2010.
Carlos Diaz
Carlos Diaz, one of six children, was born and raised in East Harlem to a
humble blue collar household. Carlos is a shining example of dedication
and love for his community. This is evident in the amount of time and effort
he constantly expends in civic activities for his beloved “Barrio”. Carlos
sits on the New York Telephone and Con Edison Advisory Committees
and is involved with the George Conroy Educational Fund, an organization
that gives scholarships to elementary school youngsters. He is a founding
member of the East 111th Street Old-Timers made up of past and present East
Harlem residents; many of which have become doctors, lawyers, judges,
elected officials, professionals from all walks of life that are committed to
supporting the youth of today’s El Barrio. Carlos also serves on the East
Harlem Council for Community Improvement (EHCCI) Board, is currently
the Chairperson of PROGRESS Inc. a prominent longest standing provider
of Technical Assistance services to Latino Community Based Organizations
throughout New York.Mr. Diaz is currently a Consultant to the Terence
Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center promoting significant health care
initiatives to the special needs population in the East Harlem community.
26
Cruz Vanessa Inaru Pastrano Padilla was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and currently
resides in New York City. She is recognized as a relentless advocate of human, social, and
cultural rights as well as a dedicated promoter for the protection of Mother Earth. Vanessa
has worked and is actively involved with several local and international human rights and
environmental organizations. Motivated by her love for her cultural heritage, she was as
co-founder and director of Presencia Taina Caribbean indigenous cultural arts organization,
successfully promoted awareness of Taino Boricua Culture via educational
and artistic workshops and presentations. She is founder of La Voz de
Caguana Annual Voice of Mother Earth Women’s Conference, Bohio
Atabei Circle of Taino Arawak Women, Yaboa Indigenous Women’s
network, and creator of the Semi-Annual Cyril Taylor Yabisi Caona
Taino Student Scholarship Fund.
Vanessa
Pastrano
Vanessa’s passion is expressed in her work as a health care professional.
She has been recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs for
her contributions to the Native American Community Health Fair. She
received the Everest Institute for Leadership award for her successful
work in the community, educating the Spanish speaking community in
the understanding of the cultural and linguistic barriers to better health.
She received La Fiesta Folklorica Puertorriqueña award for her work as
a Boricua ambassador of benevolent causes here and abroad. As the only
Boricua on the board of the El Salvador Foundation, Vanessa was instrumental in providing much needed free medical
equipment and supplies to Central, South American and Caribbean organizations serving poor communities in their
countries. Vanessa was also on the board of directors of Niños Necesitados de Borinquen and for many years participated
in the Christmas toy and clothing drive for Boricua children in need.
She has participated in the Zapatistas March for Justice in Mexico; El Enlace Intercontinental de Mujeres Indigenas en
Peru, organizer for Caribbean Regional Peace & Dignity Journeys a native initiative for the protection of earth mother,
she has coordinated runs in Boriken that shed light on the dangers being posed to the environment and the adverse effects
this can have for our future generations. Vanessa is also a member of the NY Contra El Gasoducto committee, The
Global Indigenous Women’s Caucus, the Caribbean Caucus and is the Diplomatic Representative of several Boricua Taino
groups in the OAS program on Indigenous issues. She has participated in the working groups for the UN Declaration
of Indigenous rights, The initiative to free all of our Puerto Rican freedom fighters and for true justice to prevail for
all our people who continue to be unjustly incarcerated for defending our rights as Puerto Rican people to political self
determination for our island nation.
She is the author of several works of poetry and has written for La Voz del Pueblo Taino newsletter. She was also a host
and producer at Circle of Red Nations—a radio program that aired weekly on WBAI.
Currently living in the Bronx Vanessa continues to serve her community as a Board member of Kingsbridge Heights
neighborhood Improvement Association. Vanessa is responsible for the Cultural Diversity initiatives of this organization
that helps to empower the community, promote gender equality as well as educate and instill cultural awareness and pride
in our young people. She is a member of the Cacibajagua Cultural Society, is on the board of the United Confederation of
Taino People (UCTP) and is a proud member of Iukaieke Guainia Boriken/US.
She is a spiritual counselor, healer and native cultural diversity consultant and speaker.
Immensely proud of her Boricua cultural heritage, she believes strongly that cultural awareness with positive associations
and engagements by our young people with their cultural heritage creates a stronger sense of self-identity, promotes
resilience, self esteem and provides a positive sense of pride in our lives and our communities.
27
Lucky
Rivera
In 2001 because of the lack of union jobs for minorities and women Lucky Rivera
established Positive Workforce, a construction training and placement organization
that works to prepare and get union jobs for minorities and women. For 30 years,
Lucky has fought to get justice for Puerto Ricans, Latinos and people of color in
the streets of New York, especially in an area that really counts, employment. Mr.
Rivera’s leadership and activism has been responsible in providing over 20,000
jobs for minority men and women in construction. He has made a difference in
the lives of many young men. And there are many stories on how Lucky, “saved
my life,” “took me off the streets,” “Lucky made me a man,” “I was caught up in
the oyster - hustling, dealing drugs. If it wasn’t for Lucky I’d probably be in jail or
dead.” Lucky has turned around the lives of hundreds of people and he is revered
and respected for it.
In 2011, Lucky founded Boricuas For A Positive Image (BFPI) a non-profit
organization whose mission is to defend, protect and be the vocal voice of the
Puerto Rican community when it comes to defending itself from abuses, insults
and attacks on our image and our community. The organization started as a result
of a national protest against the ABC Network for the insulting joke aired January
3rd, 2011 on the now cancelled show, Work It, where the line: “I’m Puerto Rican I
would be great at selling drugs” drew a firestorm of protest from the Puerto Rican
community.
Lucky mobilized protests and demonstration every day for nine weeks straight in
front of the WABC TV affiliate in NY because of the networks lack of a response.
These protests organized by Lucky and his army of Positive Workforce and
individuals on the Internet who kept this issue alive and spread it throughout the
country led to ABC’s written apology and meeting with leaders of the organizations
in the ABC corporate offices in California where they expressed their concerns in
person and advocated for more Puerto Rican inclusion in the infrastructure both in
front and more importantly behind the cameras.
With the leadership of Rivera, BFPI took on Coors, Inc. when they used the Puerto
Rican flag on their beer can to promote the National Puerto Rican Day Parade.
Puerto Rican organizations, elected officials, activists and neighborhood groups
demanded that Coors, Inc. cease distributing a promotional beer can with the
symbol of the Puerto Rican flag. Lucky believed that this action was an insult to
our culture, history and flag. This struggle led to the investigation of the NPRDP
marketing agent by the NYS attorney General’s Office that ultimately re-hauled the
leadership of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. Lucky’s passion, dedication,
commitment and determination to the Puerto Rican community has crowned
him most responsible for the reclamation of the parade and the elimination of its
corruption.
28
Miluka Rivera (Rabell), a native of Puerto Rico, is one of the most recognized, lauded Latina union
actress-activists in the United States. In 2010 she was honored as “Woman of the Year” by La Opinion
Newspaper jointly with the California State Controller, in Los Angeles, California. In 2014, she was
selected as one of the “Best Five Latino Contemporary Writers” in Los Angeles by ‘CBS’ “LA Best.”
Nationally, New York City and New York State, the Asociación de Críticos del Espectáculo (ACE, Latino Press), the Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives and the California Puerto Rican Parade, among
others, have recognized her. She was the first Latina to receive the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), New
York, EEOC “Joseph C. Riley Award” for Outstanding Service. In addition she chaired SAG’s Latino
Subcommittees in New York and in Hollywood. Rivera also obtained SAG’s Puerto Rico Founding
Member Award for her tireless efforts for the union and its members. In Hollywood she became the
first Puerto Rican actress to serve as a National Board Director of SAG.
Miluka
Rivera
In 1982 she founded and presided in New York, the Alliance of Latin Artistes Society (ALAS) a nonprofit organization to advocate for a fair image and better representation of Latinos on television and
in films. It brought the united support of Desi Arnaz, Ray Barretto, Bobby Capó, Raúl Juliá, Felipe
Luciano and Dave Valentín, who were also honorary members of ALAS. El Diario La Prensa de New
York, has written about her work on several occasions. Most recently she was featured in the June
2014, Puerto Rican Day Parade, Special Edition -“Boricuas on Broadway” by Heriberto González,
and her book Legado Puertorriqueño en Hollywood and archival photos were used as a source for the
“Pioneers on Broadway” section of the article.
As a writer, journalist, historian and poet, Miluka has meticulously researched and recuperated forgotten narratives of many Puerto Rican and Latino performers who came to Hollywood, made their mark,
but were too soon forgotten. She has published three books. the acclaimed Legado Puertorriqueño en
Hollywood: Famosos y Olvidados, (Puerto Rican Legacy in Hollywood: Famous & Forgotten) regarded by Imagen Magazine as a “masterpiece and jewel of collection” and “monumental” by El Vocero.
The book encompasses more than 20 years of extensive investigation. Legado is the first to document
the contributions of Puerto Ricans in American cinema (pre–dating the silent era) and on Broadway.
Her latest book Alma Boricua, Alma Boreal is a compilation of Miluka’s original poetry honoring her
native Puerto Rico and includes poems in tribute to José Ferrer and Raúl Juliá. Her 2nd book, Hollywood Latinos Offspring, was cited by El Vocero of Puerto Rico, as a “important histrionic rescue of
Latinos and Puerto Rican artists.” Miluka’s work has become an invaluable resource for scholars and
professionals now and for decades to come and her books are being studied in some universities. As a
lecturer, Miluka has traveled around the country promoting Puerto Rico, empowering Puerto Ricans
and Latinos. Her writings is an extension of her passionate activism and in her own words, “we have
to leave the world better than we found it.”
Given her years in the entertainment industry both in front of the camera and behind the camera as a director and filmmaker, she
continues to be a vital liaison and advocate for Puerto Rican artists and the newly united SAG-AFTRA (American Federation of
Television and Radio Artists). She is an occasional contributor for the SAG-AFTRA Puerto Rico’s newsletter. Miluka’s vision, bold
leadership and passion for actors inspired her to plant the seed for SAG to create a venue to honor their own, her proposal as committee
chair of the (American Scene) SAG’s Diversity Award, won the SAG National Board Members approval. This Diversity Award later
on led to the creation of the Screen Actor Guild “Actor” Awards, a show that to this day is viewed around the world and influences
the selection of the future Oscar winners.
Miluka Rivera’s experience and skills as an actress who worked in dozens of plays, TV and films, will attest, that she is a Renaissance
person of multiple talents and strengths across a vast breadth of fields. However, she has never strayed far from what inspires all this
work; her personal artistic sensitivity and creativity. This artist’s soul led her to open the Kumaras Center for the Arts and Etiquette
(www.KumarasArts.net) As owner/instructor Miluka teaches Ballroom Dance, Etiquette and Personal Improvement and is the first
Puerto Rican to own a Center for the Arts in California. Her center awards scholarships, hosts community gatherings, serves as an
election polling space and often offers free lectures, classes and scholarships to local students and community members.
29
Pereta
Rodriguez
Dr. Pereta Rodriguez has had a successful 35 year career
as a professional in Public Health and Mental Health. She
grew up in a house of union organizers. Her mother was
a shop steward in the International Ladies Garment Union,
and later with 1199 Hospital Workers union. Her father was
a union organizer with Merchant Marines Union.
As a High School student Pereta volunteered in the Bronx
with Dr. Evelina Lopez Antonetty, in the South Bronx
office of the United Bronx Parents, where she worked as
an assistant group leader with parents, and students; and
in Casita Maria’s Bronx Center. Pereta also worked with
Yolanda Sanchez, a mentor and advocate who with Antonia
Pantoja served as role models. Dr. Rodriguez was a member
of the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs
(PRACA) from its infancy and worked in the South Bronx
as Director of the Prevention Services.
In 1975, Dr. Rodriguez competed in the federal government’s
Nationwide Senior Executive Training Program to recruit
women and minorities in policy and legislative positions
in Washington DC. In the final stage Dr. Rodriguez was
one of two minorities selected to work in the Office of the
Secretary of Health. As a Program Officer, she assisted in
the funding of PROMESA, a drug treatment program, and
the Community Health and Mental Health Centers in New
York Center.
In 1999, Dr. Rodriguez returned to City College (her Alma Mater) as the Director of the
Wellness and Counseling Center. Her mandate was to establish a primary care medical unit
and a Crisis Intervention Counseling Program.
In 2004, Dr. Rodriguez received a grant from the JED Foundation for a conference to train
CUNY counseling staff in suicide prevention to CUNY Colleges’ diversified student body.
In 2006, Dr. Rodriguez was awarded a 3 year grant from the federal government’s SAMHSA
College Suicide Prevention to provide suicide prevention and mental health services to CCNY
students and the African American and Dominican community surrounding CCNY. The
grant also allowed her to set up an outreach program to provide transition case management
services to returning veterans.
Today she continues her volunteer work with The Antonia Pantoja Mural Committee in El
Barrio, the National Museum of the American Indian; and on a one to one basis with two
Puerto Rican Veterans who served in Afghanistan suffering from Post Traumatic Stress.
She also serves on the CCNY Board and volunteers with CCNY Latino. Dr. Rodriguez has
dedicated herself to opening doors for the Puerto Rican/Latino community.
30
The Dr. Antonia Pantoja
Mural Project Continues
Dr. Pantoja was the most important figure in the development of
the Puerto Rican community in
New York City and nationwide,
starting in the late 1950s until her
death in 2002. Her best-known
contribution is ASPIRA, a national
not-for-profit organization that
was launched in 1961 to address
the high school dropout rate and
poor educational attainment of
Puerto Rican and Latino youth. Simultaneously, Dr. Pantoja’s work
led to the development of bilingual education programs in New
York City public schools.
The Dr. Antonia Pantoja Mural Project, created in
Spring 2012, honors the legacy of this educational
visionary and community activist. The Project, a
public art mosaic mural and permanent installation
is being designed by artist Manny Vega. The mural
once installed, will further anchor East Harlem as
a hub for culture and creativity of the community’s
rich Puerto Rican history and New York City’s diverse Latino culture.
• Increase the visibility of East Harlem’s creative
achievements and cultural contributions;
• Promote the beautification of East Harlem.
• The East Harlem community is undergoing radical economic and demographic shifts, i.e. gentrification. As a result, there is community consensus
and shared aspiration to preserve, document and
celebrate the rich history and contribution of
Puerto Ricans and Latinos to New York City.
The goals of the project are to:
• Through the utilization of Dr. Pantoja’s model
of community development and her legacy, this
project will promote community-led initiatives
that educate about the intersection of art and community engagement.
• Perpetuate Dr. Antonia Pantoja’s legacy of community engagement, the empowerment of youth,
and the cultivation of the next generation of civic
leaders;
Like the Dr. Antonia Pantoja Project on
Facebook at pantojamural.com/facebook
The Dr. Antonia Pantoja mural will engage, inspire
and foster dialogue among youth, their families, visitors and residents about the value of education.
• Commemorate local leadership via the remembrance of an iconic figure;
For more information visit pantojamural.
com/indiegogo
The Jack I knew
By Eva de la O
I first met with Jack Agueros in 1979 when he was
the Director of El Museo
del Barrio. By the time I
had requested meeting
with him, he was already
a legend as an activist in
the Puerto Rican community and in the entire City
of New York. By then, he
had directed the Puerto
Rican Community Development Project, he had
been appointed Deputy
Commissioner by Mayor
John Lindsay and staged
a 5-day hunger strike protesting the lack of Puerto Ricans in governmental
positions and led Mobilization for Youth in the Lower East Side. He was a force to be reckoned with!
Jack understood. Although quite gentle in
his demeanor he immediately requested
written, specific data
on costs and format
for the events which
I promptly provided.
When he led me to
the Museo Gallery, he
expressed concerns
about its acoustic capabilities, to which
I responded with an
a capella rendition
of “La Borinquena.
He smiled his warm
Agueros smile which encouraged me further to inform him that we would need to rent a 9 foot concert
grand piano from the Steinway Piano Company.
What I did not know about him when we first met
was that Jack was a serious writer of poetry and prose
whose works had already been published, winning
him accolades in the literary world both in the United
States and abroad. I was to become acquainted with
his considerable and distinguished literary accomplishments as we subsequently worked together.
Within days, Jack had arranged publicity coverage
in the New York Times and three consecutive concerts were scheduled for the first season of Musica
de Camara at el Museo del Barrio. In 1979, the 9
foot concert Steinway was in place in the Museo
Gallery. At the opening concert the vice president of
the Steinway Company attended and was duly impressed with pianist Ivonne Figueroa and her brother
violinist Guillermo, two of the younger members of
the distinguished Figueroa family of classical musicians. He was also impressed by the audience that
filled the gallery to capacity. Musica de Camara was
on its way!
My purpose in meeting with him was to propose establishing a chamber music concert series to be presented at El Museo del Barrio. Throughout my years
of training and professional work, I was often faced
with a recurring misconception in the mainstream
classical music world: Puerto Ricans had no classical
music tradition and those of us who were professionals in this field were “an exception.”
During our initial meeting I shared my concern about
this misconception with Jack and emphasized the urgency with which it should be confronted. Further, I
alluded to the inclusion of classical ensembles “in
residence” at all the museums of note in the City of
New York and how it helped attract additional audiences to their exhibits.
32
Because of Jack’s commitment, the Musica de Camara Concerts continued at El Museo del Barrio for
the next five years. Those years were crucial, formative years which enabled the organization to grow
for the next 30 years, providing a forum for classical
musicians from Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Latin
America and the African American diaspora.
Jack died earlier this year – but he will always be
remembered with heartfelt gratitude by all of us at
Musica de Camara!
Celebrating 28 years of Puerto Rican Culture and Heritage
The NY Hilton
New York City
Cocktails: 7PM
Dinner: 8PM
Live Entertainment
Silent Auction
Black Tie
Honorees
John Calderon
President
Theracare
Sebastian Villarini-Velez
Member corps de ballet
New York City Ballet
Ana Celia Zentella
Professor Emerita, University of California
San Diego, Department of Ethnic Studies
Maestro José Buscaglia Guillermety
Educator, Sculptor
Fellow, National Sculptor Society &
Founding member Academy of Arts and
Sciences of PR
Jacqueline J. Gonzalez
Executive Director
National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences,
New York, EMMYS
For more information please contact
2014 Spokesperson
Johnny Lozada
Singer, Actor,
Host, Despierta América!
Teresa A. Santiago, CN’s Chairperson, 914 263-6599, tascommunicationsllc@gmail.com
The proceeds of this event will benefit the Comité Noviembre Scholarship Awards Program, the Richie Perez
Scholarship for Peace & Justice and other annual community programs of CN.
33
JULIA DE BURGOS:
A Centenary Reflection
By Clara Galvano Rivera
1953, El Barrio, New York
City. Police are called. There
is a woman lying on the sidewalk. No identification is
found on her. She is taken
to the hospital where, a few
days later, she dies of pneumonia. From there “Jane
Doe” is buried on Hart Island,
the city’s public cemetery.
Who is this mysterious woman? Her husband, Armando
Marin is looking for her. She
had been staying with relatives in Brooklyn and no one
has seen her for several days.
CN members at the Mausoleum of He is able to track her down
and gives her a name. RealJulia de Burgos in Carolina
izing what a treasure she is to
the Puerto Rican community, he arranges to have her body
taken to Carolina, her home town. When she arrives there are
accolades, tears, tributes…and, regrets. Unfortunately, Julia
de Burgos can no longer hear them. Her life, spent chasing
happiness, freedom and equality has passed into history. Or
so it seems.
Julia Constanza de Burgos Garcia was born in 1914. 100 years
since her birth and a perfect time to reflect on her short life.
She was the eldest of thirteen children and her family was
very poor with meager resources to help her attend college.
Nonetheless, she persevered and received a two year teaching
certificate from the University of Puerto Rico in 1933. She
was an early advocate for Puerto Rican Independence and became an active member of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party
in 1934. She was elected Secretary General of the Daughters
of Freedom, the women’s organization branch of the Party. It
seems her first husband did not agree with the political leanings of his wife or those of Pedro Albizu Campos, the Party’s
leader. Two years later they divorced. She continued writing
and publishing in local literary magazines and newspapers
and in 1935 she published her first collection and named it
Poemas exactas a mi misma. The other poems in this collection are lost, however, she saved one and it is the one she is
most known for: El Rio Grande de Loiza. This poem is filled
with references to the island’s natural beauty in a sensual and
erotic manner, likening the river to a lover. In some sources,
Rio Grande was said to be a sacred river of fertility to the
Taino. Was the river a substitute for a lover? You decide…
here are some of the words from this ode to nature:
“Man river, but man with purity of a river, for you give your
34
blue soul when you give your blue kiss. Very dear river, mine.
Man River. Only man who kissing my soul has kissed my
body.“
At the time, Julia was still young, beautiful and single. She
was a striking woman at 5’10. Perhaps her longing for a
settled married life is what makes this particular poem so poignant. She must have felt a bonding with that poem because
she included it in her second collection, Poema en veinte surcos which was published in 1938. This collection reflected
her views on social justice and women’s rights. Nothing I
have read about her at this time mentions the Ponce Massacre
of 1937. This march was organized by her Party to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico but more importantly, it was to protest the U.S. Government’s imprisonment
of Albizu Campos on sedition charges. The innocent killing
of many of the members of the Nationalist Party reverberated
all over the island as pure police brutality and perhaps this fueled her desire for independence which continued to find its
way into most of her writings. Her Cancion de la verdad sencilla, published in 1939 gave her reason to celebrate as it won
the Literary Prize from the Ateneo Puertorriqueno. By 1940
she had decided to leave her beloved island and head to New
York to find fame and fortune. She stayed for a short time
and left for Cuba with a suitor who did not support her desire
to study at the university in New York. Back in New York
City, she found work and for a time was employed at Pueblos
Hispanos, a local paper that also advocated for Puerto Rican
independence. In 1946, she was again singled out for an
award by the Instituto Puertorriqueno for her essay “Ser o no
ser es la divisa” in which she once again advocated for Puerto
Rican independence. Winning this accolade did nothing for
her self-esteem or her pocket and she fell into depression,
and becoming addicted to alcohol. Julia de Burgos, heartbroken, destitute and penniless imagined she had no reason
to live and dies at 39 years of age. Cirrhosis of the liver with
the further complication of pneumonia claimed her. After her
death, her last collection, El mar y tu which contains some
of the poems she wrote in Cuba, was published. That her
poems are still read and appreciated all over the world is a
small miracle. Some of her best known works besides El Rio
Grande de Loiza are: Poema para Mi Muerte, Yo Misma Fui
Mi Ruta, Alba de Mi Silencio and Alta Mar y Gaviota.
There is a beautiful mosaic of Julia de Burgos in East Harlem
on 106 Street between Lexington and Third Avenues. Puerto
Rican artist Manny created it and it stands as a tribute to this
beautiful woman who breathed Puerto Rico into everything
she ever wrote. The mosaic is vibrant, colorful and alive and
it’s a continual reminder of her.
A YEAR OF HONORS FOR
THE PUERTO RICAN SOLDIER
by Noemí Figueroa Soulet
After a long history of neglect, the year 2014 has been
a good year for the forgotten Puerto Rican soldier. Two
historical events took place which helped finally give
them the respect they have earned for their service to this
country. Our community should celebrate and rejoice in
this recognition.
MEDAL OF HONOR TO FOUR BORICUAS
On March 18, 2014 at a White House ceremony, President
Obama awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest
commendation for combat valor, to 24 soldiers. Among
them were four Puerto Rican honorees who received the
award posthumously. All 24 soldiers had previously
received the Distinguished Service Cross during World
War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War. Congress
had ordered a review into past discrimination in the ranks
in an attempt to identify Hispanic, Jewish and AfricanAmerican veterans who may have been overlooked
previously because of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. The Borinqueneers Florida Honor Ceremony took place on Sept. 14, 2013 at the
Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida. More than 50 Borinqueneer veterans
The project was an enormous undertaking that lasted attended. The keynote speaker was Florida Governor Rick Scott. (Photo/Dennis Freytes)
12-years of reviewing hundreds of acts of heroism of those
who had received the Distinguished Service Cross. These 24 Roque “Rocky” Versace.
soldiers (which included 17 Hispanics) were found worthy of an
upgrade to the Medal of Honor in recognition of their gallantry, CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL
intrepidity and heroism above and beyond the call of duty.
The second event took place on June 10, 2014 when in the
Three of the Puerto Rican soldiers served during the Korean War: presence of eleven 65th Infantry veterans, politicians and others,
MSG Juan E. Negrón of the 65th Infantry Regiment (making him Pres. Obama signed Public Law No. 113-120 to award the 65th
the ONLY 65th Infantry veteran to have ever received the Medal Infantry Regiment Borinqueneers with the Congressional Gold
of Honor); PVT Miguel A. Vera of the 38th Infantry Regiment Medal.
and PVT Demensio Rivera of the 7th Infantry Regiment. The
fourth Puerto Rican was Staff Sgt. Félix M. Conde Falcón who The 65th Infantry Regiment, the only Hispanic-segregated unit
served during the Vietnam War. There are now a total of NINE in Army history primarily comprised of Puerto Ricans, has now
Puerto Ricans who have received the Medal of Honor; the others joined baseball star and humanitarian Roberto Clemente—also
include CPT Eurίpides Rubio, PFC Fernando Luis Garcίa, PFC from Puerto Rico—as the only Hispanic-Americans ever to
Carlos Lozada, SP4 Héctor Santiago Colón, CAP Humberto receive the Congressional Gold Medal. The Regiment is also
© Roberto Rivera-Rodriguez
MSG Juan E. Negrón
PVT Miguel A. Vera
Demensio Rivera
SSG Felix M. Conde Falcón
35
A YEAR OF HONORS FOR THE PUERTO RICAN SOLDIER
designs for consideration and comment by the U.S.
Commission of Fine Arts and subsequently by the
Secretary of the Treasury, who makes the final
decision on the medal’s design. Once the Secretary
of the Treasury has made a selection, the design is
sculptured and the medal is struck at the Philadelphia
Mint. The Mint then notifies the White House and
arrangements are made for a formal presentation by
the President, typically held at the U.S. Capitol.”
Once the Congressional Gold Medal has been
minted, the Medal will be exhibited at various
museums throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico
before remaining permanently with the Smithsonian
Institution in Washington, DC. This whole process
will take a year or more to complete and the
presentation ceremony will probably be scheduled
sometime in 2015.
Pres. Obama signs the Borinqueneeers Congressional Gold Medal legislation surrounded by veterans and sponsors of the Bill on June 10, 2014.
Photo: El Pozo Productions
the first Korean War-era military unit to be honored with this
Medal. Images of this momentous occasion received national
attention at many television stations and newspapers in the U.S.
and Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi stated
“The presidential signing ceremony was extraordinary. I am so
pleased that the Borinqueneers—the pride of Puerto Rico and
of Puerto Ricans everywhere—have received this expression
of national gratitude in recognition of their courage, skill and
patriotism. I hope it brings joy to the surviving Borinqueneers
and to the families of the thousands of Borinqueneers that have
passed away, particularly those who lost their lives in Korea,”
said Pierluisi.
OUR WORK IS NOT YET DONE
But many people are under the mistaken idea that the
Borinqueneer veterans have already received the Congressional
Gold Medals. This is far from true. Only the legislation to
award the medal was passed. This was an extremely difficult
thing to accomplish since it required the co-sponsorship of twothirds of Congress for both a House Bill and a Senate Bill. After
a vigorous, national grassroots campaign by many organizations
and individuals, the House Bill was approved on May 19th by
301 Congress members and the Senate Bill was approved on
May 22nd by 71 Senators. But there is more work that needs
to be done.
According to Pierluisi’s website: “Officials of the United States
Mint will meet with the congressional sponsors of the legislation
and representatives of the Regiment to discuss possible designs
for the medal. Based on those consultations, engravers from
the U.S. Mint will prepare a series of sketches of alternative
36
BORINQUENEERS CGM CEREMONY
In the meantime, it is important to identify as many
Borinqueneer veterans as possible and verify their
service with the 65th so they can be invited to participate at
the ceremony to unveil the Congressional Gold Medal and be
awarded a bronze replica medal. Congress authorizes $30,000
for the minting of a single Congressional Gold Medal, but the
purchase of the replica medals (estimated to cost $45 each) are
funded through private donations. Any other expenses, such as
the airfare and hotel costs for the veterans to attend need to be
paid either by the veteran or paid for through funds raised by the
community and corporate donors.
El Pozo Productions and other interested parties are currently
establishing a non-profit organization for the purpose of raising
funds for our Borinqueneer veterans to receive these replica
medals and attend the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony.
In addition, the organization proposes to collaborate with the
Smithsonian Institution to develop and raise funds for a traveling
exhibit that will accompany the Medal to educate and promote
national awareness of the contributions of the Borinqueneers.
The Borinqueneers should be able to experience this special
day of recognition and remembrance without undue financial
stress. We feel that our community needs to support and honor
the military service of these elderly veterans with the respect
and dignity they deserve. For more information or if you want
to register a Borinqueneer veteran to our database, please call
(914) 739-3989 or send an email to contact@borinqueneers.
com.
Noemí Figueroa Soulet is Founder and President of El Pozo
Productions and Producer of the award-winning documentary
film, “The Borinqueneers”.
University of Puerto Rico will be key in the battle
against HIV
Research work that could result in the development of the first
vaccine against this epidemic will be developed at the institution
Puerto Rico, by way of its state university, will be part of an
important endeavor to create a vaccine against HIV-AIDS, in
alliance with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and with the
support of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research
Trust, the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company
(PRIDCO); and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases, Division of AIDS (NIAID-DAIDS).
At a press conference held at the university, it was stated that the
research work that could result in the development of the first
vaccine to treat this epidemic will be developed at the University
of Puerto Rico (UPR) under the supervision of the scientists
Jose Lasalde, Abel Baerga Ortiz and at CDI Laboratories, Inc. in
Mayagüez by Ignacio Pino and Daniel Echinger.
UPR installations such as the Bioprocess Development and
Training Complex in Mayagüez and the Molecular Sciences
Building in Río Piedras, will be used in this important initiative
that seeks to find a generation of the recombinant protein Evelop
HIV, which could lead to the creation of a prophylactic vaccine,
said Lasalde.
“This project is, above all else, an impressive intellectual
challenge. We feel that the University of Puerto Rico and this
consortium are ready to face these challenges. This a project of
historic proportions for the UPR, highly relevant, and we are
reinventing ourselves,” added the researcher.
“Today Puerto Rico becomes a key partner in the battle against
one of the worst epidemics facing humanity, HIV-AIDS. The
National Institutes of Health approached the University of
Puerto Rico because of the talents of our scientists, the quality of
infrastructure of our biotech ecosystem, and the reliability of our
scientific economy,” stated Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla
in his announcement, accompanied by scientists and academics
from the UPR.
“This country possesses all of the tools needed to be the
epicenter of research and production of this vaccine,” added
Garcia Padilla.
The governor highlighted the advances the Island has made in the
pharma industry and touched on the fact that this development
could represent a new stage for the future of this sector in the
country, with the possibility of manufacturing on the island
drugs developed in Puerto Rico.
“Thanks to our strengths in the life sciences, this project
establishes Puerto Rico as an ally working in collaboration
with industry, academia, research and development that will be
performed throughout the endeavor. Our country has evolved
from being a manufacturer of over the counter drugs to becoming
an instrumental player in research for manufacturing a vaccine
to battle HIV-AIDS,” he said.
Ivan Rios, director of the Science, Technology and Research
Trust, noted that “With this emblematic project the Science City
becomes a tangible reality.”
He
immediately
highlighted the fact that
“The funds that we are
matching for the purchase
of equipment reaffirms
this
administration’s
commitment
to
the
development
of
the
knowledge economy.”
Total investment for the
first phase of the project
tops close to $1.5 million,
with $1.1 million coming
from NIH, and a matching
of funds of $365,000 by
the Science, Technology
and Research Trust,
which will be used for the
purchase of equipment.
“Today
we
validate
the talent and capacity
of our people, of our
researchers and faculty.
We are grateful to NIH
representatives for their vote of confidence in Puerto Rico and
its university,” said the president of the UPR, Uroyoán Walker.
As stated in a press conference, the UPR is one of 26 centers
chosen by the NIH for the development of this project and each
has a different base from which to work and attempt to produce
the vaccine.
The project will likely be developed in three phases and will run
for anywhere between five and seven years.
HIV-AIDS remains a dangerous epidemic. According to recent
reports from the World Health Organization, since the beginning
of the epidemic close to 75 million people have been infected.
Today there are more than 35.3 million people infected with
HIV-AIDS. Of this group, 3.34 million are children. In just
three decades it has been cataloged as the most mortal infectious
disease that has afflicted the planet, causing more than 36
million deaths.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, in
January 2014 there were 45,768 people registered as infected
with the virus.
For more information contact:
Iván Ríos Mena
Chief Operating Officer- Acting Executive Director
Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust
irios@prsciencetrust.org
www.prsciencetrust.org
37
The Institute for the Puerto Rican Hispanic Elderly, Inc. is a citywide, multilingual/multicultural, multi-service non-profit organization. The Institute was founded in 1978 to bridge the gap between Hispanic seniors
and the resources, entitlements, and benefits to which they should have access. The Institute’s mission is to
make older adults “golden years” fruitful, peaceful and fulfilled by directly improving their quality of life.
IPR/HE serves over 100,000 Hispanic/minority seniors a year throughout its central office, 11 senior centers
and four subsidiaries, including a mental health clinic—Clinica Nueva Esperanza (New Hope Clinic).
We serve in the following ways:
Direct Services to Seniors (Multilingual and multicultural)
The Institute serves as an important resource for non-profit organizations, government agencies and businesses throughout the Untied States and Puerto Rico by providing technical assistance, training and consultation in areas such as culturally responsive service delivery and access to minority communities. The
Institute founded the Minority Aging Defense Council, co-founded the Hispanic AIDS Forum, sponsored the
Coalition of Hispanic Service Providers and it is a founding member of Comite Noviembre.
• Information and Referral
• Entitlement Assistance
• Case Management
• Advocacy & Service Monitoring
• Counseling Crisis Intervention
• Leadership Training
• Employment Training
• Immigration Counseling
• Translation Services
• Bilingual Citizenship Classes
• Nutritional Centers
• Social/Cultural Activities
• Crime Victims
• Prevention Services
• Social Services
• Mental Health Services
• Housing
• Nutrition
• Hot Line
IPR/HE Headquarters - 413 East 120th Street, New York, NY 10035
Suleika Cabrera, IPRHE founder at Three Kings Celebration
38
28 Anniversary
th
c o m i t é
m e s
d e
l a
n o v i e m b r e
h e r e n c i a
COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM
Nineteen Years of Success
For the past twenty-eight years, CN, has created and developed programs all geared to the support educational opportunities and leadership development for Puerto Rican youth with a cultural twist. These programs are firmly rooted in the belief, that in order to succeed in life, you must pursue a higher education,
give back to your community through volunteer efforts and know your cultural ancestral history. Focusing
on educational excellence and leadership development is the key to the future of the Puerto Rican community.
In celebration of its tenth anniversary, the CN Scholarship Awards Program (CNSAP) was established. To
date, CNSAP has awarded 230 scholarships boasting a 90% college graduation rate since the inception in
1996. The scholarships are for $1,000. The selection process is competitive and documented community
service is, key to be selected.
To be eligible for the CN scholarship award, applicants must be of Puerto Rican descent; have a minimum of
one full year of community service experience; be enrolled in an accredited college or university by the Fall
of the applying year and have a B average or better. The application process includes an application form,
an essay, two letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, a short biographical sketch, and a personal
interview for finalists.
In 2006, to commemorate its 20th anniversary, CN enhanced the Scholarship Program to continue to award
the top two scholars $1,000 scholarships each year until graduation. These scholars must maintain a 3.5
grade point average and documented community work within the Puerto Rican community to continue to
receive the $1,000 scholarship for the full four years.
Comité Noviembre selects leaders from various sectors of the community who have demonstrated genuine
interest in the educational excellence of our youth to serve on the selection committee. Currently, the committee members are: Lisa M. Rodriguez, MSW, education and youth advocate, Elba Cabrera, community
leader who jointly co-chair the Committee, Lourdes R. Torres, Director, Grants Administration & Grants
Officer, Grants Office, Division of Academic Affairs, Hostos Community College, CUNY, Sandy Figueroa,
Assistant Professor, Office Technology Unit, A.A.S., B.S., M.S., Lillian Morales, Executive Assistant to
Vice President of Student Development, Hostos Community College/CUNY, and Teresa A. Santiago, Chairperson, Comité Noviembre.
To receive an application please email your information to, Lisa M. Rodriguez at lisamarierodriguez@msn.
com, 347-693-6893. Or visit our website at www.comitenoviembre.org to download a copy of the application in January 2015.
39
2014 Comite Noviembre Scholars
Alexis Nieves is
a freshman attending
Concordia
College
majoring in Education and
aspires to become a school
Principal.
A native of the South
Bronx, Alexis comes from
a large Puerto Rican family that has given her
the love and guidance needed to be successful.
Although faced with adversity throughout her
life, Alexis has decided to dream big.
Alexis excelled as a student at Bronx Studio
School for Writers and Artists. Alexis’ many
school interests were participating in student
government, Rugby, salsa dancing, and the
peer group Connection program. Student
Government gave Alexis the opportunity to
work with 6th - 12th grade students to create
a student voice for the community. Alexis
played Rugby for three years which kept her
focused to never give up...never stop!!! The
Rugby Team the “BULLDOGS” were champs
for 3 years straight. Salsa dancing has always
played a major role in Alexis’ life by keeping
her connected to her Boricua roots. Alexis
states, “the Peer Group Connection program
(PGC) was her core interest in high school”.
Through PGC, Alexis was able to work with
the incoming 9th grade freshmen to promote
the importance of education and ease the
transition from middle school to high school.
Alexis’ goal was to push her peers to realize
their capabilities and the positive changes they
can create for their future. Alexis has vowed
to use her leadership abilities to help mitigate
issues and circumstances in her community.
At graduation, Alexis was honored with the
Scholar Activist Award for her dedication
in academics and contributing to a positive
school climate.
“Being honored with the 2014 Comité
Noviembre Scholarship has been a major
blessing for me and my family. This award has
provided me with the opportunity to pursue
my dreams. I am extremely grateful for this
blessing.”
Diamante Suárez
is a freshman at CUNY’s
College of Staten Island
majoring
in
Political
Science with a minor in
Theater.
Born in Miami, Florida,
Diamante and her family
moved to NY when she was seven years old.
Diamante states, “When she moved to New
York she was not used to so much diversity
40
in one place.” It was a strange experience, but
she grew to appreciate and celebrate different
nationalities and cultures.
Diamante graduated from Francis Lewis
High School in Queens, NY. Diamante’s
extracurricular activities are impressive.
Diamante participated in the Gateway Honors
Program for pre-college education. Diamante
also participated in JROTC reaching the rank
of Cadet Staff Sergeant, performed in Drum
Corps and was one of two snare drum players.
Diamante’s love for animals led her to cofound the ASPCA Club which raises money
for the organization and most importantly
awareness of animal cruelty.
Diamante and her family were victims of
Hurricane Sandy. Diamante lives in Rockaway
Beach and was displaced for three months.
Diamante learned a hard lesson that while we
live in a diverse nation some communities
received immediate disaster relief while others
did not. Diamante’s pursuit for social action
and social justice began to develop deeper
roots.
Diamante has participated in the Angelo Del
Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership
Institute. This program coaches Latino students
to become agents of change by exploring the
social issues of their community. She states,
“She has learned that her voice counts not only
as a young adult, but as a Boricua.”
Diamante graduated with an Advanced
Regents Diploma and won the Senior Award in
Foreign Language for Spanish for community
service and outstanding grades.
Diamante is looking forward to attending an
Ivy League school to become a lawyer and
follow in the footsteps of Supreme Court
Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
I am elated to be one of the recipients for
the Comité Noviembre scholarship.
This
scholarship has also given me proof that hard
work really does pay off and to reach for
the stars. Thank you very much to the board
members of Comité Noviembre for giving me
this amazing opportunity.
Elyssa Pagán is a
sophomore at CUNY’s
Lehman College majoring in Chemistry with a
minor in Dance. Elyssa’s
goal in life is to become a
dermatologist and to create
her own line of skin care
products. Elyssa is also a
licensed esthetician and independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay
Skin Cosmetics.
Elyssa enjoys her community service outreach
with the elementary students of PS 33 in the
Bronx. At PS 33, Elyssa assist with student
character building by helping to run the Stars
Reward Program. These Stars students learn
and practice positive behaviors of respect, responsibility, fairness, friendship and caring.
This proactive approach supports creating a
health school community. The students at PS
33 love Elyssa!!! The school administration
states,”When Elyssa is around the children’s
face light up and her presence means a great
deal to them.” Elyssa is truly a Boricua in action by working with our youth.
At 18 years old, Elyssa became a small business owner with Mary Kay Skin Cosmetics.
Elyssa aspires to own her own private practice.
As a Mary Kay consultant, Elyssa receives
training on business management, marketing,
and customer service. This training has taught
Elyssa how to be business-oriented, and how
to make and save money for medical school.
Aside from her love of chemistry and dermatology, Elyssa loves dance and the arts. Elyssa has been a dancer and performer since she
was three years old. She is trained in many
styles including Salsa/Mambo, Ballet, Tap,
Jazz, Hip-Hop, Afro-Cuban and more. Elyssa
has performed all over the country including
Puerto Rico’s Salsa Congress.
As a Comite Noviembre Scholarship recipient,
I am beyond grateful. Receiving this scholarship, I will be able to further my education
by taking additional classes pertaining to my
major, along with buying my textbooks, and
saving for medical school.
Madisyn
Primas
is a freshman at Cornell
University and plans to be
a Physician.
Madisyn is a bright, mature
and humorous Boricua
that enjoys playing the
piano, photography and
socializing with her friends. For the past four
years, Madisyn completed over 600 hours of
community service. She received three high
school varsity track letters, was a varsity
track captain, president of the Global Care
committee and the 2014 National Hispanic
Recognition Scholar winner. Madisyn was
also a recipient of the College Board – AP
Scholar with Honors Award and secured
highest honors for Academic Achievements in
2011, 2012 and 2013.
Madisyn’s recommendation letter states,
“Madisyn knows about Giving Back.”
2014 CN Scholars
(continued)
Madisyn volunteered at the MarbleJamKids
where she helped children with autism and
other special needs. By participating in music,
dance and art with the students, Madisyn
encouraged the MarbleJamKids to integrate
into a regular social network.
This past summer, Madisyn volunteered at
an orphanage called Tuwapende-Watot in
Tanzania, Africa. There she taught English to
the students and learned about their culture and
customs. Madisyn states, “It was an amazing
experience to teach and play with these loving
children halfway around the globe.”
More importantly, Madisyn is proud to come
from three generations of Puerto Ricans
who arrived from Arroyo, Puerto Rico in the
1920’s.
As an aspiring physician, Madisyn dreams to
work with the Puerto Rican community and to
share wonderful family stories for her future
children and grandchildren so that they will
know this “Boricua” made a difference in the
world.
Being a Comité Noviembre Scholar, means I
have made a difference in my community and
that I will continue to be an active participant
in my studies, my connecting to my heritage,
and the community.
C elissa
Martinez is a
junior at Bowling
Green State University
majoring in Film and
C i n e m a t o g r a p h y.
Born in San Antonio,
Texas, Celissa has
lived all over the
country until her
family settled in Ohio
Celissa was recently awarded by the Office
of Multicultural Affairs at BGSU the title of
Champion Program Honoree, which states
“recognition of your outstanding academic
performance during the Fall 2013.” Celissa
has been awarded this title for 2 years and
plans to hold on to this title until graduation.
As a film and cinematography major, Celissa
keeps herself extremely busy by volunteering
at film festivals. Celissa proudly states, “Her
films have been chosen as 1st place for editing,
writing and directing.”
Celissa also began working at WBGU-TV
PBS on live productions and sporting events.
Within weeks, Celissa was selected to operate
tight close shots of an ESPN pick-up game.
Celissa received compliments on her camera
skills and work ethic by the ESPN producers.
While attending high school, Celissa learned
that the local little league football team lacked
funds. Celissa put her films skills in action!
She volunteered her summer to travel with
the team to film each game and to create the
promotional video to assist in securing the
needed funds. Celissa also edited videos for
student athletes who were applying for college
scholarships.
Celissa’s educational goal is to give back to
her community and family. She aims to travel
the world and learn about different cultures
and people. Celissa loves the idea of teaching
others about her Boricua culture especially the
foods: arroz con gandules, sofrito and tostones.
Celissa dreams of becoming a successful film
maker.
I would like to take this moment to acknowledge
the wonderful opportunity I have been given.
With this opportunity, I will be able to become
more knowledgeable about Comite Noviembre
and bring it to Ohio. Thank you for this
opportunity and it is greatly appreciated. I
will now be able to grow the Puerto Rican
community within BGSU and that alone is a
wonderful and inspiring experience.
Gloriela Iguina
Colon is a freshman
at the University of
Michigan majoring in
International Studies.
While
attending
Fiorello H. LaGuardia
High School of Music
& Art and Performing
Arts NYC, Gloriela’s
community service roots ran deep. She
assisted in organizing the Multiple Sclerosis
Walk for the St. Francis Xavier Family Faith
Program.
Her community services also
included assisting in food drives; organizing
a book drive for the Riker’s Island inmates,
as well a coat drive of four hundred coats
for the men’s shelter. Gloriela also provided
academic tutoring and English skills
acquisition for newly arrived Latinos at the
Fresh Youth Initiative.
As a summer camp counselor with
TheatrEvasion in collaboration with MetisArte
theater day camp; children were given the
opportunity to meet and jointly create a
representation using theater as a means of
expression. MetisArte organized camp theater
programs for Swiss children, immigrant and
refugee children in centers for asylum-seekers.
Gloriela’s strength of embracing her ancestry
has given her an indestructible sense of self.
Gloriela celebrates her Boricua idiosyncrasies
by saying “Bendición,” when greeting family
members; “Ay bendito,” when expressing
sympathy; kissing the bread before throwing
it out; eating more white rice than is good for
the body (but just enough for the soul); and
breaking spontaneously into salsa dancing.
Being Puerto Rican is the single most crucial
aspect of my identity, and, thus receiving
this scholarship from Comité Noviembre is
an absolute honor. To know that I have the
emotional and economic support of a network
of fellow Puerto Ricans who believe in my
educational advancement is so empowering.
The Comité Noviembre Scholarship is more
than a source of financial aid; it is an aid
in achieving my dreams of being of help to
immigrant children at the international level.
My hope is to be able to represent Puerto
Ricans and be a positive role model to all
Puerto Ricans. I am eternally grateful.
V ictoria
Torres
attends
LaSalle University
majoring in Nursing
and aspires to obtain
a graduate degree
to become a Nurse
Practitioner.
Victoria’s road to
college was not an
easy one. Victoria and her mother moved
around from state to state and attended five
different high schools in four years. Once
settled in Connecticut, Victoria received a
full scholarship to the Academy of the Holy
Family Catholic High School. While in high
school, Victoria excelled in academics and in
softball as starting 2nd baseman for the school
league. Victoria received awards for her
athletic abilities and became team captain in
her senior year at Holy Family.
Victoria is first in her family to graduate from
high school and also the first to attend college.
Her ambition is to work as a traveling nurse
and help communities that are underserved.
At La Salle University, Victoria maintained
her love of sports by joining the La Salle
Woman’s Rugby team and she keeps herself
busy with community service activities.
Victoria serves as a Nurse’s Aid for Einstein
Hospital in Philadelphia.
She promotes
awareness of the Puerto Rican and Latino
culture with OLAS (Organization of LatinoAmerican Students) and she participated in
registering young Latinos to vote in the 2012
Presidential Election.
When not deep in her studies, Victoria’s
number one pride and joy is her son. Victoria
enjoys taking her son to his swim classes and
41
2014 CN Scholars
(continued)
seeing him grow.
Victoria’s purpose is to set the example as
an independent Puerto Rican woman in the
medical field.
I am honored to have received this scholarship.
This award has made it easier for me to afford
my books this year to continue my dream of
becoming a Pediatric Nurse. A scholarship
from Comite Noviembre will not only benefit
me financially, but emotionally as well, to know
that a Puerto Rican organization recognizes
my efforts and determination to succeed.
M ilton
Rodriguez is a
freshman at Manhattan
College majoring in
Computer Engineering.
Milton is a decedent of
Puerto Rican dancers
and musicians. Milton
is the great grandson
of Angel Cepeda, a member of the Cepeda
family in Loiza, Puerto Rico that have been
known for generations for playing Bomba
and Plena, along with Afro-Antillana poetry.
Milton is a musician, artist, athlete, writer and
most importantly a devout Catholic.
Milton is a bright, articulate, principled,
sociable and a compassionate Boricua.
Milton’s teacher at Bronx Studio School for
Writers and Artists states, “Milton retains
an admirable combination of modesty and
humanity that increases his approachability.”
For his honesty, candor, and kindness, Milton
has become one of the most universally liked
figures in the school community.
Milton’s service action projects included
volunteering for the Legacy Center to clear
debris from the homes damaged by Hurricane
Sandy and Meals on Wheels delivering hot
meals and proving company for homebound
elders.
At church, Milton is a member of the youth
group Jovenes con Poder. The youth group
provides a positive environment for youth to
learn about their faith and their role in serving
the community. Milton is also a member of
the Minesterio Juvenil that builds church
community leaders as well as working with
youth.
Since Milton was young he always worked
his hardest to stand out from his peers, be it
scholarly, athletics or social fashion. Milton
made his first mark in elementary school by
graduating as salutatorian. In high school,
Milton was a member for the school’s
42
championship rugby team, scored high on his
regent exams and the SATs.
Thank you for this great opportunity as a
Comite Noviembre Scholar. This scholarship
will help me lower college cost in order to
pursue my dreams of attending college and
beyond.
Joshua Vega is
a freshman atPace
University and is
studying to become
a Registered Nurse.
While
attending
Manhattan
Village
Academy,
Joshua
maintained
perfect
attendance for school
years 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Joshua
volunteered at Churches United for Fair
Housing (CUFFH).
CUFFH helps low
income families find affordable housing in
the Bushwick and Williamsburg communities
of Brooklyn. Joshua realized that many of
the struggling families that attended CUFFH
were his neighbors and everyday community
members that looked like him. Joshua learned
that just because a person or a family looks
fine they may not be OK and need some
help. Driven by the needs of the community,
Joshua helped to organize housing application
workshops and individually assisted over 300
applicants.
As a volunteer at Beth Israel Medical Center,
Joshua saw patients receiving full spectrum
skin care from acne to skin cancer. Joshua
would assist staff at the Wound Care Center by
scheduling appointments and creating medical
charts.
This experience landed another
volunteer opportunity with the New York
Eye and Ear Infirmary. Joshua moved from
working behind the scenes to working directly
with patients, transporting them from the
waiting room to the Operation Room. Joshua
also provided comfort as the patients waited
for their operation. Joshua felt like a real
nurse as he donned scrubs and assisted in the
operation room. Joshua states, “As the knife
descended on the eye, I sat on the edge of my
chair mesmerized.” This surgery restored the
sight to a four-year old boy that he welcomed
to the hospital earlier that morning. Joshua
knew he wanted to be a nurse.
Thank you Comite Noviembre! When I
received confirmation I was selected as one
of the 2014 Comite Noviembre Scholarship
Award recipients, I thought it was too good to
be true. I was excited. This award will help me
afford the text books that I need to purchase for
the nursing program in my school. I’m grateful
to be selected for this scholarship.
J aymie
Nicholas Nieves
is a freshman at Rider
University majoring
in Accounting with a
minor in Finance.
Jaymie’s family moved
from the Bronx to New
Jersey while he was in
middle school. That
transition was not a
smooth one for Jaymie or his family. He
experienced discrimination at his new school
by students solely based on his skin color and
ethnicity.
Jaymie was determined to make a difference
not only for him but for all students. He
began to document his experiences of
discrimination and sent this information to
the school district. A “NO” tolerance policy
was created for kids who were discriminated
and bullied by other students based on their
race or ethnicity.
As a student at Arthur L. Johnson High
School, Jaymie excelled in academics,
sports and dedicated his time to community
service. He was a Key Club Leader tutoring
classmates in math. As captain of the school’s
swim team, Jaymie organized Swim Across
America to also raise awareness and funds
for cancer patients. As a swim coach, Jaymie
volunteered at the Rahway YMCA to teach
autistic children how to swim.
Jaymie was also a Puppetry Club Group
Leader, where he constructed stages, wrote
skits and recruited kids to perform with
puppets. The Puppetry Club organized shows
for elementary school children to address
important topics on drugs, discrimination and
bullying.
I would like to say thank you for selecting
me to be a recipient of the 2014 Comite
Noviembre Scholarship. This scholarship
means a lot to me because as a student I have
always tried to show my Puerto Rican pride.
I would like to thank my parents, who have
encouraged me with any endeavor I chose
to pursue. They have truly been great role
models. Thank you again from the bottom
of my heart to all the contributors and to the
Comite Noviembre volunteers who work so
hard to make this great cause a reality.
National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights
In 1981, Puerto Rican activists from around the country including the late Richie Perez, a
longtime activist and leader in the struggle for global human rights, founded the National
Congress for Puerto Rican Rights (NCPRR). For more than 20 years the NCPRR engaged in
grassroots campaigns in many cities, including a march on Washington D.C.
The NCPRR is a power resource that was created by the Puerto Rican people’s grassroots
struggle - it has history, legitimacy and weight. Hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours, the rejecting of government
funding, the rejecting of the single, charismatic male leadership model; the promotion of women and young leadership (women must be at least half of all leadership bodies within the organization), the successful uniting of previously
disconnected community forces; the emphasis on learning to use all tactics and avoid marginalization (community
education, working the media, voter mobilization, coalition building, lobbying, litigation, and direct/action); the groundbreaking work around bilingual education, environmental justice, the right to representation, holding elected officials
accountable, racial justice, against police brutality and Puerto Rico’s right to self-determination are part of our legacy.
In 2011 at its 9th national conference in Miami, Florida, the organizations went through a reaffirmation of the organization’s principles. Over 200 people representing Puerto Rico and ten states including Ohio, Illinois, New York and
Pennsylvania recommitted themselves to forming a national Puerto Rican agenda on issues like bilingual education, the
national immigration debate, Puerto Rico Self-Determination, Post-Vieques clean-up, No Child Left Behind, Voting
Rights & Political Education, Social Discrimination, Economic Justice, Police Brutality, Health Care Reform and the
release of the remaining PR Political Prisoners. This historical conference mark a clear turning point for NCPRR. Goals
set were: Help NCPRR determine strategies that will address the many challenges facing the Puerto Rican people;
Learn from and build on the experiences of different cities as well as towns across the country where Puerto Ricans live;
Effectively utilize the history, name, recognition and credibility of the NCPRR to affect social change; Address the issue
of organizational life-support and financial stability to make the NCPRR viable in the new century; Provide a platform
to follow as well as methods for the direct engagement of the next generation of community leaders and unified efforts
for making positive social change into the future.
For more information about the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights or to become a
member contact: Martha Laureano, martha.Laureano@nychhc.org
El Barrio Street changed to Young Lords Way
Craig D. Frazier | 8/28/2014, 11:44AM; Young Lords Way (Craig D. Frazier
photo)
The corner of E. 111th St. and Lexington Ave. was changed on August 28,
2014 to Young Lords Way, honoring the Puerto Rican group that fought for
social justice in the sixties. A huge crowd lined the sidewalk on both sides of
the street in front of the First Spanish Methodist Church. In 1969, the group
occupied the site for 11 days, creating cultural programs that provided free
breakfast, clothing and other services for the community. Community leaders and numerous elected officials attended the renaming ceremony. Honored
was Young Lords founder Jose “Cha-Cha” Jimenez who turned his Chicago
street gang into a socio-political group with a mission to help and empower
underserved people of color in the community. The Young Lords began in
Chicago in the 1960s as a Puerto Rican gang, but quickly transformed into
a leading civil and human rights movement. As members migrated and were recruited across the country, they gained
national prominence, leading protests for change in inner cities where Puerto Ricans were being displaced and marginalized. In 1970, New Yorkers, Miguel “Mickey” Melendez, Pablo Guzman, Felipe Luciano, along with David Perez, Juan
Gonzales, Juan Fi Ortiz and Denise Oliver, renamed the New York chapter, the Young Lords Party. The influence of the
movement extended beyond politics. The Young Lord Party inspired young political leaders, professionals and artists,
forming the Nuyorican cultural renaissance in the 1970s, which spread nationally across the United States.
43
THE RICHIE PÉREZ
SCHOLARSHIP FOR PEACE &
JUSTICE AWARD
PURPOSE
In 2004, the Puerto Rican community lost an ally, advocate, community leader and urban
warrior. Richie Pérez was a beloved activist and leader in the fight for social justice and human rights. He brought integrity, zeal and unity to many causes to which he was committed.
These included the struggle for racial justice and against police brutality, Puerto Rican independence and universal human rights. As a former Young Lord and founding member of the
National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights, Richie was our inspiration and conscience. Richie
wrote and lectured extensively on the Puerto Rican urban experience and as a professor in the
CUNY system taught classes in mass media, US social policy and the history of the labor and
civil rights. Richie believed greatly in the power and potential of young people to create social
change. He personally mentored many youth and believed that the torch of the movement for
justice had to be passed on to the next generation.
In his memory, Comité Noviembre has established the Richie Pérez Scholarship for Peace and
Justice. The award will recognize Puerto Rican young people for their commitment, activism
and achievements in any of the areas of human rights and social justice. This annual award
will both promote the advancement of new leaders in the movement for peace and justice, and
also invest in their continued growth by providing support for their ongoing education and political development The scholarship winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The application form will be ready for distribution and posted on Comité
Noviembre’s website, www.comitenoviembre.org, in January. To date CN has awarded 17 scholarships.
ELIGIBILTY
• Applicants must Be of Puerto Rican descent
• Document a minimum of one-year active participation and organizing work in a social justice or human rights issue.
• Be enrolled in an accredited college or university by the fall of each year or at the time of the scholarship award.
• Be between the ages of 17 and 25.
GUIDELINES
• A completed application package must include an application form, essay, two letters of recommendation and a short
biographical sketch. All items must be submitted in one package.
• Letters of recommendation must be from community members who personally know their work, leadership and commitment to social justice and human rights causes.
• Application package must be received or post marked by the deadline dated indicated.
• Application package received or post marked after the deadline date will be disqualified.
• Finalist will be notified in a timely manner.
• A mandatory personal interview will be conducted by the scholarship committee. Finalist will be notified of the interview at least one week in advance. Finalist will not be considered if he/she does not show-up for interview. Other
arrangements will be made for finalist away at college.
• Recipients of the Richie Perez Scholarship Award will be disqualified should any of the following conditions occur: (1)
recipient provides false information on application (2) recipients is not enrolled in an accredited college or university
by the fall or at the time of the award (3) recipient is not of Puerto Rican descent
• Scholarship payment will be made by Comité Noviembre upon recipient of official documentation from college Registrar or Bursar’s Office.
Please contact: Martha Laureano, martha.Laureano@nychhc.org; (917) 803-2367 or Lisa Rodriguez at 347-6936893 or email lisamarierodriguez@msn.com, if you have any questions or to receive an application form. You can
also visit our website at www.comitenoviembre.org.
44
RICHIE PEREZ SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of Richie
Pérez, Comité Noviembre will continue honor his memory
and legacy through the exceptional work of the young men
and women that have received this scholarship.
Growing up, Alyssa Villegas was not aware of her Puerto Rican
heritage. During her freshman year at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), she decided that she needed to get involved in the
Puerto Rican community, learn about her culture and begin to fully shape her identity. She joined the Que Ondee Sola, the oldest
Puerto Rican/Latin@ student-led, student focused magazine in the
country, and the Union for Puerto Rican Studies where she met
young Puerto Ricans involved in the Humboldt Park community.
Over the past three years, she has been able to embrace, engage and
teach others about her Puerto Rican history and culture.
In addition to her involvement on campus, for the past three years as a member of the National Boricua Human Rights
Network Chicago Chapter, (NBHRN), she has been heavily involved in the Campaign for the Liberation of Oscar Lopez Rivera, the longest held Puerto Rican political prisoner who has served 33 years in prison. Three years ago, she
was an organizer for Batey Urbano, a youth space that served to offer artist alternatives to youth in Humboldt Park.
The collective decided to assist NBHRN in organizing an interactive cell project called 31 Days for 31 Years. The cell
project consisted of 31 volunteers spending 24 hours in a makeshift 6X9 cell in the storefront of Batey Urbano. The
“prisoners” weren’t allowed access to electronics and were supervised by a “guard” during their stay. The cell offered
participants a small glimpse into Oscar’s reality in prison for the past 33 years. 31 Days 31 Years was Alyssa the first
real encounter with NBHRN and the Oscar Rivera case. At the culminating event, she received the opportunity to briefly
speak to Oscar by phone.
The success of 31 Days 31 Years led her to dedicate her time to increasing the youth involvement in the Campaign.
Since joining NBHRN she has facilitated numerous cell projects, organized the youth presence during the Puerto Rican
People’s Parade and Fiesta Boricua, organized petition drives, and teach-in at Northeastern Illinois University, Columbia College Chicago, and University of Illinois, Chicago. The teach-in consisted of members of the NBHRN including
former political prisoner Luis Rosa, visiting classes to speak about the Oscar campaign. The success of these events
garnered over 2000 petitions that were sent to President Obama calling for the release of Oscar this past summer.
“Prior to my involvement, I lacked a sense of purpose. Finding Oscar’s campaign gave me the motivation and the desire
to be a leader. I no longer lack a purpose but have realized the importance of historical memory and the power of community organizing. Oscar’s resilience, his selflessness, his hope and sense of peace inspire me every single day. Oscar
has driven me to continue his work and strive each day for my people and community.”
Alyssa also works at the Roberto Clemente Community Academy, (RCCA) as a college mentor. Her position allows
her to assist students throughout the application process to college. After students graduate from high school and enter
higher education, she serves as their mentor for the next two years to assist them navigate the university and connect
them resources on campus and organizations. She is Majoring in Business Management and minoring in Latino/Latin
American studies at NEIU where she is expected to receive her Bachelor in May 2015. She has been editor-in-chief of
Que Ondee Sola since 2012, through this experience in magazine design has inspired her to pursue a master’s in media
management from Columbia College Chicago.
45
46
28 Anniversary
th
c o m i t é
m e s
d e
l a
n o v i e m b r e
h e r e n c i a
2013 Artisans Fair & Exhibit
Artisans from throughout the US and Puerto Rico
have for the past eight years participated in Comité
Noviembre’s Puerto Rican Artisan Fair. The number
of participating artisans averages 55. This is the largest
Puerto Rican artisan fair outside of Puerto Rico and
the largest in the US. Comite Noviembre transforms
Hostos Community College into a center of Puerto
Rican culture with artists, sculptors, vejigante mask
makers promoting and selling their wares while
musical and cultural acts entertained. Workshops for
children and adults, like mask making, the history of
the three kings’ celebration, Taíno storytelling are are
an integral part of the days festivities in order to make
sure that our youth learn about our culture.
Continuing with this tradition we continued with
Comite Noviembre’s Second Annual Puerto Rican
Authors Book Expo. We invited some of the finest
Puerto Rican writer’s in NY to introduce and sell their
books. Twenty authors participated this year. This
event was coordinated by author, poet/performance
artist Maria Aponte who is coordinating the 2014
Book Expo for the sencond year.
The Comite Noviembre Puerto Rican Artisan Fair is
produced by the CN Artisan Fair Committee composed
of: Teresa Santiago, co-chair; Luis Cordero Santoni,
co-chair; artisan Olga Ayala; Maria Aponte, Hostos
Center for the Arts and Culture Executive Director
John MacElwee and theatre manager Felix Arocho.
Photos by Ana Alicea
47
2013 Artisans Fair & Exhibit
48
Puerto
Rican
Authors
Book Expo
Photos by Ana Alicea
The Book Expo was established in 2012 in order to showcase the many talented Puerto Rican writers in the NY area. The artisans fair was the catalyst for
the development of the Puerto Rican Authors Book Expo. This proved to be
a great success because of the emphasis to encourage the interaction between
the author and the reader. Also proving that there is a strong Puerto Rican
literary movement by Puerto Rican writers. An open mic poetry/book presentation are also showcased. Author poet/performance artist Maria Aponte is
coordinator of this year’s Book Expo.
49
dedicated to the
preservation and
promotion of puerto
rican arts and culture
By Luis Cordero
The Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts,
P.R.I.D.A. was founded to help address the predicament
faced by many Puerto Rican artists and artisans. That
predicament: securing recognition, finding spaces to
perform and exhibit, venues where work can be sold,
and securing funding in support of these activities are the
issues PRIDA addresses.
2014 marks the 9th year of Comité Noviembre’s Puerto
Rican Artisan Fair and Exhibit. Throughout these years
Comité Noviembre has showcased many of our Puerto
place and just as importantly, create an organization to
provide essential services for the continuing growth of the
emerging Puerto Rican artists.
We know that Puerto Rican artists are increasing in number
and are a significant part of the artistic and cultural life
in New York and other cities. Yet, we receive little or no
support needed to develop as artists. Many times, we find
ourselves struggling to make ends meet or juggling our
personal lives and our artistic endeavors.
PRIDA members at the 116th Street Festival, June 8, 2013
Rican crafters and provided them with an opportunity to
share their art with the world. At the same time this fair
has renewed interest in Puerto Rican arts and crafts. Out of
this renewed interest was born the Puerto Rican Institute
for the Development of the Arts, P.R.I.D.A.
PRIDA was organized to support the renewal of the
Puerto Rican arts and crafts movement born in the New
York Puerto Rican community. Previously we had a music
movement out of which salsa was born and a Nuyorican
literary movement whose epicenter was the Nuyorican
Poets Cafe in the Lower East Side. Now we have a renewal
of interest in arts and crafts by Puerto Rican artists and
artisans.
Who is PRIDA?
PRIDA was founded by Luis Cordero, Olga Ayala
and Lourdes (Lulu) Garcia with Comite Noviembre’s
chairperson, Teresa Santiago. We recognized the we need
to continue this tradition of the Puerto Rican Artisan Fair.
PRIDA will assure that this fair will continue to take
50
Soon after PRIDA was born we launched a website,
www.PRIDA.org, with the aim of providing a site where
artists can find the information they need to grow their
businesses and to continue offering their creative talents
to our community.
PRIDA was created for all Puerto Rican artists not just
artisans. We have artists in the field of visual arts, literature,
the performing arts, etc. We will feature programs to help
painters, photographers, and filmmakers exhibit their
work; crafters get to venues to sell their crafts; authors and
poets publish, distribute and sell their books; musicians,
actors and poets to perform their work.
There are many cultural events taking place throughout
the city. We are invited by organizers to set up and sell our
crafts. But there are events that charge a “setting up” fee.
PRIDA can often negotiate a more reasonable fee for their
members. This is one of the benefits of being a member of
an organization; it increases your bargaining power. For
example, we have successfully negotiated reduced fees
PRIDA - Promotion of Puerto
Rican Artists (continued)
to artisans that participate in the Loisaida
Festival every Memorial Day weekend in
May, in the 111th Street Stickball Festival
in July in East Harlem. In the 116th Street
Festival, on the day before the National
Puerto Rican Day Parade, we get our
spaces free of charge, thanks to the Abrazo
Fraternal del Barrio!
To implement one of our goals, increasing
the locations for the sale of crafts created
by Puerto Rican artists, we have developed
a relationship with El Museo del Barrio
and we are welcome to set up our tables
and sell at their events. Many of the crafts
that are available at the street fairs will
soon be for sale at the Museo’s gift shop.
Aqui esta El Barrio exhibition opening reception at Taino Towers Stickball CommuArtists Create Jobs!
nity Gallery, August 18, 2014. Photo courtesy of Francisco Molina Reyes II.
We have also been supportive of the initiative by Puerto
Rican Intercultural Drama Ensemble (PRIDE) to create a
Theater District in East Harlem. This initiative by PRIDA
member and founder of PRIDE, Eugene Rodriguez proposes
that there are several theaters in the area which are not
open or are underused. Making them available to theater
companies to operate them will be a great economic benefit
to the community by bringing tourists and theater goers to
the neighborhood while at the same time providing jobs for
artists.
Artists on the Move
Since its founding under the sponsorship of Comite
Noviembre, PRIDA members have set up their Artists
Market at many events throughout the city. In 2014 we
produced our first artists exhibition at the Taino Towers
Stickball Community Gallery in East Harlem. We also
saw many of the PRIDA artists members participate in the
folowing annula events:
• Loisaida Festival on the Sunday before Memorial Day
• The 116th Street Festival in June
• Boogie on the Boulevard: Summer Sundays in the Bronx
in August
• The Eighth Biennual BomPlenazo 2014 at Hostos Center
for the Arts in October
Member levels for those who are not artists but support our
mission. In addition, we have a Free Member level for anyone
who supports the establishment of PRIDA. If you are an
artist and would like to join PRIDA please go to our website
www.prida.org and click on the ‘membership’ tab.
Goals
1. Add venues and shops who offer your artwork for sale
2. Influence artistic venues (museums and galleries) to
showcase the work we produce
3. Become a well informed source for cultural events
4. Conduct workshops in different disciplines for the
artists and the public
What can PRIDA do for artists?
1. PRIDA will establish relations with agencies that are
looking for artistic programs, workshops, exhibitions
2. Keep artists informed about events and opportunities
through a member’s newsletter, website and/or email
bulletins
3. Inform artists about the laws and other matters that
affect an artist’s livelihood
4. Produce our own arts events
5. Establish cooperation with likeminded groups in the
U.S and PR
6. Share information about monies and opportunities
available to artists from foundations and agencies
Membership
PRIDA is open all Puerto Rican artists. We have two paid
membership levels: Full Member level, who pay $75 per
year and are entitled to all kinds of benefits and Supporting
51
HISTORY
ASPIRA was founded in New York City in 1961 by Dra. Antonia Pantoja to combat the exorbitant dropout rate among Puerto Rican high school youth and became
incorporated in New York State on May 24th, 1965. In 1968, ASPIRA of America
(today known as the ASPIRA Association now based in Washington, D.C.) was
created. Since then, the ASPIRA movement has grown and established additional
SASPIRA associate offices in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico.
MISSION
To foster the social advancement of the Puerto Rican/Latino community by
supporting its youth in the pursuit of educational excellence through leadership development activities and programs that emphasizes commitment
to the community and pride in the Puerto Rican/Latino culture.
VISION STATEMENT
To be the premier Latino youth-serving organization in New York, to the
38%, roughly 1.1 million New York City public school students who are
Latino, aspire to improve their lives and community by exercising their
leadership skills and by achieving educational excellence.
ABOUT ASPIRA OF NEW YORK, INC.
ASPIRA of New York, Inc. serves over 8,000 Latino youth and families annually in the areas of youth development,
educational achievement, leadership and parent engagement. ASPIRA’s current menu of program services, incorporate both in-school and after school programs with over 85% of all services being delivered on school grounds.
These programs and services include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Over 25 ASPIRA leadership clubs in High Schools
Drop-out prevention and attendance improvement services in high schools and middle school
SAT preparation courses
College counseling and other advisement services
21st Century Community Learning Centers
After School neighborhood based services in the Mott Haven and Kingsbridge sections of the Bronx
ASPIRA volunteer Initiative Program which links corporate and individual volunteers as mentors androle models for ASPIRA Youth
• In recent years ASPIRA of New York, Inc. has become active in the arena of small school reform resulting in
the creation of:
• The Marble Hill School for International Studies, a small college-preparatory high school focusing on global
awareness and language acquisition.
• The Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists, a small 6th — 12th grade combined middle & senior high
school located in the heart of the South Bronx
ASPIRA of New York is committed to:
• Effectively engaging Latino youth and their families.
• Collaborating with organizations that affect the lives of young people in a positive way.
• Seeking to positively change attitudes among young people and between youth and adults.
• Preparing young people to be leaders and decision makers in all aspects of their lives.
• Working to influence policies and practices that reflect the aspirations and contributions of young people as full
valued members of the communities they live in and of society at large.
ASPIRA OF NEW YORK, INC.
520 Eighth Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10018
(212) 564-6880, (212) 564-7152 (f), www.nyaspira.org
Mark Gonzalez, Executive Director - mgonzalez@nyaspira.org
David Minaya, Student Coordinator - dminaya@nyaspira.org
ASPIRA: “to aspire”
52
COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE
mes de la herencia puertorriqueña
19TH ANNUAL
DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014 10AM TO 12NOON
El Museo del Barrio
1230 Fifth Avenue, NYC, 2nd Floor
La Clinica del Barrio
413 E 120th Street, NYC
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2014 11AM TO 2PM
In the Brooklyn - TBD
In the Bronx
James Monroe/IPRHE Senior Center
1776 Story Ave, Bronx, NY
In Queens
Elmhurst Jackson Heights IPRHE Senior Center
75-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY
FOOD DRIVE - NON-PERISHABLE FOODS
ITEMS NEEDED TO CREATE A TYPICAL PUERTO RICAN THANKSGIVING MEAL
RICE
GANDULES
CANNED HAMS
BROWN SUGAR/MAPLE SYRUP
CLOVES
CANNED SLICED PINEAPPLES
CANNED YAMS
CANNED VEGETABLES
(CORN, GREEN BEANS MIXED) 5LB
BAG OF POTATOES
MAYONNAISE
CRANBERRY SAUCE
GRAVY
STUFFING (BOX)
CANNED FRUITS
(PINEAPPLES, PEACHES, FRUIT
COCKTAIL)
CRACKERS
COOKIES
PERMALOT MILK
SODA
COFFEE
SUGAR
MEDIUM/LARGE BASKETS
NAPKINS
For the past nineteen years, Comité Noviembre has set aside the Sunday before Thanksgiving as a day of community service and social
responsibility in commemoration of November 19th, traditionally known as Puerto Rican discovery day or as we like to call it Puerto
Rican “encounter” day. The purpose of the day is to show the spirit of commitment and the power of action. Over the past years, this
event has been a great success and organizations throughout the city have benefited from this collaboration, including homeless and battered women’s shelters and senior centers as well as individual families.
Community service and social responsibility are the strongholds of the Puerto Rican community. Throughout the years our experience
has shown us that when we dedicate ourselves to improving the quality of life of those around us, we build a more unified and stronger
society. Comite Noviembre urges you to conduct your own food drive at your work place, church, school or simply participate in this
day as a volunteer
CN Day of Community Service and Social Responsibility Thanksgiving Turkey Fund
Each year CN distributes over 300 turkeys to needy families. The Yorkville Pantry generously donates 75 turkeys for distribution at El
Museo del Barrio, and in the past we have received donations from Health First and City Harvest Food Bank but it is never enough. This
year, CN is requesting donations from YOU, the community to purchase 300 – 10 to 15lb turkeys. The goal is to raise $4000. Please
make out check to: Comité Noviembre and include Turkey Drive in the memo section of your check. Please mail check to: Comité
Noviembre C/O TAS Communications, LLC, 45 East Hartsdale Avenue – Suite 3L, Hartsdale, NY 10530, Attn: Teresa A. Santiago. You
can also make donation by PAYPAL by logging onto our website at www.comitenoviembre.org and follow PAYPAL directions.
Live the Spirit of Commitment and the Power of Action Come Join Us!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED BEFORE AND AFTER THIS DATE FOR FOOD COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION!
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO VOLUNTEER PLEASE CONTACT
Alicia Rodriguez, aliciarod72@gmail.com, (347) 675 5490, Martha Laureano, (917) 803-2367,
Teresa A. Santiago, CN, (914) 263-6599, tascommunicationsllc@gmail.com
53
Highlights of the 19th Annual
CN DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE &
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
As in past years, ASPIRA Clubs in 18 high schools throughout the City of
New York conducted food drives at each of the clubs. The drive collected over
4,500 cans of foods. The items of non-perishable foods collected created a
typical Puerto Rican Thanksgiving meal. With monetary contributions that
CN collected from its members, Big Brothers Big Sister affiliates, colleagues,
family and friends as well as a donation of 75 turkeys from the Yorkville
Food Pantry in Manhattan, ASPIRANTES, El Puente Urban Young Warriors,
Big Brothers Big Sisters and Latino Bigs as well as volunteers were able to
distribute over 300 turkeys to needy families in throughout the City the Sunday
before Thanksgiving. The distribution occurred simultaneously in five different
locations including the Bronx (1) Manhattan (2) Brooklyn (1) and Queens, (1).
In these tough economic times it is very difficult to provide for our own families
however community service and social responsibility are the strongholds of the
Puerto Rican community. Throughout the years our experience has shown
us that when we dedicate ourselves to improving the quality of life of those
around us, we build a more unified and stronger society.
Comité Noviembre, ASPIRA and Big Brothers Big Sisters urges each and
every one of you to get involved. Collect money to buy turkeys, volunteer on
the day of event or conduct your own food drives in your schools, colleges/
universities, work place, churches, hospitals and supermarkets and help us feed
the needy and hungry in our community.
This year, CN is requesting donations from YOU, the community to purchase
300 – 10 to 15lb turkeys. The goal is to raise $4000. Please make out check
to: Comité Noviembre and include Turkey Drive in the memo section of your
check. Please mail check to: Comité Noviembre C/O TAS Communications,
LLC, 45 East Hartsdale Avenue – Suite 3L, Hartsdale, NY 10530, Attn: Teresa
A. Santiago. You can also make donation by PAYPAL by logging onto our
website at www.comitenoviembre.org and follow PAYPAL directions.
Help us make a difference through the Spirit of Commitment and the Power of
Action! It just takes one person to ask the question – the only thing they can
do is say No the best thing that can happen is that we make a solid difference.
Volunteers needed before and after this date for food collection and distribution!
Big Brothers, Big Sisters participating in the CN DCSSR on
Sunday November 23, 2013 at
the James Monroe Senior Center in the Bronx
54
For more information and to Volunteer please contact:
Alicia Rodriguez, aliciarod72@gmail.com. (347) 675 5490;
Maritza Carmona, El Museo del Barrio, mcarmona@elmuseo.org, (212) 660-7176;
Teresa A. Santiago, CN, tascommuniationsllc@gmail.com, (914) 263-6599
La Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular, (The National Foundation for Popular Culture), is a non-profit organization incorporated in August
1996. The mission of the La Fundación is to advance the development of
Puerto Rican popular culture through study, research, promotion and sponsorship of events specifically geared to cultural interest and performers.
La Fundación’s goals are to research, study, file, produce publications, catalogue, disclose, compete, conserve, produce, promote, exhibit, exchange and
disseminate information, knowledge and the history of Puerto Rico’s popular, classical and folkloric culture.
La Fundación’s archives hold and preserve an extensive collection of records
in all formats, including radio recordings, interviews, photos, negatives, videos in various formats, advertising propaganda, magazines, works of art,
paintings and other popular culture collectibles.
In line with its objectives, the organization encourages and promotes the
knowledge of popular culture, serving as a resource for research and source
of information to artists, musicians, students, teachers, communicators in
all branches (including journalists, publicists and public relations), writers,
scriptwriters, producers of shows, historians, sponsors as well as governmental and educational organizations.
Javier Santiago, Founder and Executive Director
Mailing Address
Apartado 9023971,
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902-3971
Location
Calle Fortaleza #56
Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
info@PRpop.org
(787) 724-7165; (787)725-2498 (f)
55
28 Anniversary
th
c o m i t é
m e s
d e
l a
n o v i e m b r e
h e r e n c i a
Buscando
Nuestras Raices
AUGUST 12, 2014 – AUGUST 21, 2014
Embassy Suites Hotel & Casino
Photos by Carlos Fernandez
2014 CN trip participants on coach bus ready to go
Maestro Angel Cucco Peña surrounded by CN guests after
concert by the Banda De Conciertos de Puerto Rico at Museo
de Arte de Puerto Rico, Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
and Comité Noviembre
Outside medicinal plants gardens at the Botanical Gardens
of the University of Puerto Rico.
56
This year’s eighth annual cultural trip to Puerto Rico:
“Buscando Nuestras Raíces,” was truly an exceptional and
memorable journey for many that attended. This trip is an
adventure into a cultural and educational experience for
those who want to explore the richness of Puerto Rico’s
culture, ancestral roots and history. Making this trip a reality was a natural progression of CN’s mission and goals.
For the past eight years we have planned this trip taking
into consideration that many of us visit the island frequently but rarely visit the cultural and historical sites and
landmarks unique to Puerto Rico. As promised our itinerary this year took us into mountainous and metropolitan
cities. From the highest peak of Puerto Rico in the town
of Aibonito, to overlooking the Guánica Bay site of the
US invasion of PR during the Spanish American War, to
summoning our spiritual Taíno ancestors at Los Baños de
Coamo, to learning about ancient plant remedies at the Botanical Gardens at the University of Puerto Rico our journey was one of an explorer. A special visit with Governor
Garcia Padilla at La Fortaleza and a concert with Banda
Nacional de Puerto Rico under the direction of Maestro
Angel “Cucco” Peña rounded off the very exciting and
educational itinerary. Yes, this trip once again was unique,
exciting and extremely memorable. Please join us on this
incredible journey in the Summer of 2015.
Trip Highlights
• “Noche Puerto Rico” Bienvenida Reception & Dinner, at the Howard Johnson, Isla Verde; performance
by Los Violines de Marquito
• Visit to the Mausoleum of Julia de Burgos in Carolina
with Special Commemoration of the Centennial of
Julia de Burgos with presentation from actress Idalia
Perez Garay and author Mayra Santos Febres
Buscando Nuestras Raices
(continued)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Concert: Music of Puerto Rico/Musica de Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s Concert Band (La Banda De Conciertos
de Puerto Rico) directed by Maestro Angel “Cucco”
Peña. Sponsored by Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña and Comité Noviembre.
Tour of the National Library of Puerto Rico – Biblioteca Nacional de Puerto Rico: history, collections and
services. Guided tour of the Eugenio María de Hostos
Hall – Sala Eugenio María de Hostos, which included
a selection of his original manuscripts. Guided tour of
the itinerant exhibit: Lo escribió El Antillano: muestra bibliográfica y documental sobre Ramón Emeterio Betances. Guided Tour of the permanent exhibit
on Puerto Rican children stories in the Puerto Rican
Children’s Literature Hall
Tour of Puerto Rico’s National Archives – Historical
Facts of the building and its origins. Presentation on
the history of the general archives, its origins, collections, and how the public can access this information
when doing research, followed by a Q & A session.
Tour of the University of Puerto Rico’s Botanical Gardens with workshop on Medicinal Plants of Puerto
Rico
Visit to Meson del Amor, non-profit organization that
provides free meals to students of the UPR who don’t
have financial resources to eat.
Tour of the Federico Degetau Museum, in Aibonito,
home of the first Resident Commissioner of Puerto
Rico in Washington, DC with a discussion on the functions, responsibilities and decision making of a Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico in Washington, DC
with former Resident, Former Mayor of Sn Jun Héctor
Luis Acevedo, professor, Dr. Edgardo Pratts Rivera,
historian, documentarian, history professor, Universidad Interamericana, Bayamon, PR. Professor Eva
Rivera
Day at Los Baños de Coamo/Coamo Thermal Baths
Tour of historical areas in Guánica celebrating its
100th Anniversary
Visit to “Casa Cortes’ de Chocolate
Tour of La Fortaleza
Musical presentation at La Fundación Nacional para
la Cultural Popular by Plena Armonica
Presentation at WIPR TV CANAL 6 – 60 years of
the history of Puerto Rican television and its impact
on Spanish language television in the United States.
Presenters: Javier Santiago, president, La Fundación
Nacional para la Cultura Popular, Allan Villafaña,
news anchor, Buenos Dia Nueva York, JoJo Boing,
comedian, actor and television show host, Luz Odilia
Font, actress and Professor Flavia Garcia, expert on
¡Hola, mi gente!
CN members with Mayor of Aibonito after tour and presentation at Federico Degetau Museum, home of the first
Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico in Washington, DC
also pictured are former San Juan Héctor Luis Acevedo and
professor and historian, Dr. Edgardo Pratts Rivera.
Touring the Botanical Gardens of the University of Puerto
Rico with hands on workshop being conducted on the Medicinal Plants of Puerto Rico
57
Tour of La Fortaleza
PR television.
• Farewell Reception – Embassy Suites Hotel & Casino,
Honoring Activist Pedro Julio Serrano, Journalist Luis
Ernesto Berrios, Mesón del Amor, and posthumously
Singer Tony Croatto.
Especially Memorable Trip for One CN Guest
During our visit to the National Archives of Puerto Rico
several photograph were selected randomly to show the
group of the types of memorabilia that are archived at
the facility. As we all viewed the photographs, we heard
someone say that’s me, that’s me in that photo. We were all
stunned but not more than our stunned guide who could not
believe what he was
hearing. The photo
caption read young
student and teacher
circa 1940. The photo
showed a little girl of
about 5 or 6 years old
with her teacher. The
little girl was Zenaida
Muslin, retired educator.
Zenaida was able to
identify the teacher,
the town and herself
assisting the National
Archives with its research.
Touring the Botanical Gardens of the University of Puerto
Rico with hands on workshop being conducted on the Medicinal Plants of Puerto Rico
58
Happy hour at the Embassy Suites
Angel Santini, Lourdes Torres and Maria Roman with Mayor of
Guánica Santos during visit to the 100 year old town
El Museo del Barrio, New York’s leading Latin American cultural institution, welcomes visitors of all
backgrounds to discover the artistic landscape of Caribbean and Latin American cultures. Their richness
is represented in El Museo’s wide-ranging collections and critically acclaimed exhibitions, complemented by film, literary, visual and performing arts series, cultural celebrations, and educational programs.
As El Museo del Barrio celebrates its 45th anniversary, we ushered in the year with the arrival of our
new Executive Director, Jorge Daniel Veneciano in March 2014. We are currently preparing for a renaissance at El Museo, a five year trajectory of activity, growth, and expensive thinking and energy, culminating with El Museo’s 50th anniversary. The spirit of this evolving institutional plan may be summed
up in three words – to be smart, daring, and fun!
Exhibitions on View
LMARISOL: Sculptures and Works on Paper
On-view through January 10, 2015
Check out Marisol’s first museum retrospective in New York City, featuring 30 sculptures and works
on paper from 1955 to 1998. Some of themes explored, include Pre-Columbian art, Feminism, and her
experimentation with materials.
This exhibit marks the first installment of a commitment to showcase an increasing repertoire of exhibitions by women artists in the coming years. El Museo del Barrio will put forth at least one solo retrospective per year for the next five years.
PLAYING WITH FIRE: Political Interventions, Dissident Acts, and Mischievous Actions
On-view through January 3, 2015
The exhibition features works from our Permanent Collection that target imperialism, urban neglect, and
cultural hegemony with irreverence and humor. Guest curated by Nicolás Dumit Estévez.
Jorge Daniel Veneciano
Eileen Reyes Arias
Rocio Aranda-Alvarado
Cheryl Anhava
Stephanie LaFroscia
Remei Capdevila Erica Torres
Maritza Carmona
Executive Director
Director of Government and Community Affairs
Curator
Senior Manager of Development
Senior Manager of Public Programs
Senior Manager of Education
Rentals Manager
Community and Government Affairs Coordinator
El Museo del Barrio
230 5th AVENUE, NY, NY, 10029
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 6pm (Now Open Five Days!)
Senior Free Wednesdays/Extended hours 6pm - 9pm, Third Wednesdays of the Month
For more information on El Museo del Barrio, visit www.elmuseo.org.
59
EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO’S ANNUAL
THREE KINGS DAY PARADE
leadership and contributions to El Barrio and to the Latino community.
They include local educators, authors, activists, and artists from all over
New York City. Past Kings have included:
• Bobby Sanabria, Composer, Musician, Percussionist
• Fatima Shama, New York City Commissioner of the Mayor’s
Office of Immigrant Affairs
• Esmeralda Santiago, Author
• Johnny Colon, The Johnny Colon Orchestra
• Jesús “Papoleto” Meléndez, Poet, Playwright, and Performance
Artist
• Lin-Manuel Miranda, Writer, Producer, Actor
El Museo del Barrio’s Annual Three Kings Day Parade was introduced
to East Harlem in 1977, under the leadership of then Director, Jack
Agüeros. For 38 years, the Three Kings Day Parade has celebrated
the cultural traditions of Día de Los Reyes, in the style in which it
is observed throughout Puerto Rico and Latin America. Since its
humble days of its inauguration, The Three Kings Day Parade has seen
exponential growth in participation and spectator turnout, extending its
reach to thousands of children and families throughout the tri-state area.
Estimated viewership and participation from 2010-2014
• El Museo has entertained an audience of over 5,000 including
neighborhood schools, organizations, community members, and
families from across the five boroughs.
• Parade participation has reached close to 4,000 people.
Parade highlights include:
• Three gigantic hand-made puppets designed by Polina Porras
Sivolobova, 2010 (The puppets represent the birth of Taíno
culture, the connection between our ancestors, and the connection
between the celestial and underground worlds.)
• Three Kings Costumes, created by NYC native and Project
Runway star, Emilio Sosa, 2011 (Represent Taíno, Spanish, and
Afro-Latino influence through Anacaona, Miguel de Cervantes,
and Arturo Schomburg, respectively)
• Madrina and Padrino headdresses in homage to Latino cultural
icons such as Dr. Antonia Pantoja, Celia Cruz, and Pedro
Pietri, designed and created by artist Lina Puerta, and Costume
Designer Lucy Karanfilian.
•Our
beloved camels
•
Over 10
performance groups
march in the parade
and the list continues
to grow.
El Museo del Barrio
nominates
leaders
from the community
to serve as honorary
Kings,
Madrinas,
and Padrinos, of
the parade. These
individuals
are
chosen based on their
60
Recently, themes have been added to the parade. These themes are nonreligious, missioned focused, and hold universal values. Themes that
have been explored include:
• El Medio Ambiente: Caring for the Future - 2015
• Health and Wellbeing - 2014
• El Barrio Unido - 2013
• La Cultura de Compartir - 2012
• Parrandas – 2011
As of 2014, The Three Kings Day Parade posthumously honors
members of the community who have passed by recognizing their
accomplishments during the breakfast ceremony and inviting their
families to march in the parade.
A number of elected officials and special guests have joined in on
the celebration including Comptroller Scott Stringer, Manhattan
Borough President Gale Brewer, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito,
City Council Members
Inez Dickens, Ydanis
Rodriguez, James Van
Bramer,
Assembly
Member
Robert
Rodriguez, Senators
Bill Perkins, and José
Serrano, Congressman
José
Serrano
and
Congressman Charles
Rangel, just to name
a few. In the past,
Governor Eliot Spitzer,
and Mayor Michael
Bloomberg have also joined us.
The parade would not be possible without the planning and dedication
of The Three Kings Day Parade Steering Committee and the many
devoted volunteers who selflessly give their time assuring the parade
is a success.
• Representation from over 20 organizations and schools
• Participation of over 50 volunteers
The Three Kings Day Celebration has received generous support from
sponsors like Chocolate Cortez, Consolidated Edison, Inc., Harlem
RBI, Inca Kola Inc., The Manhattan Delegation of the New York City
Council, Mount Sinai Medical Center, The Office of Manhattan Borough
President, The New York Yankees, and Toy Industry Foundation,
Media coverage from local and daily newspapers, TV networks, radio,
and online publications include, Univision 41, The New York Times,
The New York Daily News, Manhattan Times, NY1 News, NY1
Noticias, CBS News Online, La Mega, Wall Street Journal, El Tiempo,
NPR Radio, and NY Magazine, and Time Out New York.
Save the Date: The 38th Annual Three Kings Day Parade is on Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Musica de Camara reunites with El Museo del Barrio
In 1979 Musica de Camara, founded by soprano Eva de La O, presented its first concert at El Museo del
Barrio, a concert by violinist Guillermo Figueroa and pianist Ivonne Figueroa. Now, thirty-five years
later Musica de Camara has been welcomed back to El Museo by its Director, Dr. Jorge Daniel Veneciano,
to present a series of four Charla-Conciertos. A Gala Orchestral Concert will conclude the season.
Modeled after the Musica de Camara Lecture-Demonstration Program, provided for school children in
underserved communities throughout New York City for over 30 years, the Charla-Conciertos are a performance and dialog with the audience about classical music, style, history and cultural significance.
Each Charla-Concierto includes an 8PM performance at el Museo’s Teatro as well as a 3:30 PM performance for students (grades K-12) from East Harlem area schools, provided at no charge, also at el Museo.
Ivonne Figueroa
In a very special program on November 19, 2014 at 8PM, in celebration of Puerto Rican Heritage Month,
Puerto Rico Discovery Day and of its history, Musica de Camara will once again present Guillermo and
Ivonne Figueroa at El Museo del Barrio. This Charla-Concierto is a celebration of the renowned Figueroa
Family, Puerto Rico’s most distinguished classical musical family, and it features a preview of the documentary film La Familia Figueroa: Una Dinastia Musical, now in production in Puerto Rico.
The Charla-Concierto on January 16, 2015, by concert pianist Jose Ramos Santana focuses on Isaac Albéniz’s Iberia, and works by Hector Campos Parsi and Roberto Sierra.
On February 20, 2015 concert pianist Byron Sean and solo bass Gregory Sheppard present a program of
lieder, German art songs, highlighting Robert Schumann’s Dichterliebe.
Guillermo Figueroa
The final Charla-Concierto of the season, on April 2, 2015, by the Musica de Camara String Quintet,
comprised of the first chairs of the MdC String Orchestra, celebrates the prominence of the first chairs,
and includes a preview of works programmed for the May orchestral concert.
The May 2015 35th Anniversary Concert features the Musica de Camara String Orchestra conducted by
Maestro Rosalin Pabon, Conductor Emeritus of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, along with soloists
to be announced.
Musica de Camara was born thirty-five years ago at El Museo del Barrio, a cornerstone of East Harlem
and New York’s leading Latino cultural institution. Musica de Camara looks forward to returning to El
Museo for the upcoming season and hopefully for many years to come.
Yvonne and Guillermo
in 1979
Eva de La O
Director
Musica de Camara
1215 5th Avenue; Suite 1B, New York, NY 10029
212-410-5612
MusicaDeCamara25@aol.com | www.MusicaDeCamara25.com
61
(The Puerto Rican Cultural Heritage House, Inc.)
has a new home
This 34 year old, Puerto Rican organization from El Barrio/East Harlem has moved to the
iconic Taíno Towers Cultural Complex located at 240 East 123rd Street, Suite 306, New
York, NY 10035.
In addition to the office space, La Casa has acquired a spacious theater. This marks a
major stride forward in securing a more permanent home for this historical institution, for
El Barrio’s Puerto Rican/Latino, and non-Latino community.
This is indeed an exciting time for La Casa and the greater community as well. As we
work in collaboration with other community members, groups, schools, organizations, and
funding contributors, we continue to build on our last 34 years of disseminating, presenting,
and preserving our Puerto Rican history, culture, literature and the arts, within the context
of a multicultural community.
Leticia Rodriguez, Executive Director
240 East 123rd Street, Suite 306
New York, NY 10035
Tel: (212) 470 - 8228, (212) 722 - 2600
Website: www. lacasapr.org
www.Facebook.com/lacasapr
62
The National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP) is a 5019C)(3) nonprofit and nonpartisan
policy center established in 1982 in New York City originally as the Institute for Puerto
Rican Policy (IPR). The National Institute for Latino Policy provides a unique approach
and voice to the policy analysis and advocacy needs of the Latino community. Originally
focused on the Puerto Rican community, our work has increasingly included all Latinos
and has gone from a local to a national scope.
The Institute’s approach includes:
•
•
•
•
• Focusing on the intersectionality of Latino policy issues
The use of action-research that is used as an organizing tool for advocacy
A strategy that focuses on the development of local and state level strategies for policy analysis and organizing
The creative and aggressive use of the internet and the media as community education and organizing tools
An emphasis on working in critical policy areas that are underdeveloped or not addressed in the Latino community
In the past year, NiLP’s accomplishments include:
•
Leading a major educational campaign to raise awareness of the 2010 Census and its importance to the Latino community.
NiLP has created and coordinated the Latino Census Network, an informational network with 28 of the leading national and
regional Latino organizations in the United States and the leading clearinghouse on Census issues affecting Latinos in the
country.. In recognition of this work, NiLP President has been appointed by the U.S. Commerce Secretary to the Census
Advisory Committee on the Hispanic Population, and he has been elected to the National Steering Committee of the Census
Bureau’s Census Information Centers (CIC) Program.
•
Being a founder of the Defend the Honor Campaign that put community pressure on PBS and filmmaker Ken Burn to
include the Latino experience in their 7-part documentary series, The War. NiLP is also part of a group of national Latino
organization that have been meeting with the leadership of PBS to promote greater Latino representation in their programming, staff and governance.
•
Providing an independent and nonpartisan voice analyzing the role of the Latino vote in such media as the New York Times,
Washington Post, El Diario-La Prensa, Shimbun Yumiori Newspaper (Japan), CNN, CNN en Español, O Estado de S. Paulo
(Brazil), Univision, Telemundo, Radio Bilingue, Politico, Hispanic Link, Spanglish Magazine, El Nuevo Dia (Puerto Rico),
Hofstra University Radio, National Public Radio (NPR), Hispanic Market Weekly, XM Radio, the New Jersey Network and
even Comedy Central’s Colbert Report, among others.
•
Working with national Latino coalitions like the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, the National Latino Media Council,
the Defend the Honor Campaign, the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights and others to develop Latino agenda for
change.
•
Developing one of the most effective national informational networks on the Internet on Latino policy issues through our
Latino Policy eNewsletter, Email Bulletins and National Latino Opinion Leaders’ Surveys.
•
Efforts to increase the accountability of philanthropy to Latino and other communities of color through being part of the
establishment of the NYC Collaborative for Fairness and Equity in Philanthropy, being part of the Diversity in Philanthropy
Project at the New York Regional Association of Grantmakers and the Foundation Center, and related activities.
•
Putting pressure on CNN to remove a fundraising appeal by Lou Dobbs from their website for the Town of Hazelton to fight
support their anti-immigrant policies. Upon receiving NiLP’s objections, CNN took down the biased ad within a day from
the Lou Dobbs Tonight section of their website.
•
Presentations on Latino policy issues throughout the United States. Including at Brandies University, Cornell University, the
Dominican-American National Roundtable Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, the New York Chapter of the Labor
Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the Latino Policy Forum in Chicago, LULAC Annual Conference in
Washington, DC, Northern Illinois University, the Puerto Rican Studies Association 8th Conference in San Juan, Puerto
Rico, Proskauer Rose LLP, Smith College, UBS, the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Annual Conference in
Chicago,the University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Texas at Austin. Among others.
Angelo Falcón, President
National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP)
101 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013
212-334-5722 Fax: 917-677-8593
info@latinopolicy.org
www.latinopolicy.org
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Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration
Office of the Governor, Honorable Alejandro Garci a Padilla
The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) represents the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
before federal, state, and local governments. The office promotes the Government of Puerto Rico’s economic and public policy initiatives to achieve a better quality of life for the four million U.S. citizens
living in Puerto Rico, and advises local government agencies and mu-nicipalities on issues of interest to
Puerto Rico before the federal government.
As such, the Washington office is the primary liaison between Puerto Rico’s officials, the White House,
Congress, and federal agencies. Additionally, the office interacts with U.S. organiza-tions representing
governors from the states, including the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Southern Governors’ Association to advance the interests of the people of Puer-to Rico. Like many states, Puerto Rico’s
focus areas include economic development, transpor-tation funding, energy, health care (including Medicare and Medicaid), as well as veterans, and defense issues.
PRFAA REGIONAL OFFICES
Over the last 70 years, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s regional office structure has evolved from
providing guidance to Puerto Rican migrants, promoting cultural awareness and helping the Puerto Rican
community to get involved in the political process. Today, the emphasis of the regional offices are in three
main areas: economic development through the promotion of business ventures between the Island and
U.S. communities; education, empow-erment and leadership development through partnerships with community organizations.
PRFAA-NY supports over two million Puerto Ricans living in New York, New Jersey and Con-necticut.
Established in 1930, this is the oldest office of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the United States.
Currently, PRFAA-NY is working on a couple of key initiatives in support of Puerto Ricans stateside
and on the island. These initiatives are related to natural disasters management, cultural empowerment,
economic development, and wellbeing support. PRFAA NY does this by collaborating closely with local
governmental and nongovernmental institutions, and representing the community before city councils and
other official forums.
WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE: 1100 17th St. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 778-0710
Juan E. Hernández Mayoral Federico de Jesús
Executive Director Deputy Executive Director
NEW YORK OFFICE: 135 West 50th Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10020, (212) 252-7300
Brenda Torres Barreto Rosa Cruz-Cordero
Regional Office Director Community Officer
FLORIDA OFFICE: 15 South Orlando Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741, (407) 483-4880
Betsy Franceschini Pablo Cáceres
Regional Office Director Community Officer
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Puerto Rican
Legal Defense and
Education Fund
Founded in 1972 as the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has played a critical role in improving the lives and well-being of the now 8 million Puerto Ricans and more than 30 million other Latinos in the United States.
LatinoJustice PRLDEF has worked to secure, promote and protect the civil rights of the Puerto Rican and wider Latino community,
making it a leading civil rights organization and one of the premiere Latino organizations in the country.
EDUCATION RIGHTS: The Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund’s first lawsuit, ASPIRA v. NYC Board of Education, resulted in the groundbreaking ASPIRA Consent Decree which forced the school system to implement bilingual education
techniques to effectively instruct students who spoke mostly Spanish. Since then, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has combated the forced
segregation of Latino children in many parts of the country. The group has successfully intervened in desegregation cases in Wilmington, DE; Waterbury, CT; Buffalo, NY, and Boston, MA. LatinoJustice PRLDEF also brought a lawsuit challenging a decision to
the double the tuition rates for undocumented students at CUNY. A political victory ensued, which allowed students graduating from
NYS high schools to be eligible for State tuition rates.
EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS: In 1972, in two class action suits against the NYC Police Department, LatinoJustice PRLDEF was
able to get the courts to force the department to institute fair hiring and promotional practices which increased the number of Latino officers and sergeants. Additionally, the group filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board
resulting in a $1.075 million settlement on behalf of Latino immigrant employees at a food processing plant. In 2002, LatinoJustice
PRLDEF intervened in an EEOC suit against a Connecticut beauty supply company, for its imposition of an illegal English-only
policy against its Latino employees.
VOTING RIGHTS: In 1973, as a result of a LatinoJustice PRLDEF court victory, for the first time in NYC history bilingual ballots
and interpreters, in English, Spanish and Chinese, were provided to parents to vote in the school board elections. The same legal
arguments were applied in the landmark voting rights case, Torres v. Sachs, which required the use of bilingual ballots for all NYC
elections. In 1975 the federal Voting Rights Act was amended which secured the voting rights of all linguistic minorities throughout
the country. In 1981, LatinoJustice PRLDEF successfully challenged the redistricting plan passed by the City Council and signed
into law by the Mayor, which had been drawn to preclude additional minority representation on the City Council.
HOUSING RIGHTS: More than 30 years ago, LatinoJustice PRLDEF sued the NYC Housing Authority proving discrimination
against Latin and African-American applicants for apartments in three housing projects in Williamsburg. After years of litigation,
the parties agreed to a far-reaching settlement in 2002. In 1977, the group filed a class action suit against a Lower East Side cooperative which would not make apartments available to Latinos. Since then, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has fought for the rights of tenants in Brooklyn, against housing discrimination in city-owned apartments and for access rights to housing in Newark and Hartford.
FROM MIGRANTS’ TO IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS: In 1972, the group challenged the State of New Jersey and the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico for deliberately failing to protect the rights of migrant farm laborers throughout the state. Recently, in Hazleton, PA,
LatinoJustice PRLDEF challenged a virulently anti-immigrant ordinance that fined employers or landlords who hired or rented to
undocumented immigrants and limited all government business to English only. This ordinance had tremendous impact nationally;
since it was introduced in June 2006, at least 80 localities have proposed or passed laws modeled on it. LatinoJustice PRLDEF was
successful in blocking the ordinance’s implementation after a federal judge granted permanent injunctive relief which enjoined
Hazleton from putting the challenged ordinance into place. DIVERSIFYING AMERICA’S LEGAL SYSTEM: Since its inception, the organization’s Education Division has been committed
to increasing the diversity of the legal profession. LatinoJustice PRLDEF offers preparatory courses for students who wish to pursue
a law degree, along with other education programs.
LatinoJustice PRLDEF, 99 Hudson Street 14th Floor, New York, NY 10013
Juan Cartagena, President & General Counsel, LatinoJustice: PRLDEF
Lydiette Diaz, LatinoJustice: PRLDEF, CN Board Representative
65
The Center for Puerto Rican Studies
(Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños) Centro
695 Park Avenue, 1429 Hunter East
New York, NY 10065
(212) 772-5688
http://centropr.hunter.cuny.edu
Director: Dr. Edwin Meléndez
Centro is proud to be a member of Comité Noviembre. Centro congratulates Comité Noviembre on 25 years
of “teaching and creating awareness of the culture, language and heritage of the Puerto Rican community.”
Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños (Centro) is a research institute dedicated to the study and interpretation
of the Puerto Rican experience in the United States by producing and disseminating relevant interdisciplinary
research and by collecting, preserving, and providing access to archival and library resources documenting
its history and culture. We seek to link scholarship to social action and policy debates, and to contribute to
the enrichment of Puerto Rican studies.
Founded in 1973 by a coalition of faculty, students and community leaders, Centro seeks to achieve its
mission by working closely with a network of education, research, archival advocacy and community
based partners. Centro has been housed at Hunter College since 1983; yet, it is a CUNY-wide research
center.
CENTRO
LIBRARY
AND
ARCHIVES
The Centro Library and Archives is the world’s only institution solely dedicated to collecting, preserving
and disseminating the story of the Puerto Rican Diaspora. The collections include over 5,000 cubic feet
of books, newspapers, periodicals, personal papers, government documents, broadsides, programs, oral
histories on video, audio and other video tapes, manuscripts, photographs, prints, recorded music, family
ephemera, and other resources that chronicle the history and contributions of stateside Puerto Ricans.
Housed in the new Lois V. and Samuel J. Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, the Centro
Library and Archives provides services and programs to the scholarly community as well as the general
public. As a support for teachers and researchers, the Archives offer primary materials, available nowhere
else. They can make use of holdings that span the years from 1898 to the present and represent more than
100 collections, including the records of major community and civil rights organizations, the papers of
elected officials, community activists, labor leaders, writers, artists, and more than 40,000 photographic
images.
66
EI Puente—Spanish for the Bridge— is a community-based organization that engages more than 2,000 youth and adult
members each year in the arts, education, public health, environmental justice and social action programs. Founded by
Luis Garden Acosta in 1982 in the Southside of Williamsburg, El Puente harnesses the energy and efforts all the diverse
peoplesof Brooklyn, bringing forward their power to self-determine their individual and collective condition, athome, in their
communities, and in the world.
The organization connects community members through their involvement with any or all of the four main divisions: the
Leadership Centers, the Academy for Peace and Justice (a New York City public high school), the Community Health and
Environment Institute (CHE), and the Center for Arts and Culture. While each division has its unique focus and goals,
member-leaders and Academy students are nurtured within an integrated, holistic program that draws from all four divisions,
developing a well-rounded social awareness that prompts action and expression. True peace is the natural result of justice,
and true justice can onlybe made possible by comprehension and compassion. We believe that individuals who are just can c
constitutenothing but a just community, and just communities will thus amount to a just and peaceful world.
LEADERSHIP DIVISION
Leadership is the axis of change. Our Leadership Centers offer guidance, nurturing, counseling and training forpeople of all
ages, in conjunction with projects led by CHE and CAC. Originally focused academically on children and young adolescents,
the Leadership Division has launched the Scholars Program, aimed at late teens seeking to reach their full capacity as
productive members of our community and the world. The EI Puente Scholars Program offers more intensive mentoring and
academic support through a year-long program. Please call or visit EI Puente’s headquarters for more information.
Our Leadership Centers offer programs for children, teenagers and adults of all ages. By becoming a member-leader you
have the freedom to visit any center at any time and get involved with the community. Programs are Monday - Friday, 3:00
p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
El Puente Headquarters / Williamsburg Leadership Center
211 South 4th Street - Brooklyn, NY 11211
Tel: 718-387-0404
El Puente Leadership Center at Taylor-Wythe Houses
80 Clymer Street - Brooklyn, NY 11211
Tel: 718-782-5553
El Puente Leadership Beacon Center at MS 50
183 S. 3rd Street - Brooklyn, NY 11211
Tel: 718-486-3936
El Puente Bushwick Center
311 Central Avenue - Brooklyn, NY 11221
Tel: 718-452-0404
Scholars Program
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT INSTITUTE (CHE)
The Community Health and Environment Institute (CHE) recognizes the intrinsic relationship between the environment and
well-being and employs an indigenous led, development-oriented approach to health. It promotes a holistic vision of wellness
that takes into account the mind, body, spirit and traditions of our youth and adult members. CHE engages the residents of
Williamsburg and Bushwick by training them to identify and assess barriers to their health and well-being and supporting
them in collective self-help and community action. It also brings together health care providers, government-partnered
organizations, and health advocacy groups to address long-standing health and environmental justice issues facing North
Brooklyn and New York City.
CHE programs include:
• Teatro El Puente, New York City’s first and longest running HIV/AIDS and health education theater group;
• A health insurance access and advocacy program for low-income community residents;
• The Espiritu Tierra Community Garden;
• The Green Light District initiative.
El Puente Headquarters - 211 South 4th Street – Brooklyn, NY 11211
Tel: (718) 387-0404 – Fax: (718) 387-6816 – www.elpuente.us
NACOPRW - New York Chapter is one of many chapters of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc.
The National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc. (NACOPRW) was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1972, as a
non-profit, non-partisan organization to promote the full participation of Puerto Rican and other Hispanic women in their
economic, social and political life in the United States and Puerto Rico.
It is the only organization of its kind that is comprised of Puerto Rican women in the United States that is national
Mission Statement: “Preserving our heritage and rights through mentorship and leadership for a better tomorrow”
Vision
NACOPRW provides training, mentorship and leadership development at the local and national level through workshops
and institutes during the annual convention, and through chapter programs. We preserve our Puerto Rican and Latino
heritage through cultural activities and events. We seek justice and give voice to the preservation of civil, health,
educational and other rights through the dissemination of information, networking, collaboration and advocacy with other
national and local groups, and through education, celebration, community and civil involvement.
The New York City Chapter was originally founded in 1973 until 2008. The Chapter has since reorganized in 2009 as
the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women Inc. New York-Manhattan Chapter (NACOPRW). NACOPRW-NYManhattan Chapter is a non-profit, non-partisan organization
NACOPRW Manhattan-NY Chapter is organized for the charitable, educational, literary and cultural purposes of
promoting a positive cultural identity among Puerto Ricans by preserving culture, history and legacy through educational
and cultural activities, as well as housing, domestic violence, elder care, health issues and rights within the work
environment.
NACOPRW Manhattan-NY Chapter also seeks changes through the concerted effort and involvement of Puerto Rican
and Hispanic/Latina women to attain equal rights for Puerto Rican and other Hispanic women to promote their equitable
participation in the social, economic and political life in the United States and Puerto Rico; and to identify and develop
leadership among Puerto Rican women and thus provide role models for our youth and the New York community.
All persons who subscribe to the purposes of NACOPRW NY-Manhattan Chapter are eligible regardless of race, sex,
creed, age, national origin, religion or disability to become a member.
The NYC-Manhattan Chapter invites you to join the chapter to Make A Difference!!!
Contact information for New York Chapter of NACOPRW
Website: Nacoprwnewyork.org
Email: nacoprw@nacoprwnewyork.org
Phone: 276-690-9196
Michelle Centeno
President, New York Chapter
NACOPRW
nacoprwpres@nacoprwnewyork.org
In Memoriam
Cheo Feliciano (1935 – 2014)
During the 1970s, Feliciano recorded fifteen albums
for Fania Record Co. and had hits with “Amada Mia”
and “Juan Albañil”. He also recorded one of his first
albums bolero music titled La Voz Sensual de Cheo.
The album was recorded in Argentina, with a band
directed by Jorge Calandrelli. Feliciano also participated in the first salsa opera Hommy. In 1982, Feliciano started his own recording company called
“Coche Records”. In 1984, he was honored by artists
like Rubén Blades and Joe Cuba in a concert entitled
Tribute to Cheo Feliciano. The next year, he became
the first tropical singer to perform at the Amira de la
Rosa Theater in Barranquilla, Colombia.
In 1987, he played the role of Roberto Clemente’s faPuerto Rican salsa legend Jose Luis “Cheo” Felicia- ther in the musical Clemente. Feliciano also became
no, died in a car crash the morning of April 17, 2014. a hit in Spain, and was a regular in the Tenerife CarHe was 78. Feliciano (José Luis Feliciano Vega) was nival. He also sang in the 1992 Universal Exposition
born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he was raised and in Seville. In 1990, Feliciano recorded another album
educated. As a child, he was nicknamed “Cheo” by of bolero music, titled Los Feelings de Cheo. In 1995,
his family – a colloquial version of his name José, Feliciano won a Platinum Record Award for La Comnormally used by close friends and family. At a young binación Perfecta.
age he was influenced by the bolero music of the Trio
Los Panchos. When he was only eight years old he In 2000, Feliciano recorded Una Voz, Mil Recuerdos
formed his first group with his friends and named it as a tribute to various Puerto Rican singers. The al“El Combo Las Latas”. They were so poor that their bum was listed as one of 20 outstanding recordings
of the year by the National Foundation of the Popular
musical instruments were made out of cans.
Culture of Puerto Rico.
After finishing his primary education, Feliciano attended the Escuela Libre de Música Juan Morel Cam- In 2002, he recorded Cheo en la Intimidad. In 2012,
pos in Ponce, where he studied percussion. In 1952, Feliciano and Ruben Blades released a collaboraFeliciano moved with his family to New York City tion album titled Eba Say Aja where both artists perand settled down in Spanish Harlem. He auditioned formed each other’s previously recorded songs. The
as a percussionist in the “Ciro Rimac’s Review” band same year, Feliciano became part of Sergio George’s
– giving him his first professional musical job. There- group called Salsa Giants whom he was touring with
after, Cheo play with bandleader Tito Rodríguez, Luis at the time of his death. Feliciano was married to SoCruz, Kako y su Trabuco orchestra, and Mon Rivera. corro “Cocó” Prieto León since 1958. They had four
In 1955 Feliciano auditioned and became a vocal- children together. Feliciano dedicated his 1993 alist for the Joe Cuba Sextet. He was the rare baritone bum, Motivos, to his wife.
among salsa singers, and his deep voice and quick Frank Espada (1930 – 2014)
wit as an improviser made him a favorite among the
Latino public.
Photographer Frank Espada, leader and activist of
New York’s Puerto Rican community in the 1960s,
On October 5, 1957 Cheo made his professional sing- died in California. He was 84. Frank Espada, also
ing debut with the Joe Cuba Sextet, singing the song father of the renowned poet Martin Espada, gained
“Perfidia”. He remained with the sextet for 10 years. nationwide fame after publishing “The Puerto RiIn 1967, he joined the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra and can Diaspora: Themes in the Survival of a People,”
sang for them for two years. In 1972, his first solo in which he portrayed his fellow islanders in differalbum Cheo, which featured compositions by Feli- ent places doing different things all across the United
ciano’s friend Tite Curet, broke all sales records in States. Born in Utuado, Puerto Rico, in 1930, Espada
the Latino music market. The album included the hits was 9 years old when his family moved to New York,
“Anacaona” and “Mi Triste Problema”
where the photographer recalls a childhood full of
69
In Memoriam
Elaine Rivera, “a Puerto Rican from Ohio,” as she
would describe herself, had a career that spanned
over three decades. In a tribute, WNYC reported that
Rivera spent much of her time at the radio station
from 2006 to 2009 covering “Eliot Spitzer’s race for
the New York governor’s office in 2006 and Hillary
Clinton’s failed presidential campaign in 2008.” But
that her journalistic passion was far away from the
hallways of power. Before coming to WNYC, Rivera
had worked as a reporter at The Washington Post,
Time magazine, and New York Newsday, covering
a wide variety of topics, including immigration, the
crash of TWA Flight 800, and the police shooting of
Amadou Diallo. She also contributed to the awardwinning Frontline documentary, “Faith and Doubt at
Ground Zero” and the Life magazine photo project,
“Faces of Ground Zero.”
poverty and restrictions. “We were quite poor, always
struggling to make ends meet, living in apartments
with no hot water or refrigerators, with no heat in the
winter and rats in the hallways,” he said in a short
autobiography that appears on his Web site. For years
Espada had to put off his photographic ambitions to
work at ordinary jobs to support his family. He also
got involved in the incipient civil rights movement in
New York, and in 1967 joined the community action
project dubbed The City-Wide Puerto Rican Development Program. Finally in 1979 he won a scholarship
from the National Endowment for the Humanities,
which enabled him to carry out his dream of making
a photographic history of the Puerto Rican diaspora
all across the United States. In the three-year project,
he documented more than 30 Puerto Rican communities throughout the country and, among other aspects,
caught on film the labor of Puerto Ricans in Hawaii,
where more than 5,000 were recruited to work the
sugarcane fields. EFE/Fox News Latino website.
Elaine Rivera, (1959 - 2013)
Elaine Rivera, a veteran bilingual journalist who
taught at Lehman College and worked for a range
of media outlets including WNYC radio, The Washington Post, Time magazine, New York Newsday, El
Diario-La Prensa and the Akron Beacon Journal in
her native Cleveland, was found dead at her home in
the Bronx on October 26, 2013. She was 54.
70
Rivera left WNYC in 2009 to teach journalism at CUNY’s Lehman College in the Bronx, where she devoted herself to a diverse multilingual student body.
In 2011, she co-launched The Bronx Journal, a “very
Bronx-centric” website that publishes the work of
Lehman journalism students. At El Diario/La Prensa,
Rivera wrote about the teen suicide rate among Latinas. At Time, where she worked from 1995 to 2001,
Rivera reported on the case of Elisa Izquierdo, a
6-year-old victim of child abuse, whose death in New
York became a symbol of the nation’s “deeply flawed
child-welfare system,” in the words of the magazine.
Rivera is survived by her father, Juan Rivera, of
Cleveland, four surviving siblings and six nieces and
nephews. Her body will be flown home to Cleveland
for burial. A memorial service is being planned in
New York in the next few weeks.
Calendar of Events
Month Long Events
El Museo del Barrio presents MARISOL: Sculptures and Works on Paper. The exhibition represents the artist’s
first solo show in a New York museum, features 30 works by the artist, and is the first retrospective to include Marisol’s
work on paper in conjunction with her sculptures. The exhibition reestablishes Marisol as a major figure in postwar
American art, fosters a broader understanding of her work, and positions it within a larger historical context. The various
phases of Marisol’s career are explored, beginning with her early carvings, cast metal works, terracottas, large, complex
sculptures, and a broad selection of works on paper. This exhibition has been organized by the Memphis Brooks
Museum of Art, Memphis, Tennessee; Marina Pacini, curator. On View through January 10, 2015. El Museo del
Barrio presents PLAYING WITH FIRE: Political Interventions, Dissident Acts, and Mischievous Actions. Tracing
the founding of El Museo del Barrio by Raphael Montañez Ortíz at the end of the 60s, an era of social unrest and
radical activism in the United States as well as throughout the Americas, the works in this exhibition target colonialism,
imperialism, urban neglect, and cultural hegemony with a vast array of weapons, including irreverence and humor.
The artists confront the status quo with a wide range of disarming conceptual strategies and aesthetic detonators. The
exhibition, as part of El Museo’s Carmen Ana Unanue gallery is guest curated by multi-disciplinary artist Nicolás Dumit
Estévez. Participating artists include ADAL, Manuel Acevedo, Maris Bustamante, Nao Bustamante, Papo Colo, Abigail
DeVille, Carlos Jesus Martinez Dominguez, Ricardo Miranda Zúñiga, Carlos Ortíz, Pedro Pietri, Juan Sánchez, among
others. On View through January 4, 2015. El Museo del Barrio Presents THE BROWN MAN EXPERIENCE: In
Our Own Words. Artist Michael Paul Britto presents a participatory project which seeks to give a positive voice to men
of color and empower them to both confront and shift constructed racial perceptions. On view November 11, 2014 to
January 31, 2015 (1st Floor). El Museo del Barrio: 1230 5th Avenue at 104th Street, NYC. Museum hours: Wednesday
– Saturday, 11AM – 6PM. Suggested donation: Adults $9, Students and Seniors $5, Members and children under 12
Free. Free every Third Saturday of the month. Seniors Free on Wednesdays. For more information call (212) 831-7272
or visit the website www.elmuseo.org.
International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival (IPRHFF) presents the 4TH INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICAN
HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL. The 2014 International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival will feature films on the
subject of Puerto Rico, its people, including those in the Diaspora, or that have a Puerto Rican in a production role from
November 12 to November 16 at different venues. Finally, receptions and after-parties throughout the weekend will give
participants an opportunity to celebrate their Heritage and network with other industry professionals. To view festival
calendar and purchase tickets, visit : www.iprhff.com
Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) and Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center presents
AQUEOUS FERVOR. Referencing water as the unifying element, this visual art exhibition brings together a wide variety
of visual artists working in diverse media to homage Puerto Rican poet, Julia de Burgos (1914-1953). The exhibit aims
to arrive at the poet through water, most specifically the river. There is a long universal poetic tradition that likens the
river to human life. In this regard, the rich and turbulent life of Julia de Burgos is not unlike the stream of a vast river,
and artists are able to connect with her work through the most essential element for life. Curated by Miguel Trelles with
Harvey Padilla. On view from Nov. 7 to 29, 2014. LES & Abrazo Interno Gallery at The Clemente, 107 Suffolk Street,
NYC. Admission: Free. For more information: www.teatrosea.org or call (212) 529-1545.
Taller Boricua presents A FEATHER IN EACH HAND. Curated by Marcos Dimas, this exhibition features the work
of contemporary artists Esperanza Cortés and Michael Pribich. On view until November 21, 2014. Julia De Burgos
Cultural Center, 1680 Lexington Ave , NYC 10029. Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 12 PM–6 PM. Admission: Free.
For more information, www.tallerboricua.org.
Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA), Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center and Rums of
Puerto Rico presents ECHOING WALLS.: A series of indoor murals at The Clemente commemorating the legacy of
Julia de Burgos as part of BORIMIX 2014, dedicated to her. Featuring work by CHICO, Sofia Maldonado and Giannina
Gutiérrez. On view from Nov. 7 to 29, 2014. The Clemente, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. Admission: Free. For more
information: www.teatrosea.org or call (212) 529-1545.
Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) presents A PLAYFUL PROLOGUE AND INTERMISSION WITH JULIA.
Exhibition at SEA’s Little Puppet Museum inspired by the words and works of Julia de Burgo by artist Alexander Rosado.
On view from Nov. 7 to 29, 2014. SEA’s Little Puppet Museum, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. Admission: FREE. For more
information: www.teatrosea.org or (212) 529-1545.
Empire State College presents FIESTA AMERICANA, an art exhibition celebrating the diverse cultures of the New
World. Raul Manzano, Curator. On view until December 20. Livingston Gallery - 177 Livingston Street, 6th floor,
Brooklyn. Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10AM–4PM. Free admission. For information: www.esc.edu.
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The Garment District NYC Space for Public Art, National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures and the Port
Authority of NY & NJ presents LIGHTING THE ROAD – ART INSTALLATION BY NANCY SALEME & PATRICIA
CAZORLA. Free art tours will be offered to view a 45 feet long mural homage to the Latino immigrant farm workers. Port
Authority of NY & NJ, North Side, second floor, near the 300 Gates. Free Admission. On view until November 19. Gallery
hours Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm and by appointment. Information: nancysaleme.wix.com/nancy-saleme-art, patcazorla.wix.
com/patricia-cazorla-art, www.garmentdistrictnyc.com/art-design, www.galeriagalou.com.
Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance presents SELFLESS SELFIES. The exhibit presents black-and-white images by
uptown photographers that narrate stories from their own uptown communities, from the quotidian to the extraordinary.
Curated by Uptown photographer Michael Palma. Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, 178 Bennett Ave. 3 Floor,
Manhattan.Free Admission. Information: www.nomaanyc.org.
Taino Stickball Community presents Photographic Exhibition by José Guerra. Special exhibit on Eddie Palmieri
in conjunction with the street naming of Charlie Palmieri. Taino Stickball Community Gallery, 230 East 123rd Street
(between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue), NYC. Gallery hours: Tue.,Thu. & Sat., 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM. On view through
November 14, 2014. Contact: For special tour call Carlos Diaz: 917-903-1601.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts presents IN PRINT / IMPRINT: WORKS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION.
Over the course of its forty-year history, the Bronx Museum has drawn together a significant collection of prints and
graphic-art works, guided by its mission to give visibility to artists of African, Asian, and Latin American descent. For
these artists, the print medium has been an invaluable tool for channeling their aesthetic and political concerns. Due to its
mass reproducibility, economy, ease of distribution, and collaborative character, printmaking has long been considered
a vehicle for social agency and has played a major role in politically mobilizing different communities and constituencies.
This exhibition features the museum’s collection and its cross-cultural undertakings while reaffirming its commitment to
the print medium. Exhibition on view until January 11, 2015. The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse,
Bronx. Museums hours: Thursdays to Sundays, 11AM to 6PM; Fridays until 8 PM. Suggested admission: adults $5.00,
students $3.00; members and children under 12 Free; Seniors free on Fridays. For more information, visit www.
bronxmuseum.org.
Brooklyn Museum presents CROSSING BROOKLYN: ART FROM BUSHWICK, BED-STUY, AND BEYOND.
Reflecting the rich creative diversity of Brooklyn, the exhibition presents work by thirty-five Brooklyn-based artists or
collectives. The exhibition and related programming take place in the galleries and on the grounds of the Museum, as
well as off-site in the streets, waterways, and other public spaces of the borough. Organized by Eugenie Tsai, John and
Barbara Vogelstein Curator of Contemporary Art, and Rujeko Hockley, Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art, Brooklyn
Museum. On view until January 4,2015. Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn. Museum hours: Tuesday
– Sunday, 11AM – 6PM; Thusdays till 10 PM. Suggested donation: Adults $12, Students and Seniors $8, Members and
children under 12 Free. For information: www.brooklynmuseum.org.
The Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture and the Longwood Art Gallery@ Hostos College presents FROM
WICK TO MOTT HAVEN:THE MAGIC REALISM OF IAN CHARLES SCOTT. Curated by Sarah Sandman, this is
Scott’s first solo exhibition in the Bronx. It features 26 paintings of which magical elements are a natural part of an
otherwise mundane environment, bringing to life an extended cast of characters that stretch from Ian Charles Scott’s
hometown of Wick in remote Northern Scotland to his Hostos Community College studio. On view until December
4, 2014. Gallery hours Mon-Fri 10 AM- 6PM and Saturday 10 AM-2 PM. Free Admission. The Longwood Art Gallery is
located at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street in the Bronx. For information call (718)
518-4455.
The Americas Society presents SPATIAL ACTS: AMERICAS SOCIETY COMMISSIONS ART. Curated by Gabriela
Rangel. The Americas Society is commissioning a permanent site-specific artwork to become the centerpiece of the
David Rockefeller Atrium at its landmark building in New York City. The Americas Society commission will be awarded
to one among four outstanding emerging artists from Latin America whose work is featured in this exhibition. Artists
Esvin Alarcón Lam (Guatemala), Elena Damiani (Peru), Marcius Galan (Brazil), and Jorge Pedro Núñez (Venezuela)
are finalists for this commission. Exhibition on view until December 13, 2014. The gallery is free and open to the
public Wednesday through Saturday, 12-6 PM. The Americas Society, 680 Park Avenue, NYC. For more information
visit www.americas-society.org.
International Coquito Tasting Federation presents the 2014 COQUITO MASTERS COMPETITION. Since 2001, the
annual coquito making contest where contestants compete for the title of Coquito Masters has been the go to event for
coquito makers from around the county. Qualifiers will be held around the city and the borough winners will participate
in the finals for the title. This year new features include the Fusion Flavor Category, the Coquito Marqueta, the Coquito
Taste Trolley, the state run off and the Coquito Pairing event. Our mission is to promotes and preserve coquito to
celebrate Puerto Rican culinary excellence! Everyone is a judge and the highest scored coquito wins. To register you
pay a $25 entry fee. Contact – Debbie Quinones- Coquitomasters@gmail.com or (917) 287-4964.
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Thursday, October 30, 2014
visit www.manoamano.us.
COMITÉ
NOVIEMBRE
ANNUAL
PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH
KICK-OFF EVENT, honoring the unsung
heroes of our community through “Lo
Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad” Awards.
El Museo del Barrio. 6PM. By invitation
only. For more information call (212) 6774181.
Bronx Zoo presents BOO AT THE ZOO.
Halloween activities feature hay mazes,
costume parades, musical theater, magic,
and more. Visit bats, owls, vultures and
other winged icons of Halloween, then
embark on a trip back in time as you
ride our Dinosaur Safari! 11:00 AM– 4:30
PM. Admission: $23-30 (10% savings if
purchased online). For more information
or directions to the Zoo visit www.
bronxzoo.com.
Friday, October 31, 2014
NACOPRW NATIONAL 41st ANNUAL
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Le Méridien Hotel, 1421 Arch St,
Philadelphia, PA. 19102 Friday evening
October 31, 2014 Cocktail Reception;
Saturday November 1st, Breakfast, Lunch
working all day workshops & Evening
Reception; Sun November 2nd ending
working breakfast. www.nacoprw.org
U.T.B. United Third Bridge, Inc. presents
BREVARD COUNTY’S 18TH ANNUAL
PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE GALA
AND TAINO /
PONCE DE LEON
AWARDS DANCE. U.T.B. United Third
Bridge Educational and Cultural Fund
presents the Puerto Rican Day Gala, cast
party and parade celebrating the 501 year
discovery of Florida by Ponce de Leon.
Hilton Melbourne Rialto, 200 Rialto Place,
Melbourne, Fl 32901. Cocktails at 6 pm
/ Dinner at 7:30 pm. Admission: $55 per
person/$100 per couple/$60 at the door.
For information : (321) 863-5165.
Repertorio Español presents Doña Flor
y sus dos maridos. Doña Flor misses her
late husband’s passionate intimacy. She
re-marries and magical realism allows her
to live (and sleep) with her two husbands.
The Gramercy Art Theatre, 138 East
27th Street (between Lexington & Third
Avenue), NYC. 8 PM. $29 - $53. For
reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or www.
repertorio.org.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
U.T.B. United Third Bridge, Inc. presents
TOUR OF THE JUAN PONCE DE LEON
HISTORICAL LANDING SITE. Site of the
first landing and discovery of Florida by
Juan Ponce de Leon which will include
the Juan Ponce de Leon statue. In front of
Hilton Melbourne Rialto, 200 Rialto Place,
Melbourne, Fl 32901. 11AM. Free. For
information : (321) 863-5165/ (321) 2520401
Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without
Borders presents DAY OF THE DEAD/
DIA DE MUERTOS . Day of the Dead
has been one of Mexico’s most important
festivals since Pre-Hispanic times. It is a
time for families to gather and welcome
the souls of the dead on their annual visit
home. St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery,
131 East 10th Street, Manhattan. 12 PM to
7 PM. Free Admission. More information
Society of the Educational Arts, Inc.
(SEA) presents SKELETONS…A DAY
OF THE DEAD BEDTIME STORY. On
the eve of El Día de los Muertos/Day of
the Dead, spooky tales come to life in this
new children’s comedy! Teatro SEA, 107
Suffolk Street, NYC. 3 PM. Admission:
Adults $18. Children $15. For more
information: www.teatrosea.org or (212)
529-1545.
PAMAR presents LATIN AMERICAN
CULTURAL WEEK OPENING EVENT:
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS by Calpulli
Dance Company. Calpulli Mexican Dance
Company makes its debut at the Aaron
Davis Hall in West Harlem with an emotive
program - Dia de los muertos - evoking
the unending relationship between the
living and the departed. Passionate live
music, comical characters, amazing
dance, and surprises for all ages. Aaron
Davis Hall at the City College Center for
the Arts, 160 Convent Ave, Manhattan. 2
PM and 7 PM. Admission:$25.00 - $35.00.
Special discount for LACW attendees:
$30 Orchestra seats using discount code:
pamar. Discount code will be valid up until
the day of the performance. Tickets and
information: www.calpullidance.org.
United Third Bridge, Inc. presents
Cast Party for the Docu-Drama DON
JUAN PONCE DE LEON, THE TRUE
DISCOVERY OF FLORIDA - 1513
MELBOURNE BEACH, FLORIDA – THE
FIRST LANDING. U.T.B. United Third
Bridge,Inc. Education and Cultural Theater
For the Performing Arts and Science of
Puerto Ricans, Spaniards, Hispanics,
Caribbean, Sephardic Jews Film Society
(founded on April 6, 2013) together with
The Royal Order of Juan Ponce De Leon
Historical V Centennial Committee of The
Discovering of Florida- will be celebrating
the cast party for the Docu-Drama. The
Gallery Night Club, 701 E New Haven
Avenue, Melbournce, Fl 32901. 2 PM
Cast Party / 4 PM Meet & Greet. Free.
For Information/Rsvp: (321) 863-5165 /
(321) 252-0401
El Museo del Barrio presents JUNIOR
COUNCIL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
CELEBRATION. In celebration of the
traditional Mexican holiday Dia de los
Muertos (Day of the Dead), join El Museo
del Barrio’s Junior Council for a night of
drinks and dancing in New York City’s art
district. This annual fundraiser aims to
support El Museo’s education and public
programs for adults, families and youth
across disciplines including the visual
arts, film, music, performance and literary
arts. Hotel Americano, 518 W 27th Street
, New York, NY 10001. 9 PM –1 AM. To
purchase tickets contact Devon Caranicas
at specialevents@elmuseo.org.
Repertorio Español Presents: La Gringa,
by Carmen Rivera and directed by Rene
Buch. María arrives in Puerto Rico and is
very excited about seeing “her homeland.”
As she visits her uncle in Puerto Rico she
is faced with many questions about being
Puerto Rican. La Gringa is a story about
cultural identity and family. The Gramercy
Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street
(between Lexington & Third Avenue),
NYC. 3 PM. $25 - $55. For reservations,
call (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.
org.
PAMAR and Clemente Soto Velez Center
presents INSTRUMENTS OF THE
PEOPLE.
Instruments Of the People is a
multicultural musical event featuring
Francisco Roldán (guitar) and Danny
Mallon (percussion) playing a variety of
music including Bambuco, Blues, Danza,
Joropo, Porro, Tango from Colombia,
Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Spain,
the U.S.A. and Venezuela. 7:30 PM.
Clemente Soto Velez Center, 107 Suffolk
Street, NYC, 2nd floor gallery, Manhattan.
Admission; $20.00. More information:
www.franciscoroldan.com.
Repertorio Español presents LA NENA
SE CASA by Carlos Ferrari. Directed by
José Zayas. La nena se casa is a cleverly
cruel comedy about a desperate father
who will do absolutely anything to marry
off one of his three spinster daughters.
Love is blind and in this case, it’s blind,
dangerous, and hilarious! Full of wit, wild
characters, and plenty of over the top
twists and turns; this play is a wicked
look at the absurd choices people can
make to maintain social appearances.
Performed in Spanish with subtitles in
English & Spanish via Simultext® In-Seat
Captioning System. The Gramercy Arts
Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between
Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 8 PM.
Tickets begin at $15. For reservations, call
(212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org.
Visionesculturales
presents:
From
The Bronx hasta Loisaida. A word
exchange through poetry, film, music an a
lively discussion on poetry as personal or
collective activism.At The Loisaida Center
710 East 9th Street, Lower East Side, NY
10009. Presenting: Machete Movement
and poets from the Full Circle Ensemble
Special
Feature
Presentation
by
Not4Prophet author of Last of the
Po’Ricans. Screening short documentary
73
film: Wordmade, Directed by Fabian
Caballero and produced by Yolanda L.
Rodriguez. Visit www.visionesculturales.
com to learn more about how to help this
non-profit organization.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
U.T.B. United Third Bridge, Inc.
Educational and Cultural Fund presents
THE
18TH
ANNUAL
BREVARD
COUNTY’S PUERTO RICAN DAY
PARADE.
Celebrating the 501 year
discovery of Florida by Ponce de Leon.
Parade starts on Eldron Blvd. heading
west on Malabar Road, Palm Bay, Florida.
2 PM. Free. For information : (321) 8635165.
Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without
Borders presents DAY OF THE DEAD/
DIA DE MUERTOS . Day of the Dead
has been one of Mexico’s most important
festivals since Pre-Hispanic times. It is a
time for families to gather and welcome
the souls of the dead on their annual visit
home. St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery,
131 East 10th Street, Manhattan. 12 PM to
7 PM. Free Admission. More information
visit www.manoamano.us.
(SEA) presents SKELETONS…A DAY
OF THE DEAD BEDTIME STORY. On
the eve of El Día de los Muertos/Day of
the Dead, spooky tales come to life in this
new children’s comedy! Teatro SEA, 107
Suffolk Street, NYC. 3 PM. Admission:
Adults $18. Children $15. For more
529-1545.
Bronx Zoo presents BOO AT THE ZOO.
Halloween activities feature hay mazes,
costume parades, musical theater, magic,
and more. Visit bats, owls, vultures and
other winged icons of Halloween, then
embark on a trip back in time as you
ride our Dinosaur Safari! 11:00 AM– 4:30
PM. Admission: $23-30 (10% savings if
purchased online). For more information
or directions to the Zoo visit www.
bronxzoo.com.
Repertorio Español presents BÉSAME
MUCHO: Latinas Sing Latinas, An
anthology of songs by female Latin
American composers. Conceived and
written by Pablo Zinger. Stage direction
by José Zayas. A new concert celebrating
the musical contributions of female Latin
American composers María Grever
(Júrame, Alma mía); Consuelo Velázquez
(Bésame mucho, Cachito); Violeta Parra
(Gracias a la vida); Chabuca Granda (Fina
estampa, La flor de la canela); Margarita
Lecuona (Babalú); Isolina Carrillo (Dos
gardenias para ti); María Elena Walsh
(Manuelita la tortuga); Sylvia Rexach
(Olas y arena, Di corazón) and many
more; performed by extraordinary singers
with live music. Performed in Spanish with
English subtitles via Simultext® In-Seat
74
Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between
Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 2:30
PM. Admission: $35-70 with discounts
available for seniors, students, children
and groups. For reservations, call (212)
225-9999 or www.repertorio.org.
Monday, November 3, 2014
PAMAR and Clemente Soto Velez
Center presents ENTRETEJIENDO/
INTERWEAVING.
Songs from Colombia, Cuba, England,
Puerto Rico, Spain and the U.S.A with
soprano singer Gretchen Farrar and
guitarist Francisco Roldán. 7:30 PM.
Clemente Soto Velez Center, 107 Suffolk
Street, NYC, 2nd floor gallery, Manhattan.
Admission; $20.00. More information:
www.franciscoroldan.com.
Hashi-Productions presents AUBREY
JOHNSON
&
CESAR
GARABINI
BRAZILIAN DUO. Guitarist Cesar
Garabini (of Brazil and Italy) and vocalist
Aubrey Johnson(a Wisconsin native)
relocated to NY in 2011 and teamed up
to create a colorful and unique Brazilianjazz duo project featuring fresh takes on
samba, bossa nova, and choro. Whynot
Coffee & Wine Art Gallery, 175 Orchard
Street (between Houston and Stanton
Streets). 8 PM. Admission; $10.00.
Information: www.hashi-productions.com.
TOLANI presents NILKO ANDREAS
SOLO GUITAR RECITAL. Nilko Andreas
Guarin will perform Solo Concert pieces
by J.S. Bach, Uribe Holguin, A. Barrios,
Leo Brouwer, H. Villa-lobos, G. Montana,
F. Schubert and Alba Potes. Tolani, 410
Amsterdam Ave, Manhattan. 8 PM.
Admission: $20.00. Information: www.
nilkoandreas.com.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
CEMI Underground and the Bronx
Museum of Arts presents launch of the
eagerly awaited book of poetry TAINO
ZEN by Bobby González. “Taino Zen” is
a unique volume of meditative verses that
deliver a reflective message that urges
all people to reconnect to their cultural
origins and to cherish them. Knowing
and acknowledging our beginnings is a
precursor to creating a just and peaceful
world for the next seven generations to
come. Publisher: Cemi Press. Books will
be available for purchase and you can also
order the book online at www.amazon.
com. BRONX MUSEUM OF ARTS, 1040
Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456 @
165th street. 7 PM. Admission: Free. More
info at www.cemiunderground.com.
SPANISH ARTISTIS IN NY, INC. and
INSTITUTO
CERVANTES
presents
CRE. ART PROJECT EMSEMBLE
WITHIN THE MUSIC SERIES, PLAY
LOUD! Musicians Guillermo Laporta,
Tagore Gonzalez and David Orrico have
created a multidisciplinary project that
connects chamber music with theatre,
dance, and audiovisual elements to evoke
a multisensory experience.
Instituto
Cervantes, 211 E. 49th Street, Manhattan.
7 PM. General Admission: $20.00/ ICNY
Members: $10.00. Information: www.
newyork.cervantes.org or www.aenyelpuente.org.
CANTA LIBRE CHAMBER ENSAMBLE
CELEBRATES
LATIN
AMERICAN
CULTURAL WEEK. Music for flute,
harp and strings featuring the music of
Heitor Villa-Lobos, Alberto Ginastera,
Astor Piazzolla and more. Christ and St.
Stephen’s Church,
120
W.
69th
Street
(between
Columbus Avenue & Broadway). 8 PM.
Admission:$15.00 at the door, cash only.
Information: www.cantalibre.org.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
The Office of New York City Council
Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito presents
NYC
COUNCIL
PUERTO
RICAN
HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION.
Reception followed by a program
that will include awards, music, and
performances.
Council Chambers,
City Hall, Manhattan. 5:30 PM. Free
admission. To RSVP, call (212) 788-9221
or email eventscoordinator@council.nyc.
gov.
Bronx Museum’s Community Advisory
Council and Coquito Masters International
presents
COQUITO
MASTERS
QUALIFYING at 1040 Lounge event .
Kick off the holiday season with a trip
on The Bronx Trolley and a free coquito
tasting. As part of the 12th Annual Coquito
Masters competition, contestants bring
in their version of coquito, a traditional
Puerto Rican holiday drink reminiscent
of eggnog, and you become the judge to
see who goes on to the New York finals!
The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040
Grand Concourse, Bronx, Lower Gallery.
5:30 – 7:30 PM. Free admission and
bar (donations suggested). For more
information, visit www.bronxmuseum.org.
Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA)
and Pregones Theater presents the film
JULIA, TODA EN MÍ . Directed by Ivonne
Belén, this poetic film explores the life
and literary work of Puerto Rican poet,
Julia de Burgos, told through portions
of letters she wrote from New York and
Cuba to her sister, Consuelo, during the
1940’s until her early death in 1953. Stars
such as Benicio del Toro, Jacobo Morales
and Miriam Colón join efforts to honor the
famous poet in this beautiful docudrama.
Pregones Theater, 571-575 Walton
Avenue, Bronx. 7 PM. Admission: FREE.
For more information: (212) 529-1545.
SPANISH ARTISTIS IN NY, INC. and
INSTITUTO CERVANTES presents CRE.
ART PROJECT EMSEMBLE WITHIN
THE MUSIC SERIES, PLAY LOUD!
BOHEMIAN TRIO WITHIN THE MUSIC
SERIES, PLAY LOUD! Accomplished
composers Yosvany Terry (saxophone
& chékere), Yves Dharamraj (cello), and
Orlando Alonso (piano) have created
new musical works from a broad range
of
genres:
Classical, Afro-Cuban,
Tango, Rock, Jazz & Electronic. Instituto
Baruch Performing Arts Center presents
JUAN PABLO HORCASITAS SOLO
PIANO
RECITAL:
MUSIC
FROM
MEXICO, ARGENTINA AND BRAZIL.
Mexican concert pianist Juan Pablo
Horcasitas performing music from Mexico,
Argentina and Brazil. The program
includes music by Juan Pablo Contreras,
Manuel M. Ponce, Samuel Zyman,
Astor Piazzolla and Heitor Villa-Lobos.
Engelmann Recital Hall at the Baruch
Performing Arts Center, 55 Lexington
Avenue (entrance on 25th street between
Lexington and 3rd avenue) Manhattan.
8 PM. Admission:$20.00. Information:
www.jphorcasitas.com.
HASHI
PRODUCTIONS
presents
WHYNOT TANGO JAM SESSION, a
unique, weekly Argentine Tango jam
session. Maurizio Najt (piano), Rodolfo
M. Zanetti (bandoneon), and Zac Selissen
(guitar) will be leading the jam. The
beautiful wooden floor welcomes dancers
to join the evening. Whynot Coffee & Wine
Art Gallery, 175 Orchard Street (between
Houston and Stanton Streets). 8 PM – 11
PM. Admission:$10.00. Information: www.
hashi-productions.com.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
CORCHO and AAABeans presents
WOMEN IN LATIN JAZZ UPTOWN
KICKOFF. A pre kick off performance of
Women in Latin Jazz Uptown! featuring
Annette A Aguilar and StringBeans
4te, Latin Brazilian Jazz at its best!
El Corcho Wine Room, 227 Dyckman
Street, Manhattan. 12PM. Donations
gladly accepted. RSVP 212 203-3371.
Information:
www.aguilarstringbeans.com and www.
corchowineroom.com.
SPANISH ARTISTS IN NY, INC. and
INSTITUTO
CERVANTES
presents
ARGENTO
CHAMBER
ENSEMBLE
WITHIN THE MUSIC SERIES, PLAY
LOUD!
Argento is New York City’s
virtuoso ensemble dedicated to innovative
musical performance and discovery of
daring artistic paths. Championing cuttingedge contemporary composers, as well
as framing classical repertoire in new
contexts, Argento inspires the public’s
musical inquiry through education,
mentorship, technology, and dialogue.
Instituto Cervantes, 211 E. 49th Street,
Manhattan. 7 PM. General Admission:
$20.00/
ICNY
Members:
$10.00.
Information: www.newyork.cervantes.org
or www.aeny-elpuente.org.
Saphira Studio presents 2014 LATIN ART
FAIR. Exhibition displaying Art, Fashion,
Craft, Opera, Theatre, Performance and
Music bringing together a remarkable
diversity of styles and techniques. Saphira
Studio, 4 W 43rd Street, Manhattan
(between 5th & 6th Avenues) – Ground
Floor. 1 PM – 9 PM. Free Admission.
Information: www.saphirastudio.com.
Friday, November 7, 2014
(SEA), The Clemente & Rums of Puerto
Rico presents BORIMIX: Puerto Rico Fest
2014. The BORIMIX Puerto Rico Fest
2014 festival kick-off event at SEA and
The Clemente. The evening begins with
the BORIMIX Awards Ceremony honoring
leaders in the Puerto Rican community,
and follows with the opening of visual
arts exhibitions and special entertainment
from International Salsa Singer, Choco
Orta. Don’t miss this fun-filled evening
celebrating Puerto Rican heritage, arts
and culture! Clemente Soto Velez Center,
107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 7 PM – 10:30
PM Admission: FREE. For additional
information, please call (212) 529-1545.
Bronx
Museum
presents
FIRST
FRIDAYS!
MANUEL
VALERA’S
CUBAN EXPRESS WITH SOFIA REI.
MANUEL VALERA, Grammy-nominated
composer and jazz pianist known for
his distinctive Havana sound, is joined
by the charismatic Argentinian singersongwriter Sofía Rei. The program
includes Martí en Nueva York, an eightpart song cycle composed by Valera and
based on the poems of Cuban writer José
Martí. Produced in collaboration with
Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concerts.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040
Grand Concourse, Bronx. 6 PM – 10
PM. Free admission and bar (donations
suggested). For more information, visit
www.bronxmuseum.org.
WHIN MUSIC PROJECT presents EL
SISTEMA IN THE HEIGHTS CONCERT.
Inspired by the renowned Venezuelan
orchestral program known as El Sistema,
the Washington Heights and Inwood
(WHIN) Music Project was founded in
August 2012 by Sistema Fellow ´11
David Gracia and became the first
El Sistema program for the Northern
Manhattan communities, serving since
then an average of 150 students per week
(ages 4 to 18). El Sistema in the Heights
Concert will be an opportunity to hear
perform our most advanced orchestras
and ensembles (Children´s and Youth
Orchestra and Camerata). Our Saviour´s
Atonement Lutheran Church, 178 Bennett
Avenue, Manhattan. 6:30 PM. Suggested
Donation: $5.00. Information: www.
whinmusicproject.org.
Spanish Artists in NY, Inc. and Instituto
Cervantes presents JP JOFRE WITHIN
THE MUSIC SERIES, PLAY LOUD! The
virtuoso Argentine bandoneon player and
composer JP Jofre has been hailed as one
of today’s leading artists by Lincoln Center
and praised by The New York Times for
his soulful, artful playing, capable of
causing a triumphant standing ovation
from audiences around the world. Instituto
Garden Café Inwood presents ANNETTE
A AGUILAR AND STRINGBEANS
LATIN BRAZILIAN JAZZ DUO. Annette
A Aguilar and StringBeans bringing the
best Latin Brazilian Jazz to Northern
Manhattan. Annette A Aguilar band
leader percussionist with Guitarist
Jonny Johannson. Garden Café Inwood,
4961 Broadway @ 207th, Manhattan.
7:30 PM -10:30 PM. No Cover, Family
Dining, wine and beer. Information:
www.aguilarstringbeans.com and www.
gardencafeny.com.
Repertorio
Español
presents
SU
NOMBRE SERÁ SU SOMBRA PARA
SIEMPRE by Carlos Murillo. Directed by
José Zayas. WORLD PREMIERE. Javier
and Alvaro are trying to unearth the true
identity of Danny Santiago, a mysterious
young Chicano writer. When they discover
that Danny is not who he claims he is, they
must reimagine their own identities as
Latino storytellers. Based on a true story.
Winning Play of the 2013 MetLife Nuestras
Voces National Playwriting Competition.
La Casa Azul Bookstore in association
with SEA presents FAMILY DAY!
75
STORYTELLING HOUR FEATURING
“THE POET UPSTAIRS” BY JUDITH
ORTIZ COFER. Local author, Yadhira
Gonzalez-Taylor, will read “The Poet
Upstairs”, a beautiful story about Julia de
Burgos! In “The Poet Upstairs”, a young
girl, Juliana, is too sick to go to school one
winter day. Instead, Juliana stays home
and listens to the mysterious poet who
lives upstairs, as she types away on her
typewriter working on a new book. While
listening to the poet work, Juliana dreams
of a tiny tropical island that both her mother
and the poet share. Perfect for children
ages 3-7. “The Poet Upstairs” is by Judith
Ortiz-Cofer. Bilingual story hour. La Casa
Azul Bookstore, 143 E. 103rd St., NYC.
12 PM to 1:30 PM. Admission: FREE. For
more information: www.teatrosea.org or
(212) 529-1545.
presents MY SUPERHERO, ROBERTO
CLEMENTE. From the producers of the
multiple, award-winning Off-Broadway
Musical about the life of Roberto Clemente,
comes a new bilingual musical for children!
Bobby and his friends discover the super
powers that make this legendary baseball
player and humanitarian a Superhero!
Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 3
PM. Admission: Adults $18. Children $15.
For more information: www.teatrosea.org
or (212) 529-1545.
Repertorio
Español
presents
SU
SIEMPRE by Carlos Murillo. Directed
by José Zayas. Javier and Alvaro are
trying to unearth the true identity of
Danny Santiago, a mysterious young
Chicano writer. When they discover that
Danny is not who he claims he is, they
Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture
presents
ANDANZA
COMPAÑÍA
DE DANZA CONTEMPORÁNEA. In
recognition of Puerto Rican Heritage
Month, direct from San Juan, Puerto
Rico’s leading contemporary dance
company makes its New York debut in
76
a mixed repertory program featuring the
choreography of Carlos Iván Santos,
María Rovira, and Matías Santiago with
the music of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky,
Samuel Barber, Jordi Savall, and more.
Main Theater, Hostos Center for the Arts
and Culture, 450 Grand Concourse at
149th Street in the Bronx. 7:30 PM.
Admission: $30-20. For information and
tickets call the box office: (718) 518-4455
or visit Hostos Box Office on Monday Friday, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m.and two hours
before showtime.
Duo Cantabile, Lauri Aguirre (soprano)
and Mariano Aguirre (classical guitar)
present a recital of songs and guitar solos
from Latin America. Featuring works by
composers from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba,
Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
Highlights of the program include the
song “Cucurrucucú Paloma” and the aria
“Bachiana Brasileira”. Brooklyn Music
School, 126 Saint Felix Street, Brooklyn.
3 PM. Free Admission. Information: www.
marianoaguirreguitar.com/duo-cantabile
and www.brooklynmusicschool.org.
Repertorio
Español
presents
SU
Repertorio
Español
presents
SU
Chicano writer. When they discover
that Danny is not who he claims he is,
they must reimagine their own identities
as Latino storytellers. Based on a true
story. Winning Play of the 2013 MetLife
Nuestras Voces National Playwriting
Competition.
Performed in Spanish
with subtitles in English & Spanish via
Simultext® In-Seat Captioning System.
The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East
27th Street, between Lexington & Third
Avenues, NYC. 2:30 PM. Tickets begin at
$15. For reservations, call (212) 225-9999
or www.repertorio.org.
North/South Music presents LATIN
AMERICA IN SONG. Puerto Rican
soprano Patricia Cay and Mexican-born
pianist Max Lifchitz join forces for a special
recital featuring art songs by composers
from throughout the Caribbean and Latin
America. The event is part of North/South
Consonance’s 35th season. Christ and St
Stephen’s Church, 120 West 69th St (bet
Bway and Columbus) Manhattan. 3 PM.
Free Admission. For more information,
visit www.northsouthmusic.org.
DUO CANTABILE presents GUITAR
AND SONGS FROM LATIN AMERICA.
(SEA) and Pregones Theater presents
the films POR AMOR EN EL CASERÍO
& EL EXTRAORDINARIO SR. JÚPITER.
Por Amor en el Caserío tells the story
of Crystal and Angelo, two young kids
from different families who run opposing
drug spots within the same community.
Love surprises them amid a whirlwind
of problems such as violence, drugs
and social and family breakdown.
Writer Antonio Morales is inspired by
the classic, Romeo and Juliet, where
Crystal and Angelo fall in love and fight
for their feelings amongst the opposition.
Directed by Antonio Morales. In the film El
Extraordinario Sr. Júpiter, Franco Júpiter,
a young orphan who since childhood,
has studied life intensely and developed
powers of levitation, among others, but
keeps them a secret. As an adult, he
works as a circus magician facing the
mystery of true love and chooses to
challenge nature by creating a woman
from a flower. Directed by Federico Torres
Fernández.Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk
Street, NYC. 7 PM. Admission: FREE. For
more information: www.teatrosea.org or
(212) 529-1545.
The Alliance for Young Urban Design and
the Arts (AYUDA for the Arts) presents AN
EVENING UNDER THE STARS AT THE
COPACABANA with guest hosts Mike
Woods and Ines Rosales of Fox5 Good
Day New York. The evening begins in the
exquisite Copacabana with a delicious
dinner with red and white wines. There
will be live entertainment throughout the
evening, provided by various international
musicians and dancers. Your experience
continues at the Rooftop 760 where
you will dance the night away to the
exciting and exotic salsa music that the
Copacabana has been so famous for.
Proceeds fund scholarships and programs
to help the creative young students
from urban neighborhoods develop their
artistic potential. Copacabana, 268 West
47th Street at 8th Avenue, New York, NY.
6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Tickets: Advance
Purchase: $80 per person - $150 per pair;
At Door: $90 per person - $170 per pair. For
Online/ Advanced Sales: www.AyudaArts.
org. For more information call (917) 9684191 or visit www.ayudaforthearts.org.
Ticket link on Eventbrite: http://www.
eventbrite.com/e/13666876997.
Repertorio Español presents LA CASA
DE BERNARDA ALBA by García Lorca,
directed by René Buch. Bernarda Alba
attempts to dominate and control her five
unmarried daughters. In this repressed
environment, Lorca creates an explosion
of hatred, jealousy, despair and passion.
Performances presented in Spanish
simultaneous English translation via
headphones available for an additional
$3.00. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138
East 27th Street (between Lexington &
Third Avenue), NYC. 11 AM. Ticket from
$15. For reservations, call (212) 2259999 or www.repertorio.org.
El
Museo
del
Barrio
presents
LIBROFORUM: El Museo del Barrio
Presents LIBROFORUM: El País Bajo Mi
Piel, Gioconda Belli. Tras casarse muy
jóven y ser madre, Gioconda Belli se unió
al clandestino y emergente movimiento
Sandinista, sustituyendo su deseo de
ser una buena esposa por la necesidad
de vivir una vida plena y comprometida
con los cambios sociales en su país.
Black Box Theatre @El Museo, 1230
Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029 11AM
– 1PM. Free, RSVP required. For more
information, contact Zoraida Climent via
email at zcliment@elmuseo.org.
(SEA) and NYC Council Member Maria
del Carmen Arroyo presents THE PURA
BELPRÉ PROJECT. Teatro SEA brings
back “Story Hour with Pura Belpré”, a reenactment of Pura Belpré’s legendary
“Bilingual Story Hour”. Children participate
in this cultural, creative and interactive
experience tha. t combines storytelling
with puppets. Hunt’s Point Library, 877
Southern Boulevard @ Tiffany St., Bronx.
4 PM. Admission: FREE. For more
529-1545.
El Museo del Barrio presents BECOMING
JULIA DE BURGOS. Join Vanessa Pérez
Rosario and poets Sandra Maria Esteves,
Mariposa, Bonafide Rojas and Emanuel
Xavier for an evening of conversation
and readings honoring the life and work
and Julia de Burgos. El Café @El Museo,
1230 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029.
6:30 PM. Admission: Free but RSVP
required via www.elmuseo.org.
4th Annual International Puerto Rican
Heritage Film Festival (IPRHFF) Opening
Reception. Reception, Screening and
After party. Frankie Negron sings “La
Borinquena” at opening. Special Feature
Presentation “El Clown” Directed by Pedro
Adorno & Emilio Rodriguez. “El Clown,”
Pedro Adorno’s and Emilio Rodriguez tale
of a circus clown’s rise to stardom as a
pitchman, tracks the erosion of creativity
through corporate branding with a healthy
dose of absurdism. Pic’s sly portrait of the
artist as a conflicted clown is rich in the
meticulous craftsmanship it celebrates,
its consummate slapstick deflating any
overwrought Pagliacci operatics or
facile art-vs.-commerce preciousness.
Intelligent crowd-pleaser reps a rousing
triumph for the burgeoning Puerto Rican
film industry and, with savvy handling,
could conjure a niche for itself under the
indie big top.Leo C. Stern Theater at
Mount Sinai Health System ,1190 5th Ave
, New York, NY 10029. 7 PM. Admission:
$25.00. To view festival calendar and
purchase tickets, visit : www.iprhff.com.
Repertorio Español presents LA GRINGA,
NYC. 11 AM. Tickets begin $15. For
repertorio.org.
Heritage
Film
Festival
(IPRHFF)
Reception and Screening of UNDER MY
NAILS by Filmmaker Ari Maniel Cruz. In
New York, Solimar a Puerto Rican woman
who works in a “nail salon” becomes
obsessed with the violent sexual practices
of her new neighbors, a Dominican man
Roberto and his Haitian-Dominican wife
Perpetue. Leo C. Stern Theater at Mount
Sinai Health System ,1190 5th Ave , New
York, NY 10029. 7 PM. Admission: $25.00.
To view festival calendar and purchase
tickets, visit : www.iprhff.com.
Repertorio
Español
presents
SU
NOVIEMBRE NINETEENTH ANNUAL
BENEFIT CELEBRATING TWENTYEIGHT YEARS OF PUERTO RICAN
HERITAGE MONTH.
Black Tie. Reception 6 PM followed by
Dinner 7 PM. New York Hilton, 1335
Avenue of the Americas (between W
53rd Street and W 54th Street), NYC.
For more information or tickets contact
Teresa Santiago at (914)263-6599.
Pregones Theater and
The Puerto
Rican Traveling Theater presents FILM
SCREENING AND CONVERSATION
WITH MIRIAM COLÓN.
The film,
BLESS ME, ULTIMA, is based on the
controversial, first award-winning Chicano
novel by acclaimed author Rudolfo Anaya.
It is a turbulent coming-of-age story about
a young boy, Antonio (Luke Ganalon),
growing up in New Mexico during World
War II. When a mysterious curandera
(healer) named Ultima (Miriam Colón)
comes to live with his family, she teaches
him about the power of the spiritual world.
As their relationship grows, Antonio
begins to question his strict upbringing
by his parents (Dolores Heredia & Benito
Martínez). Through a series of mysterious
and at times terrifying events, Antonio
must grapple with questions about the
nature of divinity and his own destiny.
First released October 19, 2012, the film
is written and directed by Carl Franklin
(“Devil in a Blue Dress”), the executive
producer is Christy Walton, producers
are Mark Johnson, Sarah DiLeo and
Jesse B’Franklin. A conversation with
the film’s star and founder of the Puerto
Rican Traveling Theater, Miriam Colón,
will follow the screening. Puerto Rican
Traveling Theater, 304 W 47th Street,
New York NY 10036. 7 PM. $60. For
more information call (718) 585-1202 or
visit http://www.pregonesprtt.org.
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
COLOMBIA REVISTA MUSICAL. A new
homage to the beauty and diversity of
Colombia in music and dance. Mestizo
Dance Company with Harold Gutierrez
and his Band. Thalia Spanish Theatre,
41–17 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside,
NY. 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–
17 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY.
8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students &
Seniors. For information call (718) 7293880 or www.thaliatheatre.org.
Repertorio Español presents Nobel
Prize Winner Gabriel García Márquez’
CRONICA DE UNA MUERTE ANUNCIADA
(CHRONICLE OF A DEATH FORETOLD).
Directed by Jorge Alí Triana.A spectacular
wedding, a savage scandal, and a murder
to which an entire Latin American town
appears to be an accessory to the fact.
Avenue), NYC. 8 PM. Admission: $25-
77
$50 with discounts available for Seniors,
Students,and Groups. For reservations,
org.
PINTA Art Fair 2014. PINTA is a unique
event exhibiting annually – for sale
through participating galleries – the best
of Latin American art, coinciding with
Christie’s and Sotheby’s Latin American
art auctions and with important exhibitions
in museums and cultural institutions in
New York City. 82 Mercer Street,New
York, NY 10012. 12 PM-8 PM. General
Admission $25, Student $10, Groups (8+)
Reduced price $15. For more information,
visit www.pintaart.com.
El Museo del Barrio presents SUPER
SÁBADO: Cara a Cara. Explore and
discover the people and world around you
through stories, movement workshops
and the artwork of Marisol! El Museo Del
Barrio, 1230 5th Avenue, New York, New
York, 10029. 12 PM to 5 PM. Free. For
more information, visit www.elmuseo.org.
American Legion Latin American Post#
840 presents 6th ANNUAL DISCOVERY
OF PUERTO RICO PARADE. Starting at
5th & Huntington Streets, Philadelphia,
PA. 12 PM. For information call Centro
Musical to speak with Wilfredo or Cristina
Gonzalez at (215) 425-7050.
presents MY SUPERHERO, ROBERTO
CLEMENTE. From the producers of the
multiple, award-winning Off-Broadway
Musical about the life of Roberto Clemente,
comes a new bilingual musical for children!
Bobby and his friends discover the super
powers that make this legendary baseball
player and humanitarian a Superhero!
Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 3
PM. Admission: Adults $18. Children $15.
For more information: www.teatrosea.org
or (212) 529-1545.
The Puerto
SCREENING BLESS ME, ULTIMA. The
film, BLESS ME, ULTIMA, is based on the
and at times terrifying events, Antonio must
grapple with questions about the nature of
divinity and his own destiny. First released
October 19, 2012, the film is written and
78
directed by Carl Franklin (“Devil in a Blue
Dress”), the executive producer is Christy
Walton, producers are Mark Johnson,
Sarah DiLeo and Jesse B’Franklin. Puerto
Rican Traveling Theater, 304 W 47th
Street, New York NY 10036. 3 and 7 PM.
$12. For more information call (718) 5851202 or visit http://www.pregonesprtt.org.
Repertorio
Español
presents
LA
ZAPATERA PRODIGIOSA by García
Lorca, directed by Andrés Zambrano.
A small village is scandalized by the
marriage of an old shoemaker and a
beautiful, sensual, and flirtatious young
woman. LA ZAPATERA PRODIGIOSA is a
poetic comedy by Federico García Lorca
where true love triumphs. Filled with music
and performed by a talented cast, this
play will leave audiences in awe of one of
García Lorca’s most captivating stories.
Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 3 PM.
Ticket from $15. For reservations, call
The Bronx Music Heritage Center, City
Lore and the Association for Puerto RicanHispanic Culture, Inc. in association with
SEA presents BRONX RISING!--POEMAS
PUEBLOS: THE REVOLUTIONARY
POEMS OF JULIA DE BURGOS
PUBLISHED IN PUEBLOS HISPANOS.
2014 is the 100th anniversary of the birth
of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated poet,
Julia de Burgos. She will be honored with
a program featuring the poetry that was
part of her column when she was a writer
for the politically progressive newspaper
in the 1940s, Pueblos Hispanos. The
event will begin with a film screening of
Julia, toda en mí, followed by a poetry
reading curated by Sery Colón featuring
the poets: Sery Colón, Nancy Mercado
and Veronica Verdad and will end with a
music performance by Bombazo. Bronx
Music Heritage Center Lab, 1303 Louis
9 Blvd, Bronx, 10459. 4 PM - 8 PM.
Admission: FREE. For more information:
www.teatrosea.org or (212) 529-1545.
Heritage
Film
Festival
(IPRHFF)
presents Palante, Siempre Palante! by
Filmmaker Iris Morales. The Young Lords
documents the history of a leading Puerto
Rican activist organization in the United
States in the 1960s and 70s. Former
members discuss the Young Lords’
vision, community organizing, militant
actions, and ongoing legacy in on-camera
interviews accompanied with archival
footage, photographs and music. (48 min.
1996). Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street,
Between Delancey and Rivington Streets
(NYC). 5:30 PM. For your FREE Tickets
visit : www.iprhff.com.
Loisaida, Inc. and Acacia Network in
association with SEA presents Muchas
Julias/Many Julias. A multidisciplinary
contemporary reinterpretation of Julia
de Burgos’ poetry demonstrating the
complexity and many sides of the poet
through various disciplines and genres
of art expression. Loisaida Center, 701
East 9th St. and Avenue C , NYC. 8 PM.
Admission: $10.00 donation. For more
529-1545.
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
Repertorio Español presents AIRE FRÍO
By Virgilio Piñera, directed by Leyma
López.
“I’m going to marry the first man I find in the
street!” yells Luz Marina, the protagonist of
Virgilio Piñera’s greatest play, AIRE FRÍO.
A strong -willed fighter bent on survival in a
harsh world of male chauvinism, necessity
and political turmoil, she will toil to keep
her family together while chasing her
own humble dream of finding a husband.
Repertorio Español presents LA NENA SE
CASA by Carlos Ferrari. Directed by José
Zayas. La nena se casa is a cleverly cruel
comedy about a desperate father who will
do absolutely anything to marry off one of
his three spinster daughters. Love is blind
and in this case, it’s blind, dangerous, and
hilarious! Full of wit, wild characters, and
plenty of over the top twists and turns;
this play is a wicked look at the absurd
choices people can make to maintain
social appearances. Performed in Spanish
The Puerto
SCREENING BLESS ME, ULTIMA. The
film, BLESS ME, ULTIMA, is based on the
and at times terrifying events, Antonio must
grapple with questions about the nature of
divinity and his own destiny. First released
October 19, 2012, the film is written and
directed by Carl Franklin (“Devil in a Blue
Dress”), the executive producer is Christy
Walton, producers are Mark Johnson,
Sarah DiLeo and Jesse B’Franklin. Puerto
Rican Traveling Theater, 304 W 47th
Street, New York NY 10036. 3 and 7 PM.
$12. For more information call (718) 5851202 or visit http://www.pregonesprtt.org.
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
Repertorio
Español
presents
SU
Competition.
and Pregones Theater presents the film
JULIA, TODA EN MÍ . Directed by Ivonne
Belén, this poetic film explores the life
and literary work of Puerto Rican poet,
Julia de Burgos, told through portions
of letters she wrote from New York and
Cuba to her sister, Consuelo, during the
1940’s until her early death in 1953. Stars
such as Benicio del Toro, Jacobo Morales
and Miriam Colón join efforts to honor the
famous poet in this beautiful docudrama.
Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC.
7 PM. Admission: FREE. For more
information: (212) 529-1545.
Sotheby’s Latin American Art. Annual
Auction of Latin American paintings.
Sotheby’s, 1334 York Avenue New York,
Manhattan. 10 AM - 5 PM. Visit www.
sothebys.com.
The Caribbean Cultural Center African
Diaspora Institute presents VITALITY
A TRANSFORMING THE TEMPLE
EVENT. A lively workshop exploring
multiple routes to increased vitality at any
age and in any circumstance. Herbalist
and licensed acupuncturist Bishara Wilson
shares tools for supporting an active life
style and conquering chronic pain. Sacred
Sexuality specialist, Isabelle PierreEmile, explores Kundalini as method
of heightening and harnessing sacred
sexual energy to increase creativity in
other areas. Psychologist Maat Erica
Lewis shares self- help tools for self
-awareness and personal motivation.
Transforming the Temple is CCCADI’s
health initiative designed to decolonize
ideas and democratize access to wholistic
wellness by building bridges between
communities and the practitioners,
resources, and information that support
integrative, empowering and culturally
resonant approaches to healthcare. 6:30
PM – 8:30 PM. Dwyer Cultural Center,
258 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY
10027. Admission: $8 in advance, $10
at the door. For tickets in advance, visit
vitality-tickets.eventbrite.com. For more
information, visit www.cccadi.org.
repertorio.org.
As she visits her uncle in Puerto Rico
she is faced with many questions about
being Puerto Rican. La Gringa is a
story about cultural identity and family.
Avenue), NYC. 1 PM. Tickets begin $15.
For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or
www.repertorio.org.
El
Museo
del
Barrio
presents
INTERNATIONAL
PUERTO
RICAN
HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL. Join us for
a film screening exploring issues inherent
to Puerto Rico’s heritage. El Teatro @ El
Museo, 1230 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
10029. 8 PM.Free. RSVP at www.iprhff.
org.
Repertorio
Español
presents
EL
QUIJOTE. A carnivalesque adaptation
of Cervantes’ masterpiece. Through Don
Quijote’s adventures, the production
presents the illusion of an utopian world
with a festive and colorful spirit. El Quijote
is a polyphonic play in which many
different genres such as comedy, tragedy
and farce collide to form a carnival-like
and vibrant Don Quijote that is rich in
its musicality.” The play is a collection of
12 scenes that present different stories
based on the original text of Cervantes.
Avenue), NYC. 11 AM. Tickets start at
El Museo del Barrio presents MUSICA DE
CAMARA 2014. Celebrate the Camara’s
35th anniversary with a film screening, and
Charla-Concierto by violinist Guillermo
Figueroa and pianist Ivonne Figueroa. El
Teatro @ El Museo, 1230 Fifth Avenue,
New York, NY 10029. 8 PM. Info and
tickets: 212.410.5612.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Celebrates Puerto Rican Heritage &
Culture. Don Coqui, 565 City Island
Avenue, Bronx. 12 Noon. RSVP to
lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov or 718-5903522.
The Paul André Feit Memorial Fund of
the Weissman School of Baruch College/
CUNY and SEA presents NUEVA YORK,
IMAGINACIÓN Y ESCRITURA: JULIA
DE BURGOS E ISOLINA FERRÉ.
This lecture by Dr. Carmen Dolores
Hernández examines the work of two
Puerto Rican women: Julia de Burgos
and Isolina Ferré. Conducted in Spanish
only. Baruch College/CUNY, 55 Lexington
Ave (entrance on 25th St.), Room VC
6-210, NYC. 11:10 AM - 12:25 PM. Free
admission: Audience members must bring
Photo ID to be permitted into Baruch
College. For more information: www.
teatrosea.org or call (212) 529-1545.
Repertorio
Español
presents
LA
ZAPATERA PRODIGIOSA by García
Lorca, directed . by Andrés Zambrano.
A small village is scandalized by the
marriage of an old shoemaker and a
beautiful, sensual, and flirtatious young
woman. LA ZAPATERA PRODIGIOSA is a
79
poetic comedy by Federico García Lorca
where true love triumphs. Filled with music
and performed by a talented cast, this
play will leave audiences in awe of one of
García Lorca’s most captivating stories.
Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 11 AM.
Ticket from $15. For reservations, call
Hostos Repertory Company presents
YOUNG HOSTOS. World premiere of
the new play by Michael Gabriel Torres
about the early years of Eugenio María
de Hostos in celebration of the 175th
anniversary of the birth of the educator,
writer and activist of the Americas. Black
Box Theater, Hostos Community College,
Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, 405
Grand Concourse at 149th Street, Bronx,
NY. 7 PM. General Admission: $10 (very
limited seating). For information and
before showtime.
Repertorio Español presents La Casa
de Bernarda Alba by García Lorca,
before showtime.
NYU Gallatin School of Individualized
Study, the Rethinking Politics and the
Global Faculty Studies Group and the
Gallatin Human Rights Initiative presents
MILITARIZED COLONIALISM, HUMAN
RIGHTS AND REPARATIONS: THE
CASE OF VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO.
80
This event brings together academics and
activists in a dialogue about militarized
colonialism, human rights and reparations
in Vieques, Puerto Rico. Over ten years
ago a social movement forced the exit of
the United States Navy from the island,
which it had used for 60 years to practice
bombing and biochemical warfare. Yet, as
many Viequenses say, la lucha continúa.
The struggle continues. While the island
community experiences the long lasting
effects of militarized colonialism such as
environmental devastation, initiatives are
surfacing from an engaged civil society
insistent on reparations and a viable
future for Viequenses. The conversation
will address challenges, initiatives and
possibilities
in
“post-Navy”Vieques.
Participants: Vasuki Nesiah: professor
at the Gallatin School and legal scholar
with an interest in colonialism, human
rights and reparations; Marie Cruz Soto:
professor at the Gallatin School who
researches on U.S. Empire, militarized
colonialism and the island-community of
Vieques, Puerto Rico; Carmen Valencia:
founding member of the Alianza de
Mujeres Viequenses;
Nilda Medina:
founder and director of Incubadora de
Microempresas Bieke; Frank Velgara:
founding member of New York Solidarity
with Vieques; and, Natasha Lycia Ora
Bannan: President-Elect of the National
Lawyers Guild and lead counsel on Torres,
et al. v. United States, a petition filed
before the Inter-American Commission
on Human Rights. Jerry H. Labowitz
Theatre for the Performing Arts, New York
University, 1 Washington Place New York,
NY 10003. 5:30 PM. Admission: Free.
CHRISTIE’S
LATIN
AMERICAN
PAINTINGS. Annual Auction of Latin
American paintings.Christie’s, Rockefeller
Center NYC. Viewing 10 AM-5 PM. Visit
www.christies.com.
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
Repertorio Español presents CITA A
CIEGAS (BLIND DATE) by Mario Diament,
directed by Jorge Alí Triana. Performed
around the world to enthusiastic critical
and audience acclaim, Cita a ciegas
is a compelling and riveting play about
chance encounters. An intricate puzzle
of passions, destinies, and coincidences
seduces audiences into a world filled with
unrequited love, dangerous obsessions,
and the thought of what-might-have-been.
Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC 8 PM.
Admission: Tickets start at $15. For
repertorio.org.
Teatro La Tea presents DIAS ETERNOS/
ETERNAL DAYS. After more than a
decade award-winning actors Nelson
Landrieu (Uruguay) and Mateo Gomez
(Dominican Republic) come together for
the staging of the comedy drama “Dias
Eternos” (Eternal Days) by playwright
Carlos Pais (Argentina). Direction: Beatriz
Cordoba (Argentina). The play deals
with the issues of old age and the need
to find livelihood, even if in unpleasant
circumstances. Dias Eternos arouses
different emotions. It takes audiences
from laughter to reflections on life and
survival. The script is full of humor,
compassion, while grotesque. Teatro La
Tea, 107 Suffolk Street, Manhattan. 8 PM.
Admission $15. For more information:
www.teatrolatea.com.
Pregones Theater and Latino Sports
present the Bronx premier of the
animation film, HENRY AND ME based on
a children’s book written by Puerto Rican
author, Ray Negron.
Film details: A young boy battling illness
is taken on a magical adventure by a
stranger named Henry. On their journey
the boy meets New York Yankee legends.
Both past and present, who give him
lessons about baseball and life . ....
Director; Barrett Esposito
Writer: David I, Stern
Stars: Richard Gere, Cyndi Lauper, Luis
Guzman
Date: Friday November 21, 2014
Location: Pregones Theater 571 Walton
Ave., Bronx, NY
Time: Reception 7pm·8pm
Film starts at: 8 pm
Join us and a host of VIP & celebrities in
celebrating this Bronx premier.
The event is sponsored bby Pregones
Theater and Latino Sports. Two South
Bronx based community organizations
that strive to bring culture and sports to all
sectors of our community
Call for sponsorship and ticket information
718-585-1202 & or 718-402-9310
Comité Noviembre and PRIDA
presents THE 9TH ANNUAL COMITÉ
NOVIEMBRE PUERTO RICAN
ARTISANS FAIR AND 3RD ANNUAL
BOOK EXPO.
In keepng with its mission to promote
Puerto Rican culture and art, Comité
Noviembre has invited Puerto Rican
artisans from Puerto Rico and the
United States to participate in its Ninth
annual Puerto Rican Artisans Fair, the
largest Puerto Rican Artisan Fair in the
United States (outside of Puerto Rico).
The Fair will have live entertainment
and educational cultural workshops
for children and adults such as mask
making, the history of the Three Kings’
celebration, Taino story telling and
much more! The Book Fair showcases
Puerto Rican authors. Come, have
fun, learn about our culture, and do
your holiday shopping purchasing
unique gifts.
Hostos Community
College, Hostos Center for the Arts
& Culture, 450 Grand Concourse at
149th Street, Bronx, NY. 12 PM – 7 PM.
Admission: Free.
For more information please visit www.
comitenoviembre.org or www.PRIDA.
org.
Diversity in Arts and Nations for Cultural
Education, Inc. (DANCE), presents
the Fifth Annual South Bronx
Folk Festival Finale at Hostos
Community College – An afternoon
filled with traditional music and dances
featuring Danza Fiesta; Baile y Teatro
Puertorriqueño and Guest Artists. Main
Theater, Hostos Community College,
NY. 3 PM. General Admission: $10. For
information and tickets call the box office:
(718) 518-4455 or visit Hostos Box Office
on Monday - Friday, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m.and
two hours before showtime.
CHRISTIE’S
LATIN
AMERICAN
Center NYC. Viewing 1 PM - 5 PM. Visit
www.christies.com.
SOTHEBY’S LATIN AMERICAN ART.
Annual Auction of Latin American
paintings.
Sotheby’s Latin American
Art Department commemorates its 35th
Anniversary with a selection of leading
Latin American artists from the 20th
century. Fernando Botero’s La casa de las
gemelas Arias (1973) will lead the Latin
American Modern and Contemporary
Evening sale to celebrate this occasion.
Exceptional works by Brazilian artists
Maria Martins, Mira Schendel, Sergio
Camargo, and Cildo Meireles along with
works by Venezeulan masters Armando
Reverón, Gego and Jesús Rafael Soto
will complement a dedicated section to
contemporary art from Mexico—one of
today’s most exciting art capitals. Artists
participating in this first curated offering
of contemporary art in a Latin American
Art sale include: Gabriel Orozco, Francis
Alÿs, Gabriel de la Mora, Pedro Reyes,
and Miguel Calderón. Sotheby’s, 1334
York Avenue New York, Manhattan. 10 AM
- 5 PM. Visit www.sothebys.com.
Repertorio
Español
presents
EL
Avenue), NYC. 3 PM. Tickets start at $15.
www.repertorio.org.
Lehman
College
presents
60TH
ANNIVERSARY
CONCERT
PAPO
LUCCA AND LA SONORA PONCEÑA
with Special Guests Yolanda Rivera,
Luigi Texidor, and Hector Pichi Pérez with
MC Paco Navarro. La Sonora Ponceña
has been entertaining audiences for
six decades and featuring the piano
virtuosity of Papo Lucca, will be returning
to Lehman Center to celebrate its 60th
anniversary! Lehman Center for the
Performing Arts, Bedford Park Blvd West,
Bronx. 8 PM. Tickets: $100, $85, $75.
Children 12 and under, $10 any seat. For
more information or to purchase tickets,
visit www.lehmancenter.org.
(SEA) presents RAFAEL HERNÁNDEZ…
ROMANCE. The revival of one of Teatro
SEA’s greatest hits! A romantic musical
revue about the life, career and music
of one of the greatest Latin American
composers of all time, Rafael Hernández.
8 PM. $30 online and in advance. $40
at the door. For more information: www.
teatrosea.org or (212) 529-1545.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
presents SALSAPALOOZA AT NJPAC.
Concert
featuring
multi-Grammynominated trombonist and composer
Willie Colón, singer and musician Ismael
Miranda, aka “El Niño Bonito de la
Salsa,” and salsa romántica singer Eddie
Santiago. New Jersey Performing Arts
Center, One Centre St, Newark, NJ. 8
PM. For ticket prices please contact:
Jose “Tito” Acevedo (973) 557-1957
mayaguezano@optonline.net.
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
Repertorio Español presents BARCELÓ
CON HIELO by Marco Antonio Rodríguez,
directed by José Zayas. Winning Play
of the 2012 MetLife Nuestras Voces
National Playwriting Competition. Nino
Antonio Ortiz — a man with an intriguing
past and dark secrets — is confronted by
hallucinations of the Dominican President
Joaquín Balaguer. Transported between
his youth in the island’s countryside and
his old age in his Washington Heights
home, Nino must face the true origins
of his bitterness before it’s too late.
BARCELÓ CON HIELO is a moving story
about a father’s relationship with his two
sons. Performed in Spanish with subtitles
in English & Spanish via Simultext® InSeat Captioning System. Recommended
for adult audiences. The Gramercy Arts
Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 8 PM.
Tickets start at $15. For reservations, call
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
81
COMITE NOVIEMBRE
EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL DAY OF
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY.
For the past eighteen years, Comité
Noviembre has set aside the Sunday
before Thanksgiving as a day of
community
service
and
social
responsibility in commemoration of
November 19th, traditionally known as
Puerto Rican discovery day or as we
like to call it Puerto Rican “encounter”
day. The purpose of the day is to show
the spirit of commitment and the
power of action. CN is conducting a
food drive of non-perishable foods to
create Thanksgiving dinner baskets for
the poor of New York. CN is working to
provide 300 needy families with food
baskets and turkeys which will be
distributed by volunteers the Tuesday
before Thanksgiving. TURKEYS ARE
NEEDED, as well as non-perishable
foods.
Several food drop-off points have
been determined, UPACA Senior
Center/IPRHE, 1940 Lexington Avenue
(between 119th and 120th Street),
NYC; Elmhurst Jackson Heights/
IPRHE Senior Center , 75-01 Broadway,
Elmhurst, NY. Please contact: Teresa
A. Santiago (914) 263-6599, Alicia
Rodriguez, (347) 675 5490, Iris Ramirez,
to confirm other locations. 11AM - 4PM.
CHRISTIE’S
LATIN
AMERICAN
www.christies.com.
SOTHEBY’S LATIN AMERICAN ART.
Annual Auction of Latin American
paintings.
Sotheby’s Latin American
Art Department commemorates its 35th
Anniversary with a selection of leading
Latin American artists from the 20th
century. Fernando Botero’s La casa de las
gemelas Arias (1973) will lead the Latin
American Modern and Contemporary
Evening sale to celebrate this occasion.
Exceptional works by Brazilian artists
Maria Martins, Mira Schendel, Sergio
Camargo, and Cildo Meireles along with
works by Venezeulan masters Armando
Reverón, Gego and Jesús Rafael Soto
will complement a dedicated section to
contemporary art from Mexico—one of
today’s most exciting art capitals. Artists
participating in this first curated offering
of contemporary art in a Latin American
Art sale include: Gabriel Orozco, Francis
Alÿs, Gabriel de la Mora, Pedro Reyes,
and Miguel Calderón. Sotheby’s, 1334
82
York Avenue New York, Manhattan. 10 AM
- 1 PM. Visit www.sothebys.com.
Repertorio
Español
presents
SU
Competition.
(SEA) presents RAFAEL HERNÁNDEZ…
ROMANCE. The revival of one of Teatro
SEA’s greatest hits! A romantic musical
revue about the life, career and music
of one of the greatest Latin American
composers of all time, Rafael Hernández.
4 PM. $30 online and in advance. $40
at the door. For more information: www.
teatrosea.org or (212) 529-1545.
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
CHRISTIE’S
LATIN
AMERICAN
www.christies.com.
(SEA) presents the film 200 CARTAS.
Directed by Bruno Irrizarry, 200 Cartas
is a romantic comedy about the life of
a Puerto Rican man born in New York.
One night, Raul meets Maria, a young
Puerto Rican woman visiting New York.
On the night of their encounter something
dramatic happens, and they are suddenly
separated. Struck by love at first sight, he
goes to Puerto Rico and travels around
the island in search of this beautiful girl.
Featuring: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dayanara
Torres, Jaime Camil & Luis Raul. Teatro
SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 7 PM.
Admission: FREE. For more information:
www.teatrosea.org or (212) 529-1545.
Repertorio Español presents LA CASA
DE BERNARDA ALBA by García Lorca,
repertorio.org.
¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias! – Happy
Thanksgiving!
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
Repertorio Español presents EL AMOR
EN LOS TIEMPOS DEL CÓLERA. Based
on Gabriel García Márquez’s Nobel Prize
Winning novel, this
lyrical, imagistic
play focuses on an extraordinary love
story between a poetically-inclined man
named Florentino Ariza and a sensual,
practical yet somewhat elusive woman
named Fermina Daza. Spanning fifty
years of time, the story plays out in a
series of short scenic episodes filled with
poetry, song, movement and heightened
moments of theatricality. A daring fouractor tour-de-force piece for the theatre.
Presented in Spanish with English and
Spanish subtitles. Recommended for adult
audiences.The Gramercy Arts Theatre,
138 East 27th Street, between Lexington
& Third Avenues, NYC. 8 PM. Tickets
begin at $33, with discounts available
for seniors, students, and groups. For
repertorio.org.
Repertorio Español presents EN EL
TIEMPO DE LAS MARIPOSAS, A new
play by Caridad Svich based on Julia
Alvarez’s novel, directed by José Zayas.
“In The Time of the Butterflies” is the
story of the courageous Mirabal sisters
(Patria, Minerva and María Teresa) from
the Dominican Republic. The sisters
inspired resistance cells throughout the
country against the dictatorial regime
of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The
‘butterflies’, their secret code name,
were brutally murdered by the regime in
1960. Presented in Spanish. Live English
translation available. Recommended
SEA, Boricuation Cultural Foundation, the
International Coquito Federation, Zoraida’s
Coquito and The Clemente presents THE
LES COQUITO MASTER QUALIFIER
2014 AND THE LES 6TH ANNUAL
“FIESTA NAVIDEÑA” CELEBRATION.
Enjoy the commencement of the
traditional “Fiestas Navideñas” by tasting
the famous variations of Puerto Rican
Coquito! Participants will vote to choose
the best recipe. Live holiday music,
dancing, cultural holiday food and artisan
vendors for holiday shopping are sure to
make this a great celebration! Flamboyán
Theatre @ The Clemente, 107 Suffolk St
#312 New York, NY 10002. 6 PM -10 PM.
Admission: $5 suggested donation. For
more information, call (212) 260-4080.
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
Monday, December 1, 2014
repertorio.org.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Avenue), NYC. 11 AM. Admission: $25$50 with discounts available for Seniors,
83
Students, and Groups. For reservations,
org.
before showtime.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 11 AM.
NY. 12:30 PM. General Admission: $10
(very limited seating). For information and
before showtime.
84
Friday, December 5, 2014
Saturday, December 6, 2014
YOUNG HOSTOS. World premiere of the
new
play by Michael Gabriel Torres about the
early years of Eugenio María de Hostos in
celebration of the 175th anniversary of the
birth of the educator, writer and activist of
the Americas. Black Box Theater, Hostos
Community College, Hostos Center for the
Arts & Culture, 405 Grand Concourse at
149th Street, Bronx, NY. 7 PM. General
Admission: $10 (very limited seating). For
information and tickets call the box office:
(718) 518-4455 or visit Hostos Box Office
on Monday - Friday, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m.and
two hours before showtime.
SEA in association with HOSTOS
Center for the Arts and Culture presents
TEATRO SEA FAMILY SERIES My
Superhero:Roberto Clemente. From the
producers of the 14-time, award winning
Off-Broadway musical about the life of
Roberto Clemente, comes a new bilingual
production for the whole family! Bobby
and his friends discover the super powers
that make this legendary baseball player
and humanitarian a Superhero!Repertory
Theater, Hostos Community College, 450
Grand Concourse, Bronx. 3 PM. General
Admission: $10. For more information:
www.teatrosea.org or call (212) 5291545.
Repertorio
Español
presents
EL
Avenue), NYC. 8 PM. Tickets start at $15.
www.repertorio.org.
Avenue), NYC. 3 PM. Admission: $25$50 with discounts available for Seniors,
Students, and Groups. For reservations,
org.
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
“In The Time of the Butterflies” is the story
of the courageous Mirabal sisters (Patria,
Minerva and María Teresa) from the
Dominican Republic. The sisters inspired
resistance cells throughout the country
against the dictatorial regime of Gen.
Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The ‘butterflies’,
their secret code name, were brutally
murdered by the regime in 1960. Presented
in Spanish. Live English translation
available.
Recommended
for
adult
audiences. The Gramercy Arts Theatre,
138 East 27th Street, between Lexington &
Third Avenues, NYC. 8 PM. Tickets begin at
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
NY. 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17
Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8 PM.
Admisson: $40; $37 Students & Seniors.
For information call (718) 729-3880 or
www.thaliatheatre.org.
ETERNAL DAYS. After more than a decade
award-winning actors Nelson Landrieu
(Uruguay) and Mateo Gomez (Dominican
Republic) come together for the staging
of the comedy drama “Dias Eternos”
(Eternal Days) by playwright Carlos Pais
(Argentina). Direction: Beatriz Cordoba
(Argentina). The play deals with the issues
of old age and the need to find livelihood,
even if in unpleasant circumstances. Dias
Eternos arouses different emotions. It takes
audiences from laughter to reflections on
life and survival. The script is full of humor,
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Repertorio Español presents LA NENA SE
CASA by Carlos Ferrari. Directed by José
Zayas. La nena se casa is a cleverly cruel
comedy about a desperate father who will
do absolutely anything to marry off one of
his three spinster daughters. Love is blind
and in this case, it’s blind, dangerous, and
hilarious! Full of wit, wild characters, and
plenty of over the top twists and turns;
this play is a wicked look at the absurd
choices people can make to maintain social
appearances. Performed in Spanish with
subtitles in English & Spanish via Simultext®
In-Seat Captioning System. The Gramercy
Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between
Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 2:30 PM.
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
Repertorio Español presents EL QUIJOTE.
A carnivalesque adaptation of Cervantes’
masterpiece. Through Don Quijote’s
adventures, the production presents the
illusion of an utopian world with a festive
and colorful spirit. El Quijote is a polyphonic
play in which many different genres such as
comedy, tragedy and farce collide to form a
carnival-like and vibrant Don Quijote that is
rich in its musicality.” The play is a collection
of 12 scenes that present different stories
The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th
Street (between Lexington & Third Avenue),
NYC. 11 AM. Tickets start at $15. For
repertorio.org.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between
Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 11 AM.
Tickets begin $15. For reservations, call
Repertorio Español presents LA ZAPATERA
PRODIGIOSA by García Lorca, directed
by Andrés Zambrano. A small village is
scandalized by the marriage of an old
shoemaker and a beautiful, sensual, and
flirtatious young woman. LA ZAPATERA
PRODIGIOSA is a poetic comedy by
Federico García Lorca where true love
triumphs. Filled with music and performed
by a talented cast, this play will leave
audiences in awe of one of García Lorca’s
most captivating stories. Performed in
Spanish with subtitles in English & Spanish
via Simultext® In-Seat Captioning System.
Avenue), NYC. 11 AM. Ticket from $15. For
repertorio.org.
TIEMPO DE LAS MARIPOSAS, A new play
by Caridad Svich based on Julia Alvarez’s
novel, directed by José Zayas. “In The
Time of the Butterflies” is the story of the
courageous Mirabal sisters (Patria, Minerva
and María Teresa) from the Dominican
Republic. The sisters inspired resistance
cells throughout the country against the
dictatorial regime of Gen. Rafael Leónidas
Trujillo. The ‘butterflies’, their secret code
name, were brutally murdered by the regime
in 1960. Presented in Spanish. Live English
translation
available.
Recommended
The East Harlem Tree Lighting Committee
presents THE 11TH ANNUAL EAST
HARLEM CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
CEREMONY, El Barrio United Through
Adversity:
Remembering
our
Loss,
Celebrating our Fortitude. Join us for the
11th annual Christmas tree lighting made
possible by the East Harlem Holiday Tree
Committee and the Union Settlement
Association. Franklin Square Plaza at
106th Street and 3rd Avenue, New York,
New York, 10029. 6:30 PM..
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
85
Repertorio Español presents EL AMOR
EN LOS TIEMPOS DEL CÓLERA. Based
on Gabriel García Márquez’s Nobel Prize
Winning novel, this lyrical, imagistic play
focuses on an extraordinary love story
between a poetically-inclined man named
Florentino Ariza and a sensual, practical yet
somewhat elusive woman named Fermina
Daza. Spanning fifty years of time, the
story plays out in a series of short scenic
episodes filled with poetry, song, movement
and heightened moments of theatricality. A
daring four-actor tour-de-force piece for the
theatre. Presented in Spanish with English
and Spanish subtitles. Recommended
for adult audiences.The Gramercy Arts
Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 11
AM. Tickets begin at $33, with discounts
available for seniors, students, and groups.
www.repertorio.org.
Repertorio Español presents LA ZAPATERA
PRODIGIOSA by García Lorca, directed
by Andrés Zambrano. A small village is
scandalized by the marriage of an old
shoemaker and a beautiful, sensual, and
flirtatious young woman. LA ZAPATERA
PRODIGIOSA is a poetic comedy by
Federico García Lorca where true love
triumphs. Filled with music and performed
by a talented cast, this play will leave
audiences in awe of one of García Lorca’s
most captivating stories. Performed in
Spanish with subtitles in English & Spanish
via Simultext® In-Seat Captioning System.
Avenue), NYC. 8 PM. Ticket from $15. For
repertorio.org.
86
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
Third Avenue), NYC. 3 PM. Ticket from
Lehman College presents PARRANDA
NAVIDEÑA featuring Felito Felix Y El Trio
Los Antares, Odilio Gonzalez, and Lily Y
Su Gran Trio. Join us as we celebrate the
Holiday Season, Jíbaro Style! A Lehman
Center holiday tradition, this must-see
concert features the unique jíbaro music
from the mountains of Puerto Rico with three
celebrated masters of the genre. Lehman
Center for the Performing Arts, Bedford
Park Blvd West, Bronx. 8 PM. Tickets: $50,
$45, $25. Children 12 and under, $10 any
seat. For more information or to purchase
tickets, visit www.lehmancenter.org.
Repertorio Español presents AIRE FRÍO By
Virgilio Piñera, directed by Leyma López.
“I’m going to marry the first man I find in the
street!” yells Luz Marina, the protagonist of
Virgilio Piñera’s greatest play, AIRE FRÍO.
A strong -willed fighter bent on survival in a
harsh world of male chauvinism, necessity
and political turmoil, she will toil to keep
her family together while chasing her
own humble dream of finding a husband.
Thalia
Spanish
Theatre
presents
Repertorio Español presents BARCELÓ
CON HIELO by Marco Antonio Rodríguez,
directed by José Zayas. Winning Play of
the 2012 MetLife Nuestras Voces National
Playwriting Competition. Nino Antonio Ortiz
— a man with an intriguing past and dark
secrets — is confronted by hallucinations
of the Dominican President Joaquín
Balaguer. Transported between his youth in
the island’s countryside and his old age in
his Washington Heights home, Nino must
face the true origins of his bitterness before
it’s too late. BARCELÓ CON HIELO is a
moving story about a father’s relationship
with his two sons. Performed in Spanish
Recommended for adult audiences. The
Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th
Street (between Lexington & Third Avenue),
NYC. 2:30 PM. Tickets start at $15. For
repertorio.org.
repertorio.org.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
repertorio.org.
The Puerto
Rican Traveling Theater presents BAILE
CANGREJERO. Rhythmic treasures of
our Afro Caribe heritage, from Palés to
Guillén! A classic Baile Cangrejero sets
the great masters of Afro-Latino poetry to
the dynamic rhythms of bomba, plena and
bolero. This vibrant spectacle touches on
the history, popular culture, and literary
creation of the Americas including works
by Julia de Burgos, Luis Palés Matos,
Fortunato Vizcarrondo (Puerto Rico);
Nicolás Guillén (Cuba); Nicomedes Santa
Cruz (Perú); and Manuel del Cabral
(Dominican Republic). Puerto Rican
New York NY 10036. 1:30 PM. $15-24.
For more information call (718) 585-1202
or visit http://www.pregonesprtt.org.
The Puerto
New York NY 10036. 8 PM. $15-24. For
repertorio.org.
The Puerto
New York NY 10036. 8 PM. $15-24. For
El Museo del Barrio presents SUPER
SÁBADO: Parranda. Celebrate las fiestas
with El Museo! Join our parranda and
enjoy holiday activities including crownmaking and storytelling. El Museo, 1230
Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029. 1 PM
to 5 PM. Free. No RSVP Required. For
more information visit elmuseo.org.
The Puerto
New York NY 10036. 3 and 8 PM. $15-24.
For more information call (718) 585-1202
or visit http://www.pregonesprtt.org.
Repertorio Español presents BÉSAME
MUCHO: Latinas Sing Latinas. An
anthology of songs by female Latin
American composers. Conceived and
written by Pablo Zinger. Stage direction
by José Zayas. A new concert celebrating
the musical contributions of female Latin
American composers María Grever
87
(Júrame, Alma mía); Consuelo Velázquez
(Bésame mucho, Cachito); Violeta Parra
(Gracias a la vida); Chabuca Granda (Fina
estampa, La flor de la canela); Margarita
Lecuona (Babalú); Isolina Carrillo (Dos
gardenias para ti); María Elena Walsh
(Manuelita la tortuga); Sylvia Rexach
(Olas y arena, Di corazón) and many
more; performed by extraordinary singers
with live music. Performed in Spanish with
English subtitles via Simultext® In-Seat
Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 2:30
PM. Admission: $35-70 with discounts
available for seniors, students, children
and groups. For reservations, call (212)
225-9999 or www.repertorio.org.
The Puerto
New York NY 10036. 8 PM. $15-24. For
¡FELIZ NAVIDAD!
Repertorio Español presents EN LA USA
ME QUEDÉ by Saulo García, Directed
by Valentín Álvarez-Campos. WORLD
PREMIERE. A new and hilarious standup comedy by the same gifted comedian
who made us laugh uncontrollably with
LA VIDA EN LOS ESCLAVOS UNIDOS
and EL INSOMNIO AMERICANO. EN LA
USA ME QUEDÉ is a non-stop over the
top comedy about the life of immigrants
who decide to stay in the USA searching
for the American Dream which will
ultimately come true for their children.
Presented in Spanish only. (No English
translation available). Recommended for
all audiences.The Gramercy Arts Theatre,
138 East 27th Street, between Lexington
& Third Avenues, NYC. 8 PM. Tickets
begin at $15, with discounts available for
seniors, students, and groups. Premium
seats available. For reservations, call
88
Repertorio Español presents MI BEBÉ
ES UN HÉROE by Venezuelan Troupe
Teatro Scaramouches. There was once a
prince named Azulito, who along with his
beloved Princess Perlita, happily awaits
the arrival of their first baby. Not only
are they happy because of this, but also
because they just bought the fastest horse
in the world, ‘Lightning’. Unfortunately not
all is happiness because the villainous
and mischievous Cuchiflín, along with
his pet snake Serpentine, plan to steal
the Prince’s baby. With the help of the
children in the audience, the baby thwarts
Cuchiflín’s attempt, making him and the
children the heroes of this tale. Filled with
color, laughter and amusing puppets, the
play captivates the children’s imagination
from beginning to end. Performed in
English & Spanish. Recommended for
young audiences. The Gramercy Arts
General Admission. All tickets are $12.
Parents are free. For reservations, call
by Valentín Álvarez-Campos. A new and
hilarious stand-up comedy by the same
gifted comedian who made us laugh
uncontrollably with LA VIDA EN LOS
ESCLAVOS UNIDOS and EL INSOMNIO
AMERICANO. EN LA USA ME QUEDÉ
is a non-stop over the top comedy about
the life of immigrants who decide to stay
in the USA searching for the American
Dream which will ultimately come true
for their children. Presented in Spanish
only. (No English translation available).
Recommended for all audiences.The
Street, between Lexington & Third
Avenues, NYC. 8 PM. Tickets begin at
$15, with discounts available for seniors,
students, and groups. Premium seats
available. For reservations, call (212) 2259999 or www.repertorio.org.
by Valentín Álvarez-Campos. A new and
hilarious stand-up comedy by the same
gifted comedian who made us laugh
uncontrollably with LA VIDA EN LOS
ESCLAVOS UNIDOS and EL INSOMNIO
AMERICANO. EN LA USA ME QUEDÉ
is a non-stop over the top comedy about
the life of immigrants who decide to stay
in the USA searching for the American
Dream which will ultimately come true
for their children. Presented in Spanish
only. (No English translation available).
Recommended for all audiences.The
Street, between Lexington & Third
$15, with discounts available for seniors,
students, and groups. Premium seats
available. For reservations, call (212) 2259999 or www.repertorio.org.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
¡FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
El Museo del Barrio Presents the 38TH
ANNUAL THREE KINGS DAY PARADE.
Our favorite time of year is upon us!
Experience the live camels, colorful
puppets, parrandas, and festive music
and performances on this magical day
– this year with a focus on the theme of
health and wellness. The parade route
begins at 106th St. and Madison Ave.
and ends at 115th St and Park Ave. Join
us for a day of celebration with children,
families, community organizations, and
local businesses. El Museo Del Barrio,
1230 5th Avenue, New York, New York,
10029. Parade ends at 116th and Madison
Avenue at La Marqueta. 11:00am to
12:30pm. Free. RSVP required for school
groups, organizations, and businesses
interested in marching in the parade. For
registration and more information, visit
http://elmuseo.org/3k2014/
The Society of the Educational Arts/La
Sociedad Educativa de las Artes, (SEA)
presents Los Tres Reyes Magos/The
Three Kings. On January 6th, the light
from a star will lead the Three Kings
to Teatro Sea to celebrate one of the
most important Latin American Holidays
for children, El Día de Los Tres Reyes
Magos/Three Kings Day. On this day, the
first thousand kids to arrive at Teatro Sea
will personally meet The Three Kings as
well as receive a free gift/toy. Teatro SEA,
107 Suffolk St. (between Rivington St. and
Delancy Street) NYC. 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Free. For more information visit www.
sea-online.info or call (212) 529–1545.
DATE TBD : January 2015
EL PUENTE presents its 27th Annual
Three Kings Celebration. El Puente
celebrates with food, music and a stage
performance retelling the story of the Three
Kings, teaching our children the values of
sharing and caring in our community and
preserving our cultural traditions. Every
child leaves with an age appropriate gift.
850 Grand Street Campus at Bushwick
Ave, Bklyn. 11211. Admission: Free. For
more information call (718) 387-0404.
Meet
GISELLE BLONDET
In Person
at the Comité Noviembre Puerto
Rican Authors Book Expo on
between 2:00 pm and 6:00pm.
The Longwood Gallery at Hostos
Center for the Arts
450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY
at 149th Street.
“Unique” concert
Featuring:
Classical, Jazz and Tropical music
Latin Music Grammy Award winner
Edgar Abraham
89
The City University of New York
congratulates
Comité Noviembre's 2014 Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad Awards
and distinguished honorees
Melba Olmeda-Amaro
Maria Diaz Santiago
Director of Communications and Marketing,
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Volunteer for New York City Church of Christ-Bronx Region
Children’s Ministry Teacher
Lourdes Garcia
Vanessa Pastrano
Volunteer and member of PRIDA
Member, Taino Nation and
United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP)
Carlos Diaz
Dawn Diaz
Founder, Stickball Hall of Fame Museum
Founder, Milagros Day Worldwide
Jose Cheo Oliveras
Lucky Rivera
Director, Teatro Circulo
Leader, Boricuas for a Positive Image and founder,
Positive Workforce
Miluka Rivera
Pereta Rodriguez
President, Kumaras Center for the Arts and Etiquette
& author, Legado uertorriqueño en Hollywood
Community advocate and volunteer
on the occasion of
Comité Noviembre’s 28th Annual Puerto Rican Heritage Event
OCTOBER 30, 2014
BENNO S CHMIDT
CHAIRPERSON, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
90
1-800-CUNY-YES
JAMES B. MILLIKEN
CHANCELLOR
WWW.CUNY.EDU CUNY TV-Channel 75
a
traveler review
BEST
VACATION
EVER
Suzanne W, West Virginia
Old San Juan
Great food, great people, great things
to see and do all within walking distance.
We will come back again and again! Thanks, Old
San Juan and Puerto Rico
for a wonderful time! FANTASTIC PLACE!
Old San Juan is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It's a five star world class attraction.
Live your own five star vacation story.
Watch actual reviews come to life at
SEEPUERTORICO.COM
FOR MORE INFORMATION 1•800•866•7827
91
Ninth
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ildre
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a. A
lice
aA
to b
y An
ANN
ANNUAL
PUERTO RICAN
AUTHORS
BOOK
EXPO
Pho
Third
ruz
ANNUAL
PUERTO RICAN
ARTISANS
FAIR &
EXHIBIT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
92
HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
450 GRAND CONCOURSE, BRONX, NY 12 PM - 7 PM

cn 2014 calendar journal

Transcription

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