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En Nicaragua:
Pres. Daniel Ortega
recibe a
Clarisa López,
hija del Patriota Oscar
López
/ Pag. 4
Cup & Spoon, PRCC
and DSBDA Partner
Mission-driven
coffee, community
and art CUP & SPOON
CAFÉ JOIN
CRUCIFIXION MURAL
FARMERS MARKET
/ Pag.3
Thousands Join: 37TH PUERTO RICAN PEOPLE’S PARADE
Pag. 6-7
Cocineros Unidos de Humboldt Park, United Leagues of Humboldt Park
and Roberto Clemente Little League of Humboldt Park serve as 2015 Grand Marshalls
WWW.LAVOZ-PRCC.ORG • LAVOZ@PRCC-CHGO.ORG • FREE/GRATIS • BILINGUAL/BILINGÜE
¡LIBERTAD PA’ OSCAR!
August/Agosto 2015 - Vol. 12 No. 21
Scan the QR Code above with your
smart phone to visit our website.
CPS Approves Sale of Von Humboldt to:
IFF/PRCC’s Community-Driven Plan
Pag. 2
Von Humboldt School Repurposing
{LA VOZ DEL PASEO BORICUA}
2
La Voz del Paseo Boricua
Newspaper
La Voz del Paseo Boricua reserves the right
to publish at its discretion.
Contact us at: lavoz@prcc-chgo.org
STAFF: PRCC Volunteers
About La Voz:
The most recent manifestation of Puerto Rican journalism in Chicago, La Voz del Paseo Boricua proudly continues in the legacy of our community’s previous newspapers. Founded in 2004, La Voz del Paseo Boricua, or
simply ‘La Voz’ as affectionately called by our readers,
is a grassroots bilingual periodical published by the Juan
Antonio Corretjer Puerto Rican Cultural Center. We report on stories relevant to our community on a monthly
basis, disseminating news about local events, programs,
resources, and developments. As an alternative source
of media, we seek to acknowledge the achievements of
the Puerto Rican community at large and advocate for
the preservation of the heart of our barrio in Humboldt
Park - our “pedacito de patria” in Chicago.
Sobre La Voz:
La más reciente manifestación del periodismo puertorriqueño en Chicago, La Voz del Paseo Boricua continúa
orgullosa del legado de nuestros primeros periódicos. Fundado en 2004, La Voz del Paseo Boricua, o ‘La Voz’ según
se le co noce cariñosamente por nuestros lectores, es
un periódico de pueblo, publicado de manera bilingüe por
el Centro Cultural Puertorriqueño Juan Antonio Corretjer.
Mensualmente, divulga historias relevantes de nuestra
comunidad, diseminando noticias sobre acontecimientos,
programas, recursos, y progresos locales. Como fuente
alternativa de medios, intentamos reconocer los logros
de la comunidad puertorriqueña al igual que abogar por la
preservación del corazón de nuestro barrio en el parque
de Humboldt – nuestro “pedacito de patria” en Chicago.
AUGUST 2015
CPS Approves Sale of Von Humboldt to:
IFF/PRCC’s Community-Driven Plan
By José Cerda, IFF
On Wednesday, July 22nd, the Chicago Board of Education approved the sale of the former Von Humboldt elementary school at 2620 W. Hirsch Street to IFF Von Humboldt—a partnership among IFF, a nonprofit community
development financial institution and the project leader;
Gorman and Company, the lead developer; and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, the lead community partner.
IFF Von Humboldt will pay $3.1 million for the former
Chicago Public Schools building, which was closed in May
2013, and has committed to redevelop the facility in accordance with the priorities identified by the Humboldt
Park community and also championed by First Ward Alderman Proco Joe Moreno. These priorities include: housing for current and retired public school teachers; educational programs; office space; and a café.
In selecting the partnership among IFF, Gorman, and
PRCC as the winning bidder, CPS said: “The offer submitted by IFF Von Humboldt demonstrated a repurposing plan
closely aligned to the preferences of the local community
and incorporates partnerships with multiple local advocacy groups.” And ultimately, it concluded, “…the total IFF
Von Humboldt bid package is of greater value to the community and has been accepted by CPS.”
I F F ,
Gorman,
and PRCC
plan to
continue
the educational
legacy of
the former Von
H u m boldt elementary school—“Learning, Community, and
Progress”—by incorporating key elements of PRCC’s community–as-a-campus model, which focuses on the intersection among teachers, parents, and youth, and which
was developed with the input and support of the Humboldt Park community. The former school also will likely be placed on the National Register of Historic Places,
confirming its architectural legacy and long history as a
valuable community asset.
A special Puerto Rican Cultural Center shout-out
to Ald. Moreno and State Rep. Soto for their
unswerving support for this project.
Tour de Fat Wrap Up
By Angie Vera, West Town Bikes
The 2015
Tour de Fat
Chicago
in
Palmer Square
on July 11th was
a great success.
Tour de Fat is
New Belgium’s
traveling celebration of all
things bicycle.
It
increases
awareness and
participation
in cycling as a
sustainable form of transportation and 100% of the proceeds are donated to a local bicycle based non-profit in
the host city. New Belgium Brewery raised $51,000 for
West Town Bikes and CHIRP (Chicago Independent Radio Project) was the beneficiary of the car for bike trader.
Thanks to the Tour de Fat crew and the 275 plus volunteers, including about 30 youth program participants that
donated their time.
In addition to individual
volunteers, we want to recognize the support of the
following community partners that helped make the
day a success.
• Working Bikes
• Chicago Park District
• Chicago Police Commander Marc Buslik and
the officers from the 14th
district
• Division Street Business
Development Association
• Po Campo bags
• Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation
• 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack.
With 1,500 parade participants and 8,000 festival attendees this makes it the biggest Tour de Fat in Chicago’s
history. West Town Bikes uses the funds raised to support Youth Programs like Bike Club, Girls Bike Club and
Apprenticeships at Ciclo Urbano along with some operational cost. Cheers to New Belgium Brewery and the people that make wonderful things like this possible.
AGOSTO 2015
{LA VOZ DEL PASEO BORICUA}
Cup & Spoon, PRCC and DSBDA Partner
3
Eulalia ‘Evie’ De La Rosa
Mission-driven coffee, community and art
Una Boricua de Pura
Cup & Spoon Café Joins Crucifixion Mural Farmers Market Cepa Se Lanza Para Jueza
By Erika Abad, Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Walking in to Cup and Spoon just before 9 am, Rosie recognizes it is time for her interview. Within minutes, John, a regular,
walks in and after that, the customers keep arriving. Whether old
friends, regulars or new customers wanting to try out the cafe
around the corner, Rosie has her hands full.
She ponders the question of why is it important for her business to partner with the Mural Garden Farmers’ Market while
making coffee drinks and serving pastries. When she gets a break,
she explains, “Our [Cup and Spoon’s] mission is coffee, community and art. [We’re] always looking for opportunities to do events
and create partnerships,” with local organizations serving the
needs of our neighbors. Further,she [Rosie] continues, the farmers’ market allows the staff “the opportunity to
get outside and chat with neighbors.” The importance of the human connection, of knowing everyone’s name permeates through her greeting regulars, asking them about their day, their vacation plans and their potential moves.
More than people looking for something to drink, Cup and Spoon customers walk in to find a place with a friendly,
communal atmosphere.
The Farmer’s Market extends that atmosphere, further complemented by Rosie’s respect for the farmers’ market
mission to bring fresh, locally grown organic produce to the city blocks surrounding her.
Aside from tabling with the Farmers’ Market this summer, Cup & Spoon will be working with DSBDA director,
Eduardo Arocho on hosting another series of open mics at the Mural Garden. Those will begin on July 30th, from
6-8 pm, alternating Thursdays through September 10th. The partnership, Rosie explains, aligns with the “art part,”
of Cup & Spoon, which remains committed in displaying local artists’ work on their walls. Rosie explains that the
open mics can further allow young people from the community to find a place to speak and be heard, something
which [she continues] on which she wants to continue collaborating.
For Cup and Spoon, she explains, partnering with the PRCC and DSBDA is about recognizing who and what was
here before Cup and Spoon arrived. The partnership Cup and Spoon has created with Latino-based community
organizations is about their personal investment in “getting to know the neighborhood and the people who have
been here longer than [they have].” It is important, Rosie concluded to “show recognition of heritage of what’s been
here and recognition of where we can grow as well.”
Which ones are yours?
By Erika Abad, Puerto Rican Cultural Center Garden Team
The July 4th weekend, as many gathered in parks and prepared to go to the lake, the PRCC’s Farmers’ Market remained open. Getting ready for the grill, garlic flew off
the shelves and the last of our strawberries were a delight to those who, after one bite, bought what we were
able to harvest this week. On Sunday, one of our garden
team members learned more about how to cook beets
from a resident debating with another on the best way
to cook them and the differences between the red and
orange varieties. On getting a whiff of sofrito, community residents braved investment in the Puerto Rican
cooking paste with others, preordering for next week
and assuring us they will remind their friends.
Community residents, when aiming to buy local,
remember Conuco and Mural Farmer’s Market- food
from your neighborhood getting to your table! For
more information on what is in season this week, reach
Garden Team Member Erika at erikaa@prcc-chgo.org or
(773) 850-2467.
Attorney Eulalia ‘Evie’ De La
Rosa is running for Judge of
the 6th Judicial Subcircuit in
Cook County. Evie has been
an attorney in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office for
over 10 years, and is assigned
to the felony criminal courthouse at 26th and California.
She currently serves as President for the Puerto Rican
Bar Association (PRBA) and Secretary for the National
Conference of Puerto Rican Women-Chicago Chapter.
Evie was born in Puerto Rico. By the age of 2, her
family moved to Chicago and settled in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. After graduating from Von
Steuben High School, Evie attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C. While at GW, Evie
studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, where she worked for
Amnesty International. After Evie returned home, she
graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Evie’s commitment to the Humboldt Park/Logan
Square community is evidenced by her volunteer work,
such as mentoring teen moms at Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School and co-chairing PRBA’s adopt-a-family
program.
Rep. Luis Gutiérrez
addresses DAPA at NEIU
On July, 11 U.S. Rep.
Luis Gutiérrez provided an overview
of the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA)
program during a
public information
session at Northeastern Illinois University. The information session was to help families and individuals,
including students, determine if they are eligible
for President Obama’s executive actions on immigration and what people can do now to prepare as
the courts make a decision.
{LA VOZ DEL PASEO BORICUA}
4
• us navy out of vieques
• freedom for all puerto rican political prisoners
• defend civil liberties and stop political repression
• build a national latino agenda
• fuera la marina de vieques
• libertad para los presos políticos boricuas
• a defender los derechos civiles y alto a la represión
política
• a construir una agenda nacional latina
AUGUST 2015
MISSION/MISIÓN: The National Boricua
Human Rights Network is an organization
dedicated to defending the human rights of
the Puerto Rican community in the US.
La Red Nacional Boricua Pro-Derechos
Humanos es una organización dedicada
a defender los derechos humanos de la
comunidad puertorriqueña en los EEUU.
National Boricua Human Rights Network (NBHRN) 2739-41 W. Division Street, Chicago IL 60622
July 2015/julio de 2015 • info@boricuahumanrights.org • www.boricuahumanrights.org • #free_olr • facebook.com/chi.nbhrn
En Nicaragua
Presidente Daniel Ortega recibe
Clarisa López, hija patriota Oscar
PRESENCIA DEL PATRIOTA
OSCAR LÓPEZ RIVERA SE
SIENTE EN CONVENCIÓN VVA
Por Luis R. Méndez Figueroa
Foto exclusiva: Clarisa López, con el Presidente Daniel Ortega de
Nicaragua, se siente la presencia del patriota Oscar López Rivera
Clarisa fue invitada a participar en el XXXVImo aniversario
del triunfo de la revolución sandinista en Managua, Nicaragua,
el 19 de julio de 2015.
La invitación oficial fue hecha por Jacinto Suárez Espinoza,
Secretario de Relaciones Internacionales, Frente Sandinista de
Liberación Nacional.
Clarisa, única
hija del patriota
Oscar López Rivera, dijo en dicha
celebración. Durante la misma,
tuvo oportunidad
de ser vigente la
presencia de su
padre en esa importantísima fecha para ese país
centroamericano,
compartiendo con el presidente Daniel Ortega y con los cinco héroes cubanos, Gerardo Hernández, Antonio Guerrero,
Ramón Labañino, Fernando González, y René González.
SPRINGFIELD, IL
Me reuní
con el señor
Francisco
Muñiz
III,
del New York
State Council, Secretario.
Comenzamos
sobre que era
necesario presenter ante la direcci´on de VVA el caso
del compañero veterano Oscar López Rivera.
El me da detalle de los pasos a seguir y entendimos que el comité de minorias es el lugar adecuado a
darle paso al asunto de Oscar. Me informa que en la
asamblea se encontra el compañero Jorge Pedroza,
el representante del capitulo 59 y del “State Council,”
además de dos otros veteranos.
Miercoles 22: Los trabajos comienzan a las 9:00am
con la presentaciones de la bandera y sus colores.
Se dirige a la asamblea William A. Robinson ex-prisionero de Guerra en Vietnam, donde este enfatiza
que nuestra responsabilidad es y sera ”never, never,
not to abandon our brothers.”
Luego de su presentación, vino el receso, el cual
aproveche para repartir los “brochures” de Oscar.
Fue emocionante la actitud de los compañeros veteranos.
En su mayoria, desconocián que Oscar era veteran
de Vietnam, y aun menos que habia sido condecorado con el “Bronze Star,” una de los condecoraciónes
mas altas en el ejercito, por ser valor demostrado en
combate.
La sección de
comité de minoria comenzó a las
4pm de la tarde.
El primer tema
que se trajo a colación fue el caso
de Puerto Rico.
“Self-determination for Puerto
Rico.” Fue un tema un poco candente. Se trajo la
responsabilidad de los Estados Unidos hacia Puerto
Rico.
Entre los compañeros, se dió la dinámica que los
norteamericanos nos dan “ayuda” a Puerto Rico.
El compañero Gumercerido Gomez de Massachusetts respondió en manera energética que los EEUU
le dan milliones a otros paises; sin este darle nada
a cambio. Mientras que nosotros damos lo mejor
que cualquiera ser puede ofrecer y ofrendar que es
su vida, y continuo diciendo existe un valor exacto a
la ofrenda de sangre que los puertorriqueños hemos
pagado. ¿Pregunto yo?
El compañero Francisco Muñiz y el compañero Jorge Pedroza, propucieron que este caso, el de
Oscar se llevera al pleno de la próxima asamblea,
mientras en octubre se llevará al pleno de la junta de
directores de VVA. Se acordó por unanimidad darle
paso a la resolución sobre Oscar.
La reunión termino a eso de la 6 de la tarde del
miércoles.
{LA VOZ DEL PASEO BORICUA}
AGOSTO 2015
Puerto Rican Miracle
By Ricardo Alarcón de Quesada
Since
the
beginning of
June (2015),
in
both
Manhattan
and San Juan,
thousands of
Puerto Ricans
have
taken
to the streets
raising two key demands: independence for Puerto Rico
and the release of Oscar López Rivera who has been in
prison for more than 34 years, and is the longest-serving
political prisoner in Our America.
All political and social sectors of Puerto Rico, without
exception, have been involved in these demonstrations.
They were convened by all patriotic organizations which
have fought against colonialism in different ways but
now came together for this action. They were joined by
others who, in one way or another, have shown increasing
dissatisfaction with a regime that, lacking sovereignty, is
also experiencing a deep economic and social crisis.
The Puerto Rican cause has been particularly complex
and difficult. Having confronted the most powerful
empire on earth for more than a century, the small island
has suffered a very harsh isolation. Under pressure from
Washington, its drama was largely ignored by most of its
Latin American and Caribbean sister nations and silenced
by the big international media.
Its struggle has been, above all, solitary. It was left
out of the great liberation movement of the nineteenth
century, to which it nonetheless made an important
contribution of fighters and sacrifices. It was then ceded
as a possession by the Spanish crown to the rising US
empire which exerts absolute control over Puerto Rico.
The tremendous challenge to a large extent explains the
internal disagreements that have hindered the necessary
unity of the people.
The situation, however, is changing. The engine that
drives the change has a name: Oscar López Rivera. The
brutal sentence he endures has generated the unanimous
rejection of all Puerto Ricans without exception.
Oscar did not kill or cause harm to anyone. He did not
practice violence or transgressed the law. His only armed
experience was in the Vietnam War -to which he was
dragged into as so many young people of his generationand he returned decorated by the US Army.
He was sentenced, in 1981, to 55 years in prison for
the alleged crime of "seditious conspiracy", specifically
for being a militant in a Chicago-based organization that
seeks independence for Puerto Rico.
He was subjected to particularly cruel prison
conditions, including 13 years in solitary confinement
and severe restrictions on his communication with the
outside world. His first contact with the press took place
two years ago when, by the way, he said: "I'm ready for
whatever comes; I will always be ready for whatever
comes."
Oscar's case is grossly unfair and it was so recognized
at the highest level by the US authorities.
In 1999, sixteen years ago, President Clinton decided
that he and other Puerto Ricans then imprisoned had
received excessively long sentences and therefore they
should be immediately released. Oscar refused to accept
this because that presidential action did not include two
other prisoners. These two served their punishment and
were released, while successive petitions filed by Oscar's
defense have been denied.
This petition was presented to President Obama in
2013 by the convention of the AFL-CIO, the US union
organization, after a unanimous vote. Similar requests
have been made by all political, religious, academic and
social institutions of Puerto Rico, including the governorwho, in an unprecedented gesture, visited Oscar in the
federal prison- as well as colonial parties and all media of
the island and the Boricua emigration. Never before had
such an expression of unity been reached among Puerto
Ricans.
It is a miracle of love and solidarity. It was made
possible by a man who sacrificed his entire life for others
and suffered the worst torments for the unredeemed
homeland he embodies today in an exemplary manner.
Before the end of the month the Decolonization
Committee of the United Nations will reaffirm the right
of Puerto Rico to independence and will join the demand
for Oscar's freedom. The UN committee has been active
in this respect since 1972, always recognizing the
inalienable rights of the Puerto Rican nation.
But Washington turns a deaf ear to a claim that
-despite US's efforts to stop it- continues to grow. Over
the years, only Cuba promoted the issue in the UN; today
it is accompanied by a group of Latin American countries.
Actions must be multiplied in the General Assembly and
every international forum, and beyond, until the case of
Puerto Rico becomes what it should be: a real priority for
all.
It is a battle in which Latin America, now moving along
the roads of a new era, has an inescapable obligation;
and it will be waged with the same determination of the
indomitable patriot who, from the solitude of his cell, has
managed to overcome the atrocious captivity.
A CubaNews translation. Edited by Walter Lippmann.
http://www.walterlippmann.com/docs4409.html
5
SWEDISH
PERSONALITIES ASK
OBAMA TO FREE
OSCAR LÓPEZ RIVERA
Stockholm, June 8, 2015
To the President of the United
States of America
Mr. Barack Obama
We the undersigned have
previously written to you about
the case of The Cuban Five.
Antonio Guerrero, Fernando
González, Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino and René
González who are now reunited with their families in Cuba.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your
decision that resulted in the release of Guerrero, Hernández,
and Labañino from U.S. prisons on December 17, 2014, as
well as the release on humanitarian grounds of Alan Gross
detained in Cuba.
We now turn to you again, this time with a plea regarding
Oscar López Rivera, imprisoned in the U.S. for 34 years. He
was convicted and imprisoned because he worked for his
country's right to self-determination. An overwhelming
majority of Puerto Ricans want Oscar López Rivera released
from prison. Puerto Rico was conquered, like the Philippines,
by the United States in 1898. It is known that there is in
Puerto Rico a movement for the island's independence.
Oscar López Rivera could have been a free man today if he
had accepted the "premature" release that he was offered by
your predecessor, Bill Clinton. He did not accept that offer
since two fellow prisoners were not considered for release at
that time. They are now free, while Oscar López Rivera, age
72, will remain in prison until 2023.
Mr. President you have the opportunity now to give
Oscar López Rivera, a man who pushed for abolishing
what he perceived as a colonial repression of his homeland,
the opportunity to live out the final part of his life in his
homeland, Puerto Rico, whose sovereignty Oscar López
Rivera has devoted his life to.
We believe that you, Mr. President, have the ability to
understand the basis for Oscar López Rivera's commitment
and perspective. And we therefore hope that in his case you
will make the decision to immediately release him.
Sincerely,
Thage G. Peterson, former Speaker of the Swedish
parliament; former member of the Swedish government
(Minister for Justice, Minister for Defense) (Social
Democratic Party)
Hillevi Larsson, Member of Parliament (Social Democratic
Party)
6
{LA VOZ DEL PASEO BORICUA}
37th Puerto Rican Peoples Parade:
AGOSTO 2015
Celebrating the Cocineros Unidos
d
th
Baseball Leagues and the 20 Anniv
By Erika Abad, Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Saturday’s heat and mugginess did not keep thousands upon thousands
of Puerto Ricans from standing in line to show their support. As early as
11:30 AM, despite the parade starting at 2pm, residents and other Puerto
Ricans were setting out their lawn chairs and coolers to get front row
seating for the parade. By the time the parade would start, Puerto Ricans,
Latinos and community residents stood watching floats from community
organizations like the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, AfriCaribe, ASPIRA,
schools like Roberto Clemente Community Academy, to contingents from
1st Ward Alderman, Joe Moreno, 26th Ward Alderman, Roberto Maldonado, and the National Boricua Human Rights Network- Chicago chapter.
Toddlers walked hand in hand with their parents or, from their strollers
perched on floats, watched the crowd cheer them on. When a Pedro Albizu Campos High School alum stood on a float in the middle of California
and Division Street’s intersection to sing “La Borinqueña,” many from the
crowd joined in, many with fists raised in the air.
The Parade this year was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the erection of the amazing Paseo Boricua Flags- the world’s largest monuments
the Puerto Rican flags- as well as United Leagues of Humboldt Park, the
Roberto Clemente Little League of Humboldt Park, and Cocineros Unidos
(United Cooks) de Humboldt Park. Representing these organizations were
the Grand Marshals of the parade: Mikey Sánchez, President of United
Leagues of Humboldt Park, Eliud Medina Jr., Roberto Clemente Little
Leagues, and Jesus “Jesse” Sierra, President of Cocineros Unidos and Juan
Sánchez.
Puerto Ricans in Humboldt Park continue to rally to demonstrate the significance of Humboldt Park to their sense of culture, history and politics.
Congested gatherings like the 37th People’s Parade on Division show us that
no matter where we go, where or how we live, Humboldt Park and Paseo
Boricua are still Boricuas’ pedacito de patria away from la isla.
1995. First time I participated in Chicago’s downtown Puerto Rican Parade,
pushing my cousin’s youngest daughter in a stroller. Also the year Chicago placed two Puerto Rican flags of steel in the ground of the mile-strip
between Western and California known now as Paseo Boricua. Talking
about 1995 frames the parade that took place on the Saturday before
2015’s Father’s Day because of what has changed and what, despite those
changes remain the same.
Puerto Rican pride was not the only sentiment waving through the air,
though, as the sight of rainbow flags demonstrate. Whether on LGBT-centered initiatives’ floats like El Rescate and Vida SIDA or in the crowd,
queer, trans and LGBT Puerto Ricans were waving both flags during the
parade. Youth spearheaded that visibility, paving the way for the growth
of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community to serve the ever-increasing diversity of their community.
View the collaborative Flickr set at http://bit.ly/peoplesparade
AUGUST 2015
{LA VOZ DEL PASEO BORICUA}
de Humboldt Park, the
niversary of the Steel Flags
7
8
{LA VOZ DEL PASEO BORICUA}
A Celebration of TransLatinas in Chicago
Paseo Boricua Cacica Queen 2015 Coronation
By Ricardo Jiménez, Vida/SIDA
On Friday, June 19, 2015 The Puerto Rican Cultural Center and the
Trans Latin@ Coalition of Chicago sponsored the Annual Coronation
of the Paseo Boricua Cacica Queen. In a packed audience with hundreds in attendance and only standing room only available, this year’s
Paseo Boricua Cacica Queen 2015 is from Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico who
gives life to “Yeveah Altieri”. Since a very early age, the newly crowned
Queen of 2015, Yeveah, was devoted to health sciences and mathematics and its benefits to society. Currently, Yeveah Altieri holds a
Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences, a Master’s Degree in Public
Health Administration and is pursuing a Doctorate’s Degree in Epidemiology at Ponce School of Medicine. In addition Yeveah Altieri has
created doll pageants and sold them where all the funds collected
are used for domestic violence victims recovery and educate communities to understand the plight of how domestic violence affect the
nation of Puerto Rico. Yeveah Altieri will be one brilliant and beautiful ambassador to the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and Trans Latin@
Coalition of Chicago
Lastly, Janet Namer affectingly know, as “Madrina” was crowned
Honorary Queen of Paseo Boricua 2015 Madrina has been a vocal
advocate of Trans Latin@ in Chicago.
AUGUST 2015
{LA VOZ DEL PASEO BORICUA}
AGOSTO 2015
9
Muévete to Celebrate 10th Anniversary August 22nd!
Muévete is celebrating its 10th anniversary (Aug. 2005Aug. 2015). What started as a walking group twice a week
around Humboldt Park has evolved into a community
based physical activity program. Muévete provides classes
of Dance-aerobics, Zumba, Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga, seasonal
walking and biking and the once a year Move for Life! season
kick-off event. Classes are held Monday through Saturday,
and at three different locations, free of charge and open
to adults 18 and over. All classes are accessible to all fitness
levels to encouraging movement for all and support an
active lifestyle.
On Saturday, August 22nd 2015 we will celebrate the
10th anniversary with a 10,000 step walk around Humboldt
Park free of charge and for the entire family. There will be
prizes for every 5,000 steps an individual takes. Music, heart
screenings, snacks and refreshment will be provided. Please
call or visit to register at the Diabetes Empowerment Center, 2753 W. Division St. 773-342-0855.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Equal Opportunity Employer
SAFE PASSAGE IS HIRING
Limited positions available
(Must be available starting
September 8, 2015)
The Safe Passage Community Watcher position provides a safe passage
for students attending the following
schools:
Roberto Clemente, Wells,
José De Diego, Chopin, ChiArts
REQUIREMENTS
Responsible, punctual, high school diploma/GED and ability
to pass criminal background check to work with youth
Part-time with educational opportunities available
Monday thru Friday | 5 hours a day | $10 per hour
To apply, submit a resume to Ivan Vega:
ivanv@prcc-chgo.org
or apply at 2546 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622
Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School is
looking for professionals to join our team
to educate and transform the future.
OPEN POSITIONS
1. Integrated Math Teacher
(ISBE TYPE 9 required)
2. Integrated Sciences Teacher
(ISBE TYPE 9 required)
3. U.S. History and World Studies
(ISBE TYPE 9 required)
4. Youth Development Mentor
(Young Pregnant & Parenting students)
5. Registrar of Student Records
(Power School experience preferred)
6. Campus Security
(Part-time, 37 hours, 10 months)
Please send cover letter and resume to
apply@pedroalbizucamposhs.org.
Applicants for teaching positions must
provide a 1-page philosophy of
education statement.
UrbanTheater Company (UTC) recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Since our inception in 2005, we have produced plays prominently
by Puerto Rican playwrights in the community of Humboldt Park. UTC
is finalizing the two plays for our upcoming milestone season, which
will be announced soon. Currently we are in the running for a Chicago
Community Trust grant for ‘Production Support to Strengthen Artistic
and Cultural Diversity,’ in collaboration with Genesis Theatrical.
10
{LA VOZ DEL PASEO BORICUA}
AUGUST 2015
ALevel1+Schoolinthe
HumboldtParkcommunity
Educatingstudentssince1972
Lookingforagreatschool
toearnyour
highschooldiploma?
Applyonlineorvisittheschoolat
2739W.DivisionStreet.
Hiringtheteachersandsupportstaff
for2015-2016
Visitwww.pedroalbizucamposhs.org
formoreinformation
tel.773.342.8022
info@pedroalbizucamposhs.org
PRCC Pride Contingent Celebrates
Latin America, Same Sex Marriage Decision
By Pedro Mercado, VidaSIDA
On Sunday, June
28th, the Puerto Rican
Cultural Center participated in the 46th
annual Chicago Pride
Parade. An estimated, 1 million people
attended Sunday’s
celebrations. The
PRCC was one of the
Latin@ frontrunners
of the parade. The City’s celebrations come as the Supreme
Court made its landmark same sex marriage decision on
June 26, 2015, striking down the Federal Defense of Marriage
Act, which defined marriage as a union between a man and a
woman. The PRCC’s float featured a Latin American themed
contingent that showcased flags and cultural attire from different Latin American countries. Over 100 people joined the
PRCC to march.
AGOSTO 2015
th
{LA VOZ DEL PASEO BORICUA}
15 Barrio Arts Fest at the National
Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
The 15th Edition of Barrio Arts Fest is a historical one; it
commemorates the opening of the National Museum of
Puerto Rican Arts and Culture after an extensive reconstruction of the former establishment of the Humboldt Park
Stables that lasted over a decade. Now the historic building
that housed through its transition the Institute of Puerto
Rican Arts and Culture (IPRAC) rejoiced once again with its
signature arts festival Barrio Arts Fest during the weekend of
July 11 & 12, 2015.
The Museum had a vast variety of artists/vendors and
new artists presenting their artwork at the courtyard. There
were performances by AfriCaribe who delighted the public
as always with their master skills of bomba and the public
danced to the live performances by Conjunto FUACATA.
As part of their educational programming, the museum offered a wonderful Family Mural Workshop with the visiting
Puerto Rican artist Edgardo Larregui, where the kids and
grownups could be part of the making of the iconic Puerto
Rican images. The visitors can appreciate the new murals on
the entrance of the museum right on W Division Street. Stay
tuned for the next Barrio Arts Fest 2016! It is going to be
quite a celebration!
11
SCOPES in the City: The sky is
the limit when it comes to partnerships between organizations
On the cloudy afternoon
of Thursday, July 9th, 2015
everyone was crossing
fingers to be able to take a
closer look at the Sun. The
National Museum of Puerto
Rican Arts & Culture hosted
a wonderful family activity
organized by the Chicago Public Library and the Adler
Planetarium. At this activity, the children learned a little
about the use of telescopes, light and space. The Adler
Planetarium provided a telescope to be able to look
at the sky and a closer look at the Sun. The weather
was our ally and the day turned out beautiful for this
great outdoor family event. As part of this event, the
children also enjoyed a hands-on activity where they
could build their own lenses to take pictures with their
smartphones and they also had lots of fun with the binoculars provided by the Chicago Public Library. This was
quite an experience and an example of how different
museums and organizations can partner to make a great
event for the whole family.
A BOOK FOR ALL AGES: ASÍ SOMOS |
WHO WE ARE ARRIVES IN CHICAGO
By Deborah López
Chicago, IL (June 27, 2015) - The presentation and
signing of the acclaimed book Así Somos | Who We
Are, hosted by the National Museum of Puerto Rican
Arts & Culture and the Chicago Chapter of the National
Conference of Puerto Rican Women was a reaffirmation that our core values, namely our “Puerto Ricaness”
transcends life styles and changing times.
A capacity audience came to hear author and educator Ada Nivia López, share specific occurrences that
gave rise to her concept and the need to publish Así
Somos | Who We Are; a unique collection of photographic essays with bilingual narratives designed by
master artist Antonio Martorell, highlighting the diversity and cultural richness of the Puerto Rican people on
the island and its diaspora. 50 copies of the book were
signed by the author and photographer in theprincipal
gallery of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts
and Culture. Deborah López served as MC and Alejandro Molina, Secretary of the Board of Directors of the
PRCC, introduced Ada, speaking of her family’s legacy
of struggle in our community’s history, and more specifically of Ada’s positive role throughout the struggles we
have faced.
Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
and raised in Chicago, Ada gave
a heartfelt presentation. Many
thanked her for
giving us a book
that illuminates
the heart and
soul of the Puerto Rican people and for having included Puerto Ricans in Hawaii. The images taken by award
winning photographer Mark Joseph evoke deep feelings connecting the reader with Puerto Rican core values including hospitality, compassion, generosity, joy
and resilience. Based on the expression of guests who
represented multi-generations and ethnicities, Así Somos | Who We Are begins to bridge the gap between
the ages, the eras and across the diaspora.
More information: www.asisomoswhoweare.com
22 Fiesta
da
Directo desde Puerto Rico:
Orquesta Macabeo
“Calles, Sueños y Cultura”
Boricua
Sabado, 5 de Septiembre 2015
Domingo, 6 de Septiembre 2015
12am-9pm
Presenta:
•LO MEJOR de Nuestro Pueblos; Cayey,P.R.
Con un desfile encabezado por su banda municipal.
•LO MEJOR de Nuestros Barrios: Orlando,FL.
con músicos y artesanos.
•LO MEJOR de nuestra música, con un elenco
de artistas, capitaneado por el grupo Macabeo,
basado en la salsa gorda con un toque
contemporáneo, y mucho mas...
Celebrando 20 años de la Bandera de Acero
y 20 años del Paseo Boricua
Auspiciado por el Centro Cultural Puertorriqueño,
Consejal Roberto Maldonado, y Rep. Estatal Cyntia Soto
Para información de Kiosco y Auspicio
Zenaida Lopez. (872) 829-2662 • zenaidal@prcc-chgo.org