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30th Anniversary 30th Anniversary Congratulations to Comite Noviembre on the 30th Anniversary of Puerto Rican Heritage Month!

Thank you for your work supporting our children and families.

To schedule a free dental van visit in your community, or to learn more about the Colgate® Bright Smiles, Bright Futures™ program, visit our website at www.colgatebsbf.com. COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE Would Like To Extend Its Sincerest Gratitude To The Sponsors And Supporters Of Puerto Rican Heritage Month 2016

City University of New York Hispanic Federation Colgate-Palmolive Company Borough of Manhattan Community College, CUNY Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center Bronx Community College, CUNY The Nieves Gunn Charitable Fund Brooklyn College, CUNY

32BJ SEIU Compañia de Turismo de Puerto Rico United Federation of Teachers Rums of Puerto Rico Hostos Community College, CUNY Shape Magazine

Catholic Charities of New York Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY Mr. John Calderon El Museo del Barrio Mr. & Mrs. Bill Aguado Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly, Inc. Ms. Dolores Batista Embassy Suites Hotel & Casino, Isla Verde, PR Mr. & Mrs. Jack Medina TAS Communications, LLC

MEMBER AGENCIES

ASPIRA of New York • Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños • El Museo del Barrio • El Puente, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College/CUNY • Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly, Inc. • La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc. • La Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular • National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights – Justice Committee • 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: Dolores Batista, Elba Cabrera, Carmen Marilia Castro, Sandy Figueroa, David Galarza, Luis Cordero Santoni, Suleika Cabrera Drinane, Zenaida Muslin, Lisa M. Rodriguez, Teresa A. Santiago, Angel Santini, and Lili Santiago Silva

Contributing writers: Teresa A. Santiago, Angel Carrión, Angelo Falcón

Artwork: Maria Dominguez Cover design: Dielka Cueto Graphic design: Dielka Cueto Photography: Robert Figueroa, Ana Alicea, Carlos R. Fernandez, Olga Ayala, George Malave Editors: Sarah R. Bisconte, María Roman Dumén, Sandy Figueroa, Teresa A. Santiago Calendar: Lili Santiago-Silva

3 MESSAGE ON BEHALF OF COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE Thirty years ago, Comité Noviembre, (CN), started as a simple discussion with a group of Puerto Rican community leaders. Today, Puerto Rican Heritage Month is celebrated in key cities around this country. As we prepared this 30th anniversary journal one thing was undeniably clear, CN has made an impact on the history of the Puerto Rican community both on the mainland and on the island. The very survival and existence of CN over the years has been made possible by an amazing collective of dedicated and committed individuals and organizations, that have devoted their time and energy to the success and preservation of this organization.

CN is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to commemorating and acknowledging the contributions Puerto Ricans have made to this city, state and nation. CN is composed of ten of the oldest and most prestigious Puerto Rican organizations, bringing together the collective talents of ASPIRA of New York, Centro de EstudiosPuertorriqueños, El Museo del Barrio, El Puente, Eu- genio María de Hostos Community College/CUNY, Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc., La Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular, National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights --- Justice Com- mittee, and Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration which serves in an advisory position. This coordinating body plans and promotes CN’s annual programs and events. Over the years, CN has counted on and continues to receive support from LatinoJustice: PRLDEF, Música de Cámara, the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, National Institute for Latino Policy and the Puerto Rican Family Institute, as well as the Association of Hispanic Arts and the National Puerto Rican Forum, now defunct.

The charge of CN is to create awareness of our rich culture, language, and heritage as well as to acknowledge and take ownership of it every day, specifically during the month of November. The annual theme is developed with the understanding that beyond celebrating our heritage, it must help to motivate, mobilize and empower our community around critical concerns. This year’s theme: COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE 30 years of impact on the Puerto Rican Community...Treinta Años de Impacto a la Comunidad Puertorriqueña,” speaks to the many contributions CN has made to the fabric of this nation. From choosing a theme each year to highlight and address an issue in our community; to creating opportunities to honor and commemorate Puerto Rican culture and history; to acknowledging our unsung heroes and engaging our youth in community service like feeding the hungry, to awarding hundreds of scholarships and creating educational and leadership development opportunities for our youth, the impact of Comité Noviembre has been tremendous with long lasting life changing affects.

To commemorate its 30th anniversary, CN has partnered with Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños in conjunction with Borimix, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and numerous other community cultural organizations, to launch the national campaign November: Puerto Rican Heritage Month. This campaign will serve to educate younger generations about their history and culture, and to engage a broad coalition of cultural organizations and leaders across the country in celebration of our heritage and the many contributions our community has made to the American story, by accessing social media. The campaign will include a national November calendar of events through Centro’s website and will be made available to all cultural organizations across the country. Centro will broadcast in Puerto Rico, in partnership with WIPR, and make available several documentaries online celebrating the legacy of Puerto Rican pioneers. Online courses on the history of Puerto Ricans in the Unites States will be offered, including a historical chronology pamphlet with illustrations and video; and Centro will provide technical assistance for the development of the network hub Puerto Rican Nation: a social media platform for community engagement and action. This project aims to engage a younger generation of Puerto Ricans through the instant communication of social media platforms. CN is excited at the prospect of reaching and involving Puerto Ricans globally, at the touch of a button.

CN is thrilled that award winning visual artist Maria Dominguez has once again designed the poster. Maria is part of the fabric of CN’s history. She has graced us with three artistic renditions of our themes in 1994, 1997 and now in 2016. Through her knowledge and relationship with CN, Maria was able to capture the impact CN has had on the Puerto Rican community. Throughout the years, CN has formed strong strategic partnerships geared to supporting, creating consciousness, having open dialogues, and building consensus on the issues that affect the 8.5 million Puerto Ricans living on both the mainland and island with the ultimate goal of developing a plan of action that will lead to effective change.

More than ever this year, CN has hosted and participated in forums, rallies, discussions and demonstrations to bring to light the critical humanitarian crisis Puerto Rico is experiencing because of its crippling debt and the so called “solutions” to solve this crisis. CN has dedicated its 30th anniversary celebration to the activists, organizations, movements, social justice warriors and just plain ordinary people who are standing up for Puerto Rico and saying ¡Presente!

4 2015 CN Board members and gala honorees.

This journal contains thought provoking articles on the situation in Puerto Rico from the newly passed PROMESA bill, La Junta Fiscal, Payday loans, to the movements like Se acabarón las Promesas, The National Puerto Rican Agenda and How much influence Puerto Rican Voters Hold in 2016. CN thanks its contributing writers Angelo Falcón, president of the National Institute for Puerto Rican Policy, Dr. Edwin Melendez, Ph.D., Director of Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños at CUNY’s Hunter College, Ángel L. Carrión Maymi, freelance writer for Global Voices and doctoral candidate at Centro de Estudios Avanzados in PR. Reprints of key articles and interviews by Democracy Now!, the Refund America Project, and PBS News Hour’s The Run Down are also included.

After you review information provided, you will experience a myriad of emotions. From sadness and disbelief to anger. However, CN is urging each and every one of you to channel these emotions into action. Whether it’s writing a letter to your elected representative, signing a petition, participating in demonstrations or simply passing along the information you have received – ACT! JUST DO IT!

In addition, the journal will also include the inspiring stories of our nine Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad award recipients, the profiles of our scholars, a synopsis of all of the programs CN administers throughout the year as well as a 30-year overview of CN’s accomplishments and impact on the community, and its current partnerships and collaborations. This year, CN will inagurate the Ernesto Malave Scholarship for the Arts and the Josefina Aguado Scholarship Award; in addition to the CN Scholarship and the Richie Perez Scholarship for Peace and Justice. In total 18 scholarships will be awarded. The Colgate-Palmolive contribution is earmarked specifically for scholarships; and the philanthropic husband and wife team of Bill Aguado and Kathi Pavlick will sponsor the Josefina Aguado Scholarship. Their pledge is a five-year commitment totalling $10,000.

The 30th anniversary benefit event will take place on Monday, November 28, 2016, at the NY Hilton in Manhattan and will honor: Ana Irma Rivera Lassén, ESq., Women and Human Rights Acivist; Héctor J. Figueroa, President, 32BJ SEIU; Betty Lugo, Esq., President, Puerto Rican Bar Association; DiaspoRicans/Diasporiqueños and Richard Colón, “Crazy Legs” President, Rock Steady Crew. Proceeds from the annual event support all of our programs, and allows CN to provide free programming and information to the community, year round, as well as scholarships. Many events have been planned throughout New York State, 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 11th Annual Artisans Fair and the 5th Annual Puerto Rican Authors Book Expo that will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2016, from 11AM – 7PM at Hostos Community College in the Bronx. The day will include the annual performance of Danza Fiesta.

The 21st annual Day of Community Service and Social Responsibility has become a 2-day program with food distribution taking place at specific locations on Saturday November 19th and Sunday, November 20, 2016, from 11AM – 2PM throughout the City. CN will participate for the very first time in the annual Mass of the Virgen de la Divina Providencia at St. Patrick’s in Manhattan on Sunday November20th and encourages the community to attend. A special blessing will be bestowed in honor of CN’s 30th anniversary.

The Puerto Rican community, 8 million of us strong, is on the verge of once again history making change. We must rise to the occasion, meet our challenges and make history. As children of the Diaspora each and every one of us has the power to affect change from exercising our right to vote, volunteering in efforts, educating our community, creating social media campaigns or just keeping the conversation alive. Let the power of our culture and history live on, so we can continue to make an IMPACT!.

For Comité Noviembre Teresa A. Santiago, Chairperson

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 SPOKESPERSON AND HONOREE Richard Colon, “Crazy Legs” President, Rock Steady Crew

Richard Colon is proud of his Puerto Rican heritage and has used his fame to bring attention, to a global audience, to the fiscal and humanitarian crisis the people of Puerto Rico are experiencing. Colon, universally known by his stage name “Crazy Legs,” is an internationally recognized Hip Hop Icon, pioneering b-boy (break dancer) and current president of the Rock Steady Crew, one of the most active and influential dance crews in Hip Hop history.

Hip-Hop began as an expression of poverty- stricken inner city minority youths who grew up during the 1960s and 1970s. It is a musical form that incorporates a shared, lived urban experience that revolved around music, rhyming, dancing and graffiti; often making a social statement against the harsh realities they must deal with on a daily basis. Crazy Legs still sees Photo by Carlo Cruz the value of using this art form as a vehicle to engage people in conversations on the needs of our community. He is particularly interested in helping children who reside on our Island of Puerto Rico.

This past June, Crazy Legs was featured in a major international dance conference in St. Petersburg, Russia. The New York Times wrote about this event. “He divides his time between New York and Puerto Rico, where he sponsors an annual dance event. He has grown concerned about the Island’s economic collapse, which has plunged many children into poverty, according to a report released this month. The crisis reminds him of the hardships he witnessed in childhood. So in a culture where showing off in the spotlight is a given, he is using his turn to speak his mind. ‘I know what it’s like to make an abandoned building a playground, or take a mattress and turn it into a gymnastics mat: and right now, there are a lot of abandoned homes in Puerto Rico. People are fleeing. The reason why I am doing this is to bring awareness to the situation in Puerto Rico, its economic crisis and how desperate life has gotten. We need to mentor these kids who are affected by their parents’ not having work or even money to meet their basic necessities.”

Crazy Legs’ newest interest is in developing heath initiatives that promote active lifestyles for adults 40 and older. He wants to inspire healthy living. His experience in training for his “Battle of the Gods” performance in St. Petersburg, Russia inspired this interest.

Each year, Crazy Legs hosts a music festival in the town of Isabela. Puerto Rock Steady’s purpose is to promote tourism and economic opportunities in his hometown. He attracts celebrities and attendees from around the world who

15 participate in events over a three-day weekend. As part of the weekend’s schedule of activities, Crazy Legs arranges for attendees to donate their time to teach Hip Hop dance to children at the Boys and Girls Club in Isabela. His long-term goal is to be able to raise enough funds from his music festival to establish an afterschool tutoring and dance program for children throughout the island.

Crazy Legs has a long history of supporting and organizing youth development initiatives, while representing Puerto Rico in all of his work around the world, one example is his work with the BPU. The Break Dance Project Uganda (BPU), is an initiative that aims to empower and positively inspire youth and children through breakdance as well as other elements of hip-hop, promoting positive social responsibility; building leadership skills and self-esteem; increasing access to formal and informal education; and generating income opportunities through private teaching and dance performances; and connecting local and international artists in an attempt to bridge the gap between the advantaged & disadvantaged and between the illiterate and literate.

“Bouncing Cats” is a documentary film that followed the work of the Break Dance Project Uganda (BPU). It featured Crazy Legs, with narration by Common and additional interviews with Mos Def, Will.I.Am and K’Naan. It showed how these artist use break-dancing and hip hop to affect social change.

In 2006, he was invited by the Smithsonian to contribute to a collection for the National Museum of American History, and in 2015, Cornell University acquired Crazy Legs’ archives. The Cornell Hip Hop Collection (CHHC) collects and makes accessible the historical artifacts of Hip Hop culture, to ensure their preservation for future generations. “As a Puerto Rican, I can only trace my history back to 1923, and my grandfather. Before that a lot of documents were destroyed. Keeping this here contributes to preserving the history of Puerto Ricans.”

When his travel schedule permits, he volunteers to teach dance to youth in an effort to preserve the power and integrity of the movement he helped start and keep it growing for generations to come. He also participates in a number of community outreach programs and food drives. It was his dance program at the THE POINT Community Development Corporation for young people in the South Bronx that garnered him the “New Yorker of the Week” Award from NY1 TV. Being a true hip-hop pioneer, he’s never forgotten his roots. “I enjoy teaching more than anything. I enjoy working with kids and giving back to the community. So expect me to never turn my back on the hood.”

His efforts have been recognized and honored, giving him an impressive resume of awards for his professional and charitable work, including, but not limited to, the Hip Hop Hall of Fame, the Source Youth Foundation Image Award, and the AARTS Award from the Bay Shore Schools Arts Education Fund. In 2003, he was selected as the National Godfather of the Jersey City Puerto Rican Day Parade; and in 2004, he was honored at the first Annual VH1 Hip Hip Honors. Crazy Legs had the honor of becoming the first Latino to sign an endorsement deal with Red Bull Energy Drink.

He has appeared in the movies Wild Style (1982), Beat Street (Orion, 1984), and the documentaries, Style Wars (PBS, 1983), The Voice of a Nation (Goldcrest, 1993), Here Come the Drums (8mm, 1993), Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme (Bowery, 2000) and The Freshest Kids (QD3, 2003); to name a few. He was also a heavily disguised body double for Jennifer Beals’ in the movie, Flashdance (Paramount, 1983). He has danced on stage in the musicals, “So! What Happens Now?” and “Jam on the Groove,” and in 1983, he performed for Queen Elizabeth II. He is now a character in the video game, Def Jam Fight for NY. Crazy Legs has appeared in commercials and print ads for Coke, Sprite, Verizon Wireless, Sean Jean, Avirex, Nike and Red Bull. A deal signed with Fila made him the first B-Boy to get a sneaker company to honor a group like the RSC with its own shoe. In designing the sneaker, he insisted that it reflect his Puerto Rican identity.

16 About the Artist Maria Dominguez Visual Artist Maria Dominguez is a life long resident of New York City of Puerto Rican decent. Her diverse and varied creations are influenced by personal, environment and community experiences. With a Bachelors in Art Degree, graduate from School of Visual Arts in 1985, she went on to establish her career as a muralist/public artist starting with an internship with CITYarts Org. Her public art making trajectory lead to the 2002 prestigious commission by The Metropolitan Transportation Authority for “El –Views” a permanent glass installation for the Chauncey Street station in NYC. The same year, the work was awarded the “Excellence in Design” by New York Municipal Society. In 2016, she competed and was awarded “Yo Misma Fui mi Ruta” mural commission by the Hispanic Federation to grace their Multipurpose Pavilion at the Julia De Burgos Performance and Arts Center in New York City. Currently, she is one of five finalists up for “Tito Puente” public art piece for El Barrio, NYC. Dominguez has exhibited locally, nationally and internationally in numerous solo and group shows. And has received awards from The National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council for the Arts and New York About the Poster Foundation for the Arts. Currently, scholars are surveying Being the artist selected to commemorate Comité Noviem- her early murals and personal professional documents are bre’s 30th year anniversary became a true honor and a being archived by The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at challenge as well. How does an artist compress the impact Hunter College in NYC. this organization has had for the Puerto Rican community at large into one image? She has served as a panelist on numerous art panels Every meaningful step to bring light to youth, families, such as; 100 Puerto Ricans; The Center of Puerto Rican leaders, artists and politicians were done with intent and Studies in NYC, The Leeway Foundation in Philadelphia, the names told the story. BRIO awards; Bronx Council on the Arts, The New York I used each individual and organization names who con- Foundation for the Arts; Artist Fellows, Percent for Arts tributed to support Comité Noviembre’s trajectory as fab- and MTA Art & Design both in NYC. ric by which its’ foundation was laid. Over the fabric of Dominguez’ entire artistic career has been dedicated to names, the dedicated hands stretch out to promote the best the education of youth and children beginning as artist - of our community through Comité Noviembre’s activism, educator at The Guggenheim Museum’s: Learning Through their art forms, their services and educational programs. the Arts program and Studio in the Schools in NYC. In Comité Noviembre’s efforts reach out to bring together 1994 she directed the Education Department for El Museo their love for the island of Puerto Rico, its people and cul- del Barrio, and after 10 years returned to the classroom ture, to the city of New Yorkers making a difference over with Young Audiences of New York, Community Works. the blue waters. In 2015 Arte Publico published “Sofi and the Magical Lastly, the sun rises for Comité Noviembre and all they’ve Musical Mural” a children’s book for school-aged children instituted, particularly, the youth who are enriched by their she illustrated, modeled after her own mural. scholarship programs. This is the third poster she has design for Comité Comité Noviembre has become a trailblazer to other NYC Noviembre, 1994, 1997 and 2016. and nationally based organizations whom now use the month of November to celebrate Puerto Rican culture – What a unifying force Comité Noviembre! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! 17 ABOUT COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE Established in 1987, Comité Noviembre, CN, is a non-profit organization created to: • Commemorate and pay tribute to the contributions Puerto Ricans have made to this nation. • Support educational opportunities for youth through college scholarships • Promote, acknowledge, create awareness and take ownership of our rich culture, language, and history. • Create open forums to discuss critical issues affecting the Puerto Rican community specifically in the areas of education, youth leadership development, health, politics and civic involvement. • Institutionalize November as Puerto Rican Heritage Month throughout the nation. MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS CN is the only collaboration of its kind in the United States that brings together the collective talents and resources of the oldest and most prestigious Puerto Rican organizations: ASPIRA of NY • Centro de Estudios Puertorriquenos/Hunter Col- lege, CUNY • El Museo del Barrio • El Puente • Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College, CUNY • Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly • La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriquena • La Fundacion Nacional para la Cultura Popular, PR • National Congress of Puerto Rican Rights – Justice Committee • Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, (advisory)

• Educational/Youth Leadership Development 1. Four Scholarship Programs; CN Scholarship Awards Program, The Richie Perez Scholarship for Peace & Justice, The Josefina Aguado Scholarship for Single Parents, The Ernest Malave Scholarship for the Arts. 2. Annual Leadership Development – Role Models Forum • Day of Community Service & Social Responsibility & Food Drive • CN’s Women’s History Month educational component • CN Scholars Mentoring Initiative

• Puerto Rican Artist Development; National Artisans Fair & Exhibit, Puerto Rican Authors Book Expo, Puer- to Rican Memorabilia Exhibit, Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts, PRIDA, Poster Traveling Exhibit • Cultural Development; Educational Trip to Puerto Rico, “Buscando Nuestra Raíces”, Three Kings celebration & Toy Drive, Cultural and health related workshops, forums and events. • Annual Puerto Rican Heritage Month Celebration; Commemorative calendar journal, Annual Artist competition/Commemorative poster, Selection of a spokesperson • Annual Awards Events; PRHM kick-off celebration/Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad Award, Annual benefit event/Puerto Rican Heritage Award, Women’s History Month - Puerto Rican Women Legacy Award

18 THEMATIC IMPACT ON COMMUNITY 1987 – 2016 SYNOPSIS

In 2011 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 showcased at the following locations: 2012 Riverbank State Park – Cultural Complex/NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 2013 Taller Boricua at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center in Manhattan 2014 Terrance Cardinal Cooke Health Center in Manhattan 2015 Casita Maria’s Children’s Gallery in the Bronx. Over 800 children daily saw exhibit.

The Exhibit is scheduled to show At Loisaida in November 2016. Through the years CN, has identified a theme highlighting an issue of relevance to the Puerto Rican community. Through these themes, CN has promoted the celebration of Puerto Rican culture and the achievements of the Puerto Rican community, while also raising consciousness about the issues affecting our community. Each of the artist, as the creative energy and catalyst behind CN, has enabled us to complete our goal of motivating and mobilizing individuals and community action to address these issues and tell our story. The following is a description of the poster at the time by the artist who created it, the relevant issue that was occurring in the community and a small rendition of the poster.

CN is proud of the collaboration it has forged with an amazing group of talented artists throughout 27 years. These men and women are truly exceptional, not only for their creative talents but for their role in teaching, preserving, promoting and keeping our Puerto Rican culture and history alive. And also for the charitable, volunteer and pro bono work to assist the poor, children with cancer and AIDS, those suffering from breast cancer , and the homeless. Comité Noviembre Artists 1987 -2015 are Nestor Otero, 1987, 1988, 1990 ▪ Luis Cordero, 1989 ▪ Ernesto Ramos Nieves, 1991, 1992, (deceased) ▪ Angel Rodriguez-Diaz, 1993 ▪ Maria Dominguez, 1994, 1997, 2016 ▪ Juan Sanchez, 1995, 2012 ▪ Daniel Del Valle, 1996, 1998 ▪ David Santiago, 1999 ▪ Joaquin Emir Dávila Matos 2000, 2002 ▪ Adrienne Assaff Montalvo, 2001 ▪ Ray Rosario, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2013 ▪ Carlos Aponte, 2005 ▪ Maestro Antonio Martorell, 2007 ▪ Aquliar Marrero, 2008 ▪ Arnaldo Alicea Concep- ción, 2009 ▪ Pedro Brull, 2010, ▪ Wilda Gonzalez, 2011, ▪ Maestro Jose Buscaglia, 2014 and Nitza Tufiño, 2015. Nitza has graciously donated 25 silk screened numbered pieces that will be auctioned off to raise funds to protect and preserve an archeological site in Rio Blanco in Naguabo, Puerto Rico.

19 THEMATIC IMPACT ON COMMUNITY 1987 – 2015 SYNOPSIS

1987 “Building on Our Heritage to Create the Future…Our Children Our Youth - Desarrollando Nuestra Herencia Creando Nuestro Futuro… Nuestros Niños y Juventud,” centered around children and youth bringing to light the critical absence of Latino representation on the New York City’s Board of Education. Artist Nestor Otero 1988 “Empowerment…From the Shadows to the Light – De las Sombras al Poder – Empoderamiento…De las Sombras al Poder” Highlighted participation in the political process as a tool to bring the Puerto Rican community to the forefront of American politics and power structures. Artist Nestor Otero

1989 “Si No Nos Cuentan…No Contamos…Count On Us! – Si No Nos Cuentan…No Contamos…Cuenten Con Nosotros” dealt with the gross under counting of Latinos in the past census counts and challenged the Puerto Rican community to stand up and be counted. Artist Luis Cordero

1990 “From the Homeland to the Mainland…Los Lasos que nos Unen” Made the important connection to island roots and the migration to the mainland over the last nine decades. Artist Nestor Otero

1991 “La Mujer Puertorriqueña La Verdadera Borinqueña… Asumiendo Nuestra Historia Tomando Liderazgo en los 90” celebrated the important role of women in the political and social development of the largest Hispanic ethnic group in the Northeast region. Artist Ernesto Ramos Nieves, (deceased)

1992 “Encounters of the Past…Our Determination to Shape the Future – Encuentros del Pasado…Nuestra Determinación Para Forjar el Futuro” sought out to encompass the quincentennial commemoration and its specific relevance to the Puerto Rican community today. Artist Ernesto Ramos Neves, (deceased)

1993 “Reconquista ’93: Affirming Our Identity…Preserving Our Community – Reconquista ’93: Afirmando Nuestra Identidad…Preservando nuestra comunidad” dealt with the issue of identity, the unique and distinct mixture of Taíno, Spanish and African ancestry that makes up the intricate character of the Puerto Rican people. Artist Angel Rodriguez-Diaz

20 THEMATIC IMPACT ON COMMUNITY 1987 – 2015 SYNOPSIS

1994 “Nuestro Poder Puertorriqueño: Usalo! Define Nuestro Destino! Dealt with the untapped power and strength behind the estimated 3 million Puerto Ricans that live in the United States. Artist Maria Dominguez

1995 “The Puerto Rican Renaissance: The Spirit of Commitment…The Power of Action. Live It!” was a call to action to the Puerto Rican community – that now was the time to realize the future through the power of action. Artist Juan Sanchez

1996 “United, Moving Forward…The Future is Ours...Unidos, Adelante…El Futuro Esta en Nuestras Manos,” urged Puerto Ricans to unite around the critical issues of preserving our language. CN issued a statement on Language Rights and opposed the English Only Movement. Artist Daniel Del Valle 1997 “In the Mix: Voices that Affirm Our Vibrant Heritage –Voces Que Afirman Nuestra Herencia Dinámica,” reinforced our pride, diversity and multi-generational achievement that are the integral part of the Puerto Rican experience. Artist Maria Dominquez

1998 “Puerto Ricans Confronting the Challenges of a Changing World – Puertorriqueños Enfrentando los Retos de un Mundo cambiante,” urged the Puerto Rican community to examine its readiness and to prepare strategies to face the challenges of the next millennium. Artist Daniel Del Valle 1999 “Puerto Ricans for a New Millennium ... Facing the Dawn of a New Age - Puertorriqueños para un Nuevo Milenio... Frente al Amanecer de Una Nueva Era,” reflected the anticipation of a community ready for action. The human rights campaign for Vieques and clemency for the Puerto Rican political prisoners were highlighted. Artist David Santiago 2000 “Understanding Our Past…Defining Our Future - Entendiendo Nuestro Pasado… Creamos Nuestro Futuro,” urged Puerto Ricans to research and learn about their history in order to understand what was occurring at the time – the role of the US Navy in Vieques, the status questions and the release of the FBI “Carpetas/Dossiers” on the Puerto Rican independence movement. Artist Joaquin Emir Dávila Matos 21 THEMATIC IMPACT ON COMMUNITY 1987 – 2015 SYNOPSIS

2001 “Puerto Ricans United for World Peace...Puertorriqueños Unidos Para la Paz Mundial,” honored all of the victims of September 11th, especially the 800 Puerto Ricans who perished and acknowledged the efforts of the Puerto Rican community during this tragic event in America’s history. Artist Adrienne Assaff Montalvo 2002 “Salud Boricua,” shed light on the critical health issues in our community specifically HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes and asthma. Artist Joaquin Emir Dávila Matos 2003 “Nuestra Herencia Cultural el Camino al futuro…Our cultural heritage, the path to the future,” challenged the community to honor the past and teach our children about our rich culture and heritage. Artist Ray Rosario

2004 “Preserving our Legacy…Cultural Affirmation, Community Empowerment & Social Justice,” honored the grassroots work and accomplishments of the Puerto Rican community and its pioneers who because of their strength of character and conviction affected change. Artist Ray Rosario 2005 “Boricua! Atesora lo tuyo…Boricua! Treasure what is yours - Preservando Nuestro Legado…Afirmación Cultural, Poder Comunitario y Justicia Social,” acknowledged the accomplishments of the Puerto Rican community in the fields of science, medicine, technology, and space exploration and demanded the community to take ownership of these contributions. Artist Carlos Aponte 2006 “Celebrando con Orgullo Nuestra Cultura...Hoy, Mañana y Siempre,” acknowledged and paid tribute to achievements of the Puerto Rican community in this city, state and nation as well as to the vision of Comité Noviembre that for the past twenty years has kept its mission alive to promote, teach and create an awareness of the rich culture, language and heritage of the Puerto Rican community. Artist Ray Rosario

2007 “Encuentro Con Nuestra Patria,” challenged each and every one of us to learn about our history both on the island and mainland, feel proud of who we are and where we come from, and commit ourselves to promoting and teaching others about our great contributions to this world. It reaffirmed who we are as a people, a community, a nation; and that no matter where we live - somos puertorriqueños! Artist Maestro Antonio Martorell 22 THEMATIC IMPACT ON COMMUNITY 1987 – 2015 SYNOPSIS

2008 “Vive tu cultura...!Vive Boricua¡ “Live Your Culture...! Vive Boricua!,” challenged us to take ownership of our contributions to the fabric of this country. Our achievements as a community have had and will continue to have great impact on society. We must learn about our pioneers, heroes, scientists, inventions, traditions and history, and commit ourselves to promote and teach others about the great contributions Puerto Ricans have made to this country and brag a little in the process. Artist Aquliar Marrero

2009 “Puertorriqueño…De nuestras raíces nace un pueblo,” speaks to the strong foundation of the Puerto Rican community around the world, of our perseverance, ingenuity, pride and achievements. The theme explores and examines our unique ancestral roots and the very fabric that makes us Puerto Rican. It acknowledges that aquí y allá, somos todos puertorriqueños – un pueblo. Artist Arnaldo Alicea Concepción

2010 “Puertorriqueño de alma, vida y corazón,” speaks to the essence of what being Puerto Rican means. It is living breathing embracing our culture, history and identity in everything we do. It is the recognition from the bottom of our heart that speaks to our soul and that affirms our life as a Puertorriqueño. It is a state of mind, of being that comes from deep within us which empowers us to affect change, and to continue to contribute and make accomplishments to this city, state and nation. Artist Pedro Brull 2011 “Comité Noviembre 25 years...United by our Puerto Rican pride - Comité Noviembre 25 años…Unidos por nuestro orgullo Boricua,” celebrates and pays tribute to the work and accomplishments of Comité Noviembre in the last 25 years - to the spirit, energy and pride of this volunteer organization. Artist Wilda Gonzalez

2012

“Pioneros Puertorriqueños: un legado de amor, poder, y valor.. Puerto Rican Pioneers: a legacy of love, empowerment and courage,” celebrates the legacy of the Puerto Ricans who came before us and overcame many obstacles to build organizations, empower our community and achieve the necessary changes of their time, so that today Puerto Ricans and other Latinos can benefit from their commitment, dedication and perseverance. As a community we must never forget their achievements and we must pay homage to their legacy of love, empowerment and courage. Artist Juan Sanchez

23 THEMATIC IMPACT ON COMMUNITY 1987 – 2015 SYNOPSIS

2013 “Preservando el legado de la Díaspora Puertorriqueña…La respon- sabilidad es nuestra…Preserving the living legacy of the Puerto Rican Diaspora...The time is now, the responsibility is ours!”, celebrates the legacy 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. As a community we must never forget their achievement and we must pay homage to their legacy. Artist Ray Rosario

2014 ‘‘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. Artist Maestro Jose Buscaglia

2015 “The Power of our Cultural Heritage Defines Us! … El Poder de Nuestra Cultura nos define!,” speaks to empowering the 8.5 million Puerto Ri- cans both in the US and Puerto Rico to act and make their voices heard wherever they find themselves in this world. It is a crucial moment in our history as a community to make a difference and affect change. As sons and daughters of the Diaspora, through the power of our vote we have the opportunity to demand justice for the critical health and economic crisis afflicting Puerto Rico. The world is watching and the power Is yours! Artist Nitza Tufiño.

2016 COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE 30 years of impact on the Puerto Rican Community... Treinta Años de Impacto a la Comunidad Puertorriqueña,” speaks to the many contributions CN has made to the fabric of this city, state and nation. From choosing a theme each year to highlight and address an issue in our community; to creating opportunities to honor and commemorate Puerto Rican culture and history; to acknowledging our unsung heroes and engaging our youth in community service like feeding the hungry to awarding hundreds of scholarships and creating educational and leadership development opportunities for our youth, the impact of Comité Noviembre has been tremendous with long lasting life changing affects. Artist Maria Dominguezthese pioneers of the Diaspora everyday through the work that we do by preserving and protecting their legacy of commitment. Artist Maestro Jose Buscaglia

24 30 YEARS LATER... A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

HISTORY On July 15, 1987, the Association of Puerto Rican Executive Directors (APRED), a non-profit advocacy consortium of Puerto Rican community development and human services organizations, hosted the Puerto Rican Dialogue. One of the topics of discussion was presented by Antonio Pagán then of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and former NYC Councilman and NYC Commissioner of Employment, on the coordination of a calendar of events during the month of November, officially deemed, Puerto Rican Cultural Heritage Month. While the Commonwealth expressed an interest in serving as the clear- inghouse for scheduled events in collaboration with the community-based organizations and individuals represented at the meeting, it was the consensus of the group that this role be assumed by APRED with the assistance and cooperation of the Commonwealth and the Association of Hispanic Arts (AHA); thus, the coordinating committee was established. Led by Elizabeth Col6n, then the Executive director of APRED, the coordinating committee launched an effort to plan activities and develop the first Puerto Rican Cultural Heritage month calendar of events. As its efforts continued to evolve, the coordinating committee was expanded to include ASPRIA of New York, and Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños. Several co-sponsoring agencies, also participated by having their events announced in the calendar and providing resources to this project including the Institute for the Puerto Rican Hispanic Elderly. The coordinating committee became “Comité Noviembre” (CN). CN’s mission was and still remains to commemorate and acknowledge all aspects of Puerto Rican life. From the social, cultural, to the educational, economic and political; as well as creating an awareness of the rich culture, language and heritage of the Puerto Rican community. It also acknowledges the Puerto Rican community’s numerous contributions to this state and nation. Each year, from its initial inception through the present CN has identified an annual theme, developed a calendar of events and poster, and secured the proclamations from the governor, mayor and borough Presidents.

In 1990 CN encouraged Puerto Rican leaders from New Jersey to form its own chapter of Comité Noviembre and in 1991 Comité Noviembre of New Jersey was incorporated. motivated by the success of new Jersey, CN conducted three leadership symposiums in 1991 and 1992 in new York and one in 1993 held in Boston, Massachusetts with the goal of encouraging dialogue amongst leaders and activists from Puerto Rican communities that would serve to strengthen ties and formally present the expansion of the celebration of Puerto Rican Heritage Month to other cities and states. These symposiums were extremely successful and garnered national interest in regional expansion of the celebration of Puerto Rican heritage month under the banner of Comité Noviembre. CN met with Puerto Ricans leaders from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Florida. Due to the closing of APRED in 1993 the leadership symposiums and regional expansion were put on hold. Upon the closing of APRED which headquartered CN, Teresa A. Santiago assumed the leadership of CN and the Puerto Rican Family institute became its new home and management umbrella. From 1994 to 1997, CN operated under the auspices of ASPIRA of New York, and in 1998 CN was relocated to the Institute for the Puerto Rican Hispanic Elderly headed by Suleika Cabrera Drinane were it was housed for 15 years until 2012. Since then CN’s managing office has been operated out of TAS Communications, LLC in Hartsdale, NY.

Throughout the years, the membership and efforts of CN continued to expand. While its mission has remained the same, CN added new dimensions to its work focusing on educational excellence, youth leadership development and community service as key goals as well as the development of strategic partnerships with organizations in Puerto Rico. Today, although, Puerto Rican Heritage Month is celebrated in cities throughout the United States, it was CN who formalized the celebration. The recognition and celebration of November as Puerto Rican Heritage Month, has provided opportunities to bring into the limelight numerous achievements and contributions of the Puerto Rican community. CN has been able to bring together the Puerto Rican community by preserving, teaching and promoting Puerto Rican culture and history. By embracing our strength,

25 respecting our differences and understanding our diverse political ideologies, November has become a time to discuss all aspects and issues of the Puerto Rican community with respect objectivity and pride.

HISTORCIAL OVERVIEW

1987 • Comité Noviembre is established by Puerto Rican community leaders. Comité Noviembre secures official Puerto Rican Heritage Month proclamation form the governor, mayor and five borough Presidents. 1988 • For the first time in the history of CBS television a station break id was developed using CN’s art work and theme to salute Puerto Rican Heritage Month. it aired three to four times a day during November. • Vista and Hispanic Magazine both printed information on CN that informed the Puerto Rican community throughout the nation about CN activities. • El Diaro La Prensa printed the entire calendar as a pull out section in their weekend edition of paper. • Channel 47 gave a daily listing of activities from CN calendar. 1989 • ABC Channel 7 aired PSA for CN featuring actor Jimmy Smits of the hit television series l. a. law. the PSA ran throughout November and garnered many requests for the poster and calendar. • WPiX Channel 11 also aired PSA saluting Puerto Rican heritage month with Comité’s poster as the artistic background. • Channel 47 gave a daily listing of activities from the Comité Noviembre’s calendar. • Channel 41 featured, CN on the Cenia beltre show which aired on November 12th. • Tiempo Magazine featured CN on its November 19th show. • On november 17th, NY Newsday published a community awareness ad listing CN month long activities. 1990 • Musician and activist Willie Colón becomes the first spokesperson. • Comité Noviembre of New Jersey is established. • CBS developed and aired station break with Willie Colón to promote PR heritage month. • The New York housing authority sponsored the musical entertainment for the celebration of PR heritage month in each of the five boroughs. • 25 Comité Noviembre Mes De La Herencia Puertorriqueña Anniversary featuring performances by Johnny Colón and his orchestra. • CN was presented the governor’s proclamation at a VIP reception prior to the Christmas Extravaganza on November 10th at Radio City. The proceeds of this event went to the victims of Hurricane Hugo in Puerto rico and governor Ra- fael Hernández Colón was present. 1991 • Spokesperson: Malín Falú, radio talk show host • Comité noviembre joins forces with the New York Daily News and produces the first hispanic supplement which eventually leads to the creation of Viva Magazine. • Comité Noviembre organizes first Puerto Rican heritage month leadership symposium on December 9, 1991 at the New York Hilton in New York City. • Puerto rican leaders from around the country attend.

26 • Comité Noviembre produces a concert with renowned Puerto Rican singer Lucecita Benítez at Town Hall in New York City. • One of the most sought after CN posters. La mujer Puertoriqueña la verdadera borinqueña is created by artist Ernesto Ramos-Nieves. 1992 • Spokespeople: Bronx borough President Fernando Ferrer and New York City Public schools Chancellor Dr. Joseph A. Fernandez • “Puerto ricans in New York: a Community organizes…a Photographic Essay,” by el Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños and “the ASPIRA of New York story, Thirty Years and Counting…” with information on the historic ASPIRA Consent decree are featured in the journal. • The 2nd Puerto Rican heritage month Comité Noviembre leadership symposium is held on december 10, 1992 at the New York hilton. 1993 • Spokesperson: Dr. Antonia Novello, • Former surgeon general of the United States, the first woman and hispanic to hold this office. • The 3rd leadership symposium is held on December 9, 1993 at the Marriott Boston long wharf in Boston, Massachusetts. • CN establishes the ‘Lo Mejor de nuestra Comunida” recognition award. the first recipients of this award were: Willie Colón, composer, trombonist and, producer; Miriam Colón, actress, producer, director and founder of Puerto Rican traveling theater, Marina Alvarez, aids activist; Marc Anthony, singer; Moreno Vega, founder, Caribbean Cultural Center/african diaspora institute; Juanita Rodríguez, chairperson, women’s action Cluster of Williams- burg & president, Eastern district high school Parents association. Youth recipients: Wilfredo Muñoz, Billie Gastic, Carmen Díaz, Krystal Carrasquillo and Angel Ramos 1994 • Spokesperson: Luis Guzmán, actor and community activist. • Comité Noviembre begins the annual tradition of the kick-off reception at el Museo del Barrio. • “Why we took over the statute of liberty,” by Richie Pérez is featured in journal • CN promotes and supports Muevete the Boricua youth Conference. (1994-1997) • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients were: Adelfa Vera – Committed to the ideal of independence; Debbie Delgado-Vega - an individual and Collective struggle for life; Lillian López Parent advocate For our Future; Ramón González – third generation activist; Genoveva Clemente - luchadora por vivienda digna; Manny Maldonado – música against drugs: “la Cultura también Cura” Father Luis Barrios - Social Activism and the Church; Isaura Santiago - President: Hostos Community College: Coming of age in the bronx. Youth recipients: Jennifer Villegas, Reinaldo Ilano, Josefina Ortiz. Comité Noviembre de N.J.: Dennis B. González; Catherine Correa and Reverendo Miguel Mena (in memoriam). 1995 • Spokespeople: salsa diva La India and actress/activist Lauren Vélez. • Comité Noviembre institutes the day of Community service and social responsibility the Sunday before Thanksgiving. • PSA is developed to promote Puerto Rican heritage month. • CN works with the national Puerto rican Coalition on the boricua First! effort • “the Puerto Rican struggle for Quality Education, a short Essay” by Roberto P. Rodriguez is featured in journal. • CN developed a national Puerto Rican organization resource directory. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients were: Gil C. Alicea, author, advocate and orphan of aids; Sonia González, community and media activist; 27 Margarita Rosario, founded, Parents against Police brutality; Rosa Calderón, latino and youth activist & dean, intercul- tural and Community Advancement, Manhattanville College; Héctor Torres, director, National action Youth movement & co-founder, strictly ghetto Youth organization; institute for the Puerto rican/hispanic Elderly; the Puerto rican Cultural heritage house; Youth recipients: Brenda Lugo, Omar Estrada Tortes, Shirley Rodríguez; Ben Ramos; William Quintín Ross and Jason Rivera. 1996 • Spokesperson: Jimmy Smits, actor. • CN celebrates its 10th anniversary with a gala at the Plaza hotel in New York City on November 19, 1996. • Gala honorees are: Dr. Antonia Pantoja, Founder of ASPIRA; Goya Foods, inc.; and Luis A. Miranda, President, Miranda y más • CN announces establishment of scholarship Program • CN issues statement on language rights opposing all efforts to make English the official language of any city state or national government. CN applauded the ninth Circuit Court of appeals which found that arizona’s English only law violated the First amendment rights of bilingual state employees to use the native language of the public to communicate. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients were: Betsy Dávila, founder & president, sociedad Puertorriqueña de Queens, inc.; Dr. Georgina Falú, founder, universal business and media school; José Ithier, community leader; Debbie Medina, director ethnic publications, New York daily news; Carlos Pagán, founder, El regreso; Rossana Rosado, editor-in-chief, El Diario la Prensa. Youth recipients: Carolina Pérez, D’wayne Prieto and Daisy Rodríguez. 1997 • Spokesperson: “king of latin music” Tito Puente • Ruben Blades, Ednita Nazario and Marc Anthony captivate the gala audience with a performance from the broadway show Capeman • Gala honorees are: miriam Colón, actress; Carlos L. Santiago, vice president NYNEX; Mil- lie Herández Becker, president & CEO, Westchester Air; Tonio Burgos, President, Burgos & Associates and Carlos D. Nazario, Jr., president & CEO, Metro Beer and Soda Distributors. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients are: Lorraine Cortes-Vázquez, executive director, ASPIRA, Johnny Irizarry, executive director, taller Puertorriqueño; Iris Báez, founder, An- thony Báez Foundation; Dora Delorisses, senior rights activist and member, hispanic senior action Council; Felipe morales millán, director, touro Collage; Mary Graniela, business and community leader, co-founder of la Cooperative metro.Youth recipients: Jeffrey Rodríguez, Joyce Elwick, Denise Irizarry, Andrew Cruz, Maegan Elizabeth Ortíz, Mariposa: María Teresa Fernández, poet. 1998 • Spokesperson: Rosie Pérez actress and aids activist. • CN awards first scholarships to eight exceptional Puerto rican students at a ceremony at Con Edison in NYC. • El gran Combo de Puerto Rico perform at the gala. • Danny Rivera captivates gala participants with rendition of la Borinqueña. • Gala honorees were: Nereida S. Andino, former deputy, Manhattan borough President; Jennifer López, actress; Fernando L. Pérez, senior specialist for Custom outreach, Con Edison; and Polito Vega, on-air personality for La Mega. • CN presents José Rivera, then NYC. • Councilman with special award for his work on behalf of the Puerto rican Political Prisoners. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients were: Judith Hilerio, activist, Lower East

28 Side; Sonali Santiago-Borges, founder and executive director, under the mercy ministries; Edwin Pagán, co-founder, Pm theatre Community; Joseph Iliso, conductor, composer, teacher, founder Pan american symphony orchestra; Maria Román, founder, National Puerto Rican Day Parade; Olga Luz Tirado, president, Luz Tirada Communications; Julio Pabón, founder, latinos sports, ventures. Youth recipients: Amnanda Hernández, Julian Genera Quiñonez, Luz E. Jimé- nez and Michelle González. 1999 • Spokesperson: Felix “tito” Trinidad, Welter Weight Champion of the world • CN receives the first letter from the President of the United States Bill Clinton, acknowledging Comité Noviembre’s efforts. • Richie Pérez writes article on the Young lords Party entitled: “we didn’t drop from the sky: our people’s struggle created the Young Lords” • CN begins a series of articles on the situation in vieques, Puerto rico. First article is written by Melissa Mark-Viverito, entitled: Vieques and the U.S. Military: A Struggle for Human Rights. • Gala honorees were: Dr. Antonia C. Novello - NYS Commissioner of health; Carlos M. Morales, Esq., SVP and general Counsel, Merrill Lynch & Company; Angelo Figueroa, editor-in-chief, PEOPLE en Español and the Young lords Party. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients were: James Anthony Bello; Alexandria Colón, founder, share latina Project; Rev. Aimee García Cortése, founder, Crossroads tabernacle; Paul Ramos, community activist & executive director of betances health unit; Carmen Rivera, playwright; Efraín Suárez, founder, salsa museum and hall of Fame; Ida Inés Torres, president, hispanic labor Committee; John Serrano, co-director, latino artist. Youth recipients: Lesley Martínez; Eliécer Méndez and Aliana Soto. 2000 • Spokesperson: Dave Valentín, internationally acclaimed salsa jazz artist • CN continues to focus on vieques with an article entitled: “intergeneral message from vieques: viequenses from human Chain around Camp Gar- cía” in journal. • Brenda K Star is the evening’s entertainment. • Dave Valentín and Yomo toro give a special performance at the gala. • Gala honorees were: Roberto Clemente Jr., broadcast analyst/New York Yankees and president, the Roberto Clemente Foundation; Susan Hernán- dez, attorney at law; Carol Robles Román, SVP & general Counsel, Puerto Rico industrial development Company and José O. Agiuar, president & CEO, Kleener King Industries. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients were: Myrta Cuadra-Lash, chairperson, East harlem neighborhood based alliance; Ada Rosario Dolch, principal, high school for leadership and Public service; Lester J. Figueroa, Esq., founder, latino Civic association of Staten Island; Sonia Galarza, volunteer and youth advocate; Fernando “Ponce” Laspina, founder, Festival del grito de lares; Irvine Rafael Macmanus, advocate for the preservation of Puerto Rican culture; María Zapata, volunteer, Circulo de la hispanidad’s abused women Crisis intervention Program. Youth recipients: José Corner and Jimmy Ruíz. • Special in memoriam section was dedicated to Adelfa Vera, Puerto rican nationalista and Paul Ramos – healthcare advocate. 2001 • Spokesperson: Daniel Rodríguez, NYPD officer and tenor. • “Vieques: Five Centuries of struggle and resistance,” article by Robert Rabin, one of the founders of El Comité Pro rescate y desarrollo de vieques is featured in journal. • CN changes gala dinner to benefit luncheon in observance of the tragedy of September 1th.1 • Luncheon honorees were: Selma Betancourt, director of external communications, health Plus; Dr. Ricardo • R. Fernández, president, Herbert H. Lehman College, Luis Garden Acosta, founder & CEO, El Puente, Inc., and Denise Quiñones, Miss Universe 2001. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients were: Otilio Díaz, executive director, la Casa de la herencia Cultural Puer- torriqueña; Toni & Carlos Mendoza, directors, Side Street Kids; Lucy Rivera, president, La Fiesta Folklórica Puertor- riqueña, inc.; Magda Yrizarry, chairwoman, ASPIRA of New York. Youth recipients: Milagros Esther Santiago; Julio 29 Cesar Toledo and Alejandro Torres-Hernádez. • Special recognition was given to the Puerto Rico Emergency management and disaster services agency for their assistance in the September 11th tragedy. • Special in memoriam section was dedicated to: Steve Mercado, NY Firefighter, president, NY Emperors stickball league. 2002 • Spokesperson: vice admiral Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPh, FaCs, us surgeon general Commander, usPhs. • Articles featured in the journal were: “hispanic health issues a Priority for new York state” by Dr. Antonia C. Novello, MD, M.P.h and Dr. P.h. NYS; and “the latino health Crisis” by Denis De León, coordinator, latino health advocates and president of the latino Commission on aids. • Luncheon honorees were: vice admiral Richard Carmona, MD, MPh, FaCs, United States surgeon General Commander, usPhs; Nydia Caro, singer and entertainer; Debbie Delgado Vega, founder and chairperson, latino organization for liver awareness; Carmen Gómez Goldberg, president, AVET Transit, inc. and José R. Sánchez, Csw, aCsw, svP, generations+ health network. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients were: Sobeida Cruz, regional manager of Public affairs, New York Power authority; Manuel A. Morán-Martínez, writer and producer; Madalena Ramírez, CEO, Helen Hayes hospital, Julia E. Rivera, director of community, New York organ donor network; Roberto Sancho, VP development and external affairs, Bronx Lebanon Hospital. Youth recipients: Marlene Calderón; Neva Becerril and Juan Carlos Intriago-Vélez. • In memoriam section was dedicated to: Petra Allende, community activist, “la alcaldesa del barrio” and Dr. Antonia Pantoja, founder of ASPIRA of New York. 2003 • Spokesperson: Danny Rivera, world renowned singer. • Article by renowned Puerto rican historian and anthropologist Dr. Ricardo Alegría, “an introduction to taíno Culture and history” is featured in journal. • CN celebrates the us navy withdrawal from Vieques, Puerto Rico on May 1, 2003. • Luncheon honorees are: Dr. Ricardo Alegría, historian/anthropologist; honorable Sila Maria Calderón, governor, Puerto Rico; Danny Rivera, humanitarian, world renowned Puerto Rican singer; and Rafael Tufiño, el Pintor del Pueblo. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients were: Jane Arce¬Bello, youth and cultural rights advocate; Minerva Chinea, volunteer, Youth survival Coalition; Francisco M. González, president, Bronx Puerto Rican day Parade; Jeff Stella, NYPD detective and volunteer, Church of god; Louis M. Vázquez M.S.W., executive director, rain, inc.; Mary Pérez, elderly rights advocate; Elizabeth C. Yeampierre, Esq., executive director, uProsE; anna maría torres, executive director, NYS assembly Puerto Rican hispanic task Force. Youth recipients: Elyse C. Bentaces; Nicole Amber Colón and Krystal Yvette Marcano. 2004 • Spokesperson: salsa sensation Tito Nieves. • Actress Rosie Pérez gives heartfelt remarks about Richie Pérez during benefit luncheon. • CN establishes the Richie Pérez scholarship award in his honor. • Luncheon Honorees are: Orlando Figueroa, Space Mission Director & Deputy Associate administrator for Programs, NASA headquarters; Jorge Ramos, anchor, Telemundo 47; Ada Rodríguez, chief marketing officer, Health Plus; and Richie Pérez (in memoriam), former Young lord, community activist, co-founder of the Justice Committee, national Congress for Puerto Rican rights. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients are: Michael P. Borges, co-founder and associate director, under the mercy ministries; Rev. Rosa J. Caraballo, founder & executive director, bruised reed ministry & Pastor of grace tabernacle; William Rodriguez, World Trade Center hero; Rosalba Rolón, founder, Pregones theater; Medina Sediq, executive director, a better bronx for Youth; and Alexie Torres-Fleming, founder & executive director, Youth ministries for Peace and Justice; Arelis Torres, volunteer, share (self-help for women with breast and ovarian Cancer). Youth recipient: Peter Pagán. 2005 • Spokesperson: Frankie Negrón, singer and entertainer

30 • CN receives third letter from the President of the United States George W. Bush recognizing Comité Noviembre for its efforts. • CN returns to a gala dinner with a celebration at the world famous Copa- cabana. • Salsa sensation Frankie Negrón performs at gala. • CN institutes a “silent auction” at gala dinner. • Gala honorees are: Mary E. Medina, executive sirector, Center for trustee initiatives & recruitment, greater New York hospital association; Dennis Ri- vera, president 1199 SEIU; Monsi C. Román - chief microbiologist environmental control & life support systems design & development group, NASA/ Marshall space Flight Center; singer Frankie Negrón. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients were: Michelle Centeno, president, national Conference of Puerto Rican women; Louis B. Navarro, board member, Yonkers Puerto Rican day Parade; Linda Nieves-Powell, president & CEO, latino Flavored Productions, inc.; Tina Ramierez, founder & artistic director, Ballet Hispanico; Carlos Recio, chairman, Religious Committee, National Puerto Rican Day Parade; José Vidal, volunteer curator, Centro de Estudios Puertorrique- ños. Youth recipient: Daniel López and Marcus Rodríguez 2006 • CN launches its official website: www.comitenoviembre.org • CN celebrates the tenth anniversary of the day of Community service and Social Responsibility • CN institutes its first annual Puerto Rican artisans Fair and Exhibit. • CN develops a directory of Puerto Rican artesanos. • CN announces its first cultural trip to Puerto Rico in may of 2007 entitled “Buscando Nuestras Raices” • Gala honorees are: Lynda Baquero, anchor, NBC 4 New York; Luis Fonsi, international recording artist and producer; Daisy Martínez, chef; entrepreneur, and host of Daisy Cooks; and Anthony D. Román, executive director, american Civil liberties union, aClu. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients were: Melissa Colón, VP, latino law student association, Cornell law school; José Dobles, director, Youth Programs and Foundation, Youth ministries for Peace and Justice; Margarita Morales, founder, Asociación Cardiovascular de Puerto Rico; Madelyn Lugo, chairperson, national Puerto rican day Parade, inc.; Dr. Vincent Gullamo-Ramos, Phd, aCsw, associate professor of social work Columbia University school of social work; Gloria Rothchild, volunteer and board member, network organization of Bronx women, sEr of Westchester and 100 hispanic women of Westchester; Dígna Sánchez, consultant/community investment, united way of New York City. Youth recipients: Elizabeth Del Valle, Raymond Falcón and Jesús González. 2007 • Spokesperson: Ana Ortíz, actress and co-star, Ugly Betty • CN conducts it first annual trip to Puerto Rico: buscando nuestra raíces, Sunday,August 12 – 20, 2007. Dr. Ricardo Alegría, world renowned historian and anthropologist gives lecture entitled: the Preservation of Puerto Rican Culture throughout the 21st Century in Puerto Rico and the mainland at El Centro de Estu- dios avanzado de Puerto Rico y el Caribe. • On Wednesday, August 15, 2007, during CN’s the trip the board of Directors released a statement supporting the preservation, conservation and protection of the northeast Ecological Corridor. CN’s support came at a pivotal point in this effort, six days before the resolution was to be vetoed by the legislature of PR. On October 4, 2007, Governor Anibal Acevedo Vilá signed an executive order establishing a public policy the designation of the NEC as a nature reserve. CN is proud that it was able to play a small role in the victory of this nine year struggle. • Renowned Puerto Rican artist Maestro Antonio Martorell creates annual poster entitled Encuentro con nuestra patria. • Articles entitled: “Vieques: the struggle Continues,” from the bulletin of the Commit- tee for the rescue and development of vieques and Puerto rican identity in the diaspora: 31 why we Continue to be boricuas by Angelo Falcon are featured in journal. • Gala honorees were: Lisa Thon, fashion designer, Yolandita Monge, international recording artist, Dr. Luis O. Reyes and Dr. Diana Caballero, education activists, and Maestro Antonio Martorell, renowned artist, poet, author. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad reciepients were: Elba Cabrera, arts advocate, community leader and activist, Dr. Luis Laviena, Ph.d. hiv/aids activist, ralphael muñoz, producer, Quest media Entertainment, angel manuel santini Palos, event planner, institute for the Puerto rican/hispanic Elderly, Carmen vegarivera, executive director, say Yes to Education, Arlene González-Sánchez, commissioner, the Nassau, County department of mental health, Luis Cordero Santoni, founder, Cemi underground, Noemi Figueroa soulet, producer/director/writer, the borinqueneers: the 65th infantry regiment, Sophia Zayas, volunteer, National Puerto Rican day Parade. Youth recipient: Brandon Pagán. • Special recognition is given to the retire 21 Campaign to retire Roberto Clemente’s #21 from being used as a symbol of respect and honor. 2008 • Spokesperson: Melina León, singer/entertainer • Journal features articles by Jesús Omar Rivera “El boricuazo,” entitled “Perdona el lucimiento, es que soy Puertorriqueño/Excuse me for bragging. but I’m Puerto Ri- can,” “the boricua Factor in American Politics: The Puerto Rican vote and the 2008 Presidential Election, by Angelo Falcon and “Mayor archaeological Find in Ponce Puerto rico,” Teresa A. Santiago. • Gala honorees were: Catherine Gonzalez, senior architectural designer, Thornton Tomasetti, Hector Feliciano, author, The Lost Museum, Margarita Lopez, community activist, and board member, NYC Housing Authority, Carlos Alberto, couture fashion designer, Melina Leon, singer/actress. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunida reciepients were: Dolores Batista, agent/owner, all state insurance and community leader; Lillian Jiménez, filmmaker, interim executive director, Chica luna Productions; Tato Laviera, author, poet, playwright and community activist; Dr. Lisardo Irizarry, MD, MPh, FaCEP, chairman, department of Emergency medicine, acting Chief medical officer, the brooklyn hospital Center; Wanda E. muñiz, volunteer extraordi- naire; Felipe Rangel, artisan and co-founder of hermandad de artesanos Puertorriqueños; sandra ruíz, education, women’s issues advocate and chief of staff to the president, Hostos Community College of CUNY; and Carlos “Tato” Torres, artistic director, Yerbabuena. Youth recipient Ashley Falcón 2009 • Spokesperson: Jesús Omar Rivera, El boricuazo, historian & author. • Journal articles featured: supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Extraordinary Journey: from modest beginnings to the highest court in the united states by Teresa A. Santiago, in the health Care reform debate Puerto rican voices must unite to be heard, by Suleika Cabrera Drinane, statehood, a Civil rights issue: a matter of Equal- ity, by Rafael Rodriguez and boricuas in New York City: a historical inventory of the Past Year and Puerto Rican and the 2010 Census: si Quieres Frutos, sacude el árbol, by Angelo Falcon and the Young lords Party: a Celebration of 40 years in struggle. • On Saturday, November 14, 2009, Comité Noviembre and Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture presented for the first time in NYC El boricuazo in Puertorriqueñidad…defendiendo nuestra imagen • Gala honorees: – Choco Orta, la sonera del milenio, Carlos A. Picón, curator in charge, department of greek and roman art, metropolitan museum of art, Katilia Velez, student & community activist, inter american university of Puerto Rico, San German, Jesús Omar Rivera, El boricuazo. • Lo mejor de nuestra Communidad recipients were: Elisha M. Miranda, co-founder, Chica Luna and CEO, sister outsider Entertainment; Nydia Edgecombe, director, alumni relations, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, Clarisel González, editor & publisher, Puerto Rican sun Communications, Ibrahim González, host of wbai -99.5, Melinda González, folk lyric historian and bombera for bomba Yo!, Rev. Carmen Hernandez, pastor & founder, Stratford Community services, Gilda Rivera Pantojas, director, Danza Fiesta, Rafael Riveraviruet, president, Terramax Entertainment, Trinity A. Rivera, volunteer, National Puerto Rican day Parade, and, Rosa A. Rosario valentín, community and cultural activist.

32 • Founding member Antonio Pagan, former councilman and NYC Commissioner of Employment dies on January 25, 2009. 2010 • Spokesperson: Olga Tañon, grammy award winner & latin Pop Artist. • Journal articles featured: overview of Puerto Rico’s Political Parties, national Congress for Puerto Rican rights Puerto Rican in the 21st Century Reafirmación de un Pueblo, The Puerto Rican Connection to the Immigration Rights Movement by Angelo Falcon, Lares Up In Arms: Conflicting Chang- es and Historical Erasures by Iris Zavala Martinez, PhD, Evaluation of the Northern Gas Pipeline Proposed by the Power Authority Agency of Puerto Rico: Community Response to Energy Crisis presented by Casa Pueblo on August 17, 2010 and Julia de Burgos Celebrated by Carmen D. Lucca. • Gala honorees: Oscar Hernández, renowned pianist, arranger & grammy award winner, Carlos López lópez, Esq., partner, Wolf Popper, llP; Pedro Julio Serrano, aids/human rights activist founder, Puerto Rico Para todas; Julia Velez, Esq. mhsa, executive director, Centro de salud Comunal Dr. Jose S. Belaval, Inc. • Ricky Martin acknowledges the work of CN and introduces honoree Pedro Julio Serrano. • Lo mejor de nuestra Comunidad recipients: George Torres, founder, sofrito for Your soul and Capicu Poetry & Cultural showcase, Brenda Jimenez Peralta, associate director of agency development/north East region, big brother, big sister of america, Jose Santiago, news director WBAI, Lance Rios, president & CEO, being latino, inc., Yesenia Aponte- Meléndez, founder, El Punto de la montaña, Javier E. Gomez, actor/reporter, community volunteer, Frances Lucerna, executive director, El Puente, anita antonetty, community organizer and a special recognition to Taller Boricua (Marcos Dimas, Fernando Salicrup and Irma ayala), on its 40th anniversary of promoting and supporting community artists and cultural diversity. • A special in memoriam section was created to give homage to CN supporters Ernesto Malave, vice Chancellor for budget and Finance instrumental in establishing CN’s annual artisans Fair and mayor of Caguas William “Willie” Miranda Marín crucial supporter in the success of CN’s annual trips to Puerto Rico. 2011 • CN Calls to action to Puerto Rican Community – save our future – become a CN mentor, CN is challenging itself and the community to assist us in launching a mentoring program geared specifically to these at-risk Puerto Rican young men and woman. the association of Puerto rican-hispanic Culture inc. in partnership with Comité Noviembre presents: Rafael Hernández & Sylvia Rexach Festival with Julito Cuevas y su trio los Platinos at the CN 6th annual Artisans Fair at Hostos Community College sixth annual artisan Fair is dedicated to the memory of Evelina Antonetty. • La Fundación nacional de la Cultura becomes member of CN. • Launched 25th anniversary Poster Exhibit at hostos Community College – 3rd floor atrium. Exhibit running until November 30, 2011. • Comité Noviembre in conjunction with taller boricua and Cemí underground presented a film screening of soñando Con Puerto rico/dreaming of Puerto rico, a henry medina archive presentation on Thursday, October 6, at 7Pm at the Julia de burgos latino Cultural Center live music: El rinón Criollo/Casita de Chema and los instantaneos de la plena. • Participated in the second Puerto Rican artisans Fair of Yonkers on October 1, 2011 at the Yonkers YwCa. • Comité Noviembre sponsored workshop: Puerto rico’s northeast Ecological Corridor – our Encanto at risk at taller boricua on Saturday, June 11, 2011. • Co-hosted artesania en el barrio the weekend of the National Puerto Rican day Parade, June 11, 2011 at Taller Boricua 12noon – 6PM.

33 • Co-sponsored event with the sierra Club of Puerto rico and the national Puerto rican day Parade: Celebrating the Natu- ral Beauty of Puerto Rico in photos and poems, June 8, 2011 at the nuyorican Poets Café. • Comité Noviembre in co-sponsorship with the institute for the Puerto rican/hispanic Elderly, inc., and salón literario libroamérica de Puerto rico launched the first annual the word/ Festival de la Palabra in NY at a press conference on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 • Spokesperson Lisette Nieves, Belle Zeller Distinguished Visiting Professor in Public Policy, CUNY & Social Entrepre- neur-in-Residence, Blue Ridge Foundation • Gala honorees: Karina E. Alomar, Esq., Alomar & Associates P.C, Angie Benitez, Founder, Susan G. Komen of Puerto Rico, Nestor V. Figueroa, President, Nagnoi, Inc., Jorge Silva-Puras, SBA Regional Administrator for NY, NJ, PR & USVI US Small Business Administration, and Lisette Nieves, Belle Zeller Distinguished Visiting Professor in Public Policy, CUNY & Social Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Blue Ridge Foundation • Lo Mejor: Humberto Cintron, pioneer, creator and producer of Realidades, Caridad De La Luz, “La Bruja” poet and community activist, David Galarza, Community Specialist, CSEA, Esperanza Martell, poet, co-founder of Casa Atabex Ache, Carmen Alustiza-Mondesire, pioneer community activist, Jose Ortiz, Dr. Drum, founder and artistic director, Bombayo, Candy “Warixi” Soto, leader, Ku Karey Spiritual Circle, and founder of the Taíno Awards, and Dr. Anderson Torres, PhD, VP, the Puerto Rican Family Institute and health advocate. 2012 • CN is the catalyst for the creation of the Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts, (PRIDA), a non- profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Puerto Rican arts and culture. • Spokesperson Juan González, author, journalist, columnist, New York Daily News & co-host Democracy Now! • Gala honoree: Bobby Sanabria, Latin Jazz legend and educator, Roger Maldonado, Esq., Balber Pickard Maldonado &Van Der Tuin, PC, Soprano Eva de la O, Founder, Música de Cámara, Dr. Caleb Gonzalez, MD, MA (Hon. Yale), Pro- fessor Emeritus, Yale University & ‘First Hero’ School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Lourdes Robles, Singer, songwriter, actress, Jaime Espinal, Silver Medalist, Wrestling, Puerto Rico, 2012 London Olympics and Juan Gonzalez, Journalist & Author • Lo Mejor: Antonio Aponte, Founder of Latino College Expo, Tomas del Rio, Chief Financial Officer, Acacia and community/civic leader of Brentwood Long Island; Mai Reina Gold, dancer/performer, volunteer, Royal Family Produc- tions, Inc.; Lillian “Lee” Llambelis, Special Assistant District Attorney for Community Affairs, Office of the NY County District Attorney; Marina Ortiz, founder, VirtualBoricua.org and EastHarlemPreservation.org; Sherlyn Ortiz, Execu- tive Board President, Malik Melodies Sisterhood, Inc.; Iris Ramirez, founding member & Co-chair, Latino Bigs of Big Brothers Big Sisters; Milteri Tucker Concepcion, founder, Bombazo Dance Company and Rhina Valentin, actress, producer, host, BronxNet’s show “OPEN.” 2013 • CN begins collaboration with Fundación Agenda Ciu- dadana, (FAC), a non-profit, non-partisan organization in Puerto Rico that serves as a collaborative space in which citizens, organizations and institutions from different social sectors gather and deliberate public issues affecting Puerto Ricans. Partnership to explore how the Diaspora can assist in the development of a citizen’s agenda and policy recommendations and changes • Spokesperson Marybeth Melendez, Graduate Policy, National Student, College of Staen Island, Hurricane Sandy & Volunteer • Gala honorees: Giselle Blondet, Actress/Host & Humanitarian, Univisión, Luis Alberto Ferre Rangel, Editor in Chief / Grupo Ferre Rangel Media, Board Chair/Agenda Ciudadana; Jason Nieves, Writer, Producer, The Nieves Company, Luis D. Ortiz, Million Dollar Listing, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Allan Villafaña, News Anchor, Noticiero/Primera Edición, Telemundo/NBC and Marybeth Melendez, Graduate Student, College of Staten Island, Hurricane Sandy & Volunteer • Lo Mejor: Roberto “Mukaro” Borrero, president, United Confederation of Taíno People, Sery Colón, producer, director, actor, poet, community activist, Dr. Carlos Conde, Opera Artist, Cultural Developer/Professor of Voice, Brooklyn Conservatory, Brooklyn College, CUNY, Elizabeth Figueroa, Director of Community Relations, NY Botanical Gardens, Elena Martinez, folklorist, City Lore, Bill Pacheco, Founder, WEPAVILLE, Al Quiñones, founder, 52 People for Park, 34 Inc., Juan “Papo Swiggity” Santiago, co-found Capicu Poetry & Cultural Showcase and Manny Vega, artist and community activist 2014 • CN and FAC sign agreement that seeks to mobilize communities and citizens to assert the rights of Puerto Ricans within and outside of the US, specifically equity for veterans, children and the elderly. The collaboration will continue an open dialogue on issues, solutions and strategies that will benefit the 8 million Puerto Ricans. • Began partnership with El Mesón del Amor, a non-profit in Rio Piedras, PR that feeds students of the University of Puerto Rico that don’t have enough to eat. • Established the Puerto Rican Woman Legacy Award to be presented each year during Women’s History Month in March • Marched in the National Puerto Rican Day Parade for the first time. • Co-sponsored El Festival de la Palabra • Spokesperson: Johnny Lozada, Host, Univision’s Despierta América! • Gala honorees: Maestro José Buscaglia Guillermety, educator, sculptor, Fellow, National Sculptor Society & founding member, Academy of Arts and Sciences of Puerto Rico, Jacqueline J. Gonzalez, Executive Director, National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, New York, EMMYS, Sebastian Villarini-Velez, Member, New York City Ballet’s corps de ballet, Ana Celia Zentella, Professor Emerita, University of California San Diego, (UCSD) Department of Ethnic Studies, John Calderon President, Theracare and Johnny Lozada, Host, Univision’s Despierta América! • Lo Mejor: Carlos Diaz, founder, Stickball Hall of Fame Museum; Maria Diaz Santiago, Volunteer for New York City Church of Christ-Bronx Region - Children’s Ministry Teacher and Comité Noviembre; Lourdes Garcia, volunteer and member of PRIDA, maker of natural healing products; Vanessa Pastrano, member, Taino Nation and United Confedera- tion of Taino People (UCTP); Dawn Diaz, founder, Milagros Day Worldwide; Jose Cheo Oliveras, Director, Teatro Cir- culo; Melba Olmeda Amaro, M.A., Director, Communications Marketing Admissions, Borough of Manhattan College; Lucky Rivera, leader, Boricuas for a Positive Image and founder, Positive Workforce Jose Cheo Oliveras, Director, Teatro Circulo; Miluka Rivera, President, Kumaras Center for the Arts and Etiquette and author of Legado Puertorriqueño en Hollywood, and Pereta Rodriguez, community advocate and volunteer 2015 • CN begins partnership with the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Hispanic Federation and a working group of over 40 non-profit organizations throughout the country, to lend support and work with counterparts in Puerto Rico to develop private/public partnerships, policy changes and solutions to current fiscal and health crisis as well as the effects of the Jones Act on the island. • CN sponsors FORUM: THE HEALTH AND ECO- NOMIC CRISIS IN PUERTO RICO: DEFINING THE ROLE OF THE DIASPORA on Saturday, October 24, 2015, at the Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center in East Harlem where over 120 people attended the all-day informational forum. • CN members attend National Day of Action for Puerto Rico on December 2, 2015 in Washington DC. • Establishes the Ernesto Malave Scholarship for the Arts in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the CN Artisans Fair • CN solidifies its commitment to the Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques on its annual educational trip to Puerto Rico, to continue to raisee consciousness and apply pressure on our representatives in Washington DC to ensure that the clean up continues at a more rapid pace. At the current cleanup rate, according to the US Navy, it will take until 2025 to remove all the environmental damage left by more than 60 years of target practice. The island of about 10,000 people lacks a hospital to treat illnesses such as asthma and cancer that may be attributed to the military’s former bombing activity.

35 • CN starts partnership with Precision Concierge, a group of young entrepreneurs that donated 300 turkeys for CN’s Day of Community Service & Social Responsibility, (DCSSR) and volunteered to distribute. The CN DCSSR becomes a 2-day food distribution program • CN Scholarship Awards program celebrates its 20th anniversary • CN Artisan Fair & Exhibit celebrates its 10th Anniversary • CN begins partnership with the Colgate-Palmolive Co. The partnership includes a generous contribution earmarked specifically for scholarships and the establishment of the CN/Colgate-Palmolive Bright Smiles Bright Futures Children’s Pavilion at the 10th annual Artisans Fair & Exhibit. • Spokesperson: Actor, activist JW Cortés • Gala Honorees: Bill Aguado, Arts Advocate, Godfather of the Arts; María Celeste Arrarás, Host, Al Rojo Vivo, TELE- MUNDO/NBC; Dolores Batista, Owner, Allstate Insurance Company, Karma Business Group LLC; La Familia Figueroa, (Rafael Figueroa, cellist, Guillermo Figueroa, violinist, Narciso Figueroa, violinist, and Dr. Ivonne Figueroa, pianist, for their family contributions to the classical culture of Puerto Rico dating back to 1850); Roberto Sancho, VP Development & External Affairs, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center and JW Cortés, Activist and Actor, Gotham who is also our Spokes- person. • Lo Mejor recipients: Jeannette Bocanegra, Director of Family Engagement Community Connections for Youth; Bobby Gonzalez, Multicultural Lecturer, Storyteller, Poet; Aurora Flores, musician/bandleader, ZON del Barrio; Maria López, founder, Precious Hats for Precious Hearts; Jesús “Papoleto” Melendez, Founder, Artspace 109; Melissa Montero Padilla, Co-coordinator, Mujeres X Oscar, NYC; Deborah Quiñones, Founder, International Coquito Federation and Hector Ra- mos, retired, advocate and volunteer 2016 • Changes Artisan Fair and Exhibit name to COMITE NOVIEMBRE’S NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN ARTISANS FAIR & EXHIBIT • CN starts partnership with Iniciativa Comunitaria’s Pitirre Program in Bayamón, a holistic approach to dealing with ad- diction, from detoxing, medical needs, to employment training and housing. • CN partners with the Archdiocese of New York to promote the annual La Virgen de la Divina Providencia Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral • CN, artist Nitza Tufiño and the municipality of Naguabo begin drafting agreement to clean, preserve and protect Rio Blanco, the home of a 500 year-old archeological site

36 SAVE THE DATE

21st Annual Gala Beneﬁt Celebrating 30 Years of Puerto Rican Culture and Heritage Monday, November 28, 2016 New York Hilton 1335 Avenue of the Americas (between West 53rd & West 54th Streets) New York City Cocktails: 6PM Dinner: 7PM LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BLACK TIE

MAKE RESERVATIONS BY FRIDAY, November 18, 2016

Honorees

Ana Irma Rivera Lassén Héctor J. Figueroa Betty Lugo, Esq. 2016 SPOKESPERSON Attorney, Author, Women & President President Richard Colón, Crazy Legs Human Rights Activist 32 BJ SEIU Puerto Rican Bar Association President Rock Steady Crew

For More Information Call (914) 263-6599 The proceeds of this event will benefit the Comité Noviembre Scholarship Awards Program, the Richie Perez Scholarship for Peace & Justice, the Ernesto Malave Scholarship for the Arts and other annual community programs COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE C/O: TAS Communications, LLC 45 East Hartsdale Avenue, Suite 3L • Hartsdale, NY 10530 (914) 263-6599 • www.comitenoviembre.org 37 CelebrandoDE NUESTRA Lo Mejor COMUNIDAD Juan J. González, Esq.

Juan J. González, Esq., also known as, “JuanGo”, was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey. His parents Juan J. González, Sr., and Ramona M. González both from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico., relocated to Camden in 1944 so that his father could work in the factories of the Campbell Soup Company.

Juan obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Seton Hall University in 1984 and graduated from Rutgers University, School of Law at Camden, in 1987. Since 1998, he has been practicing law in Camden, NJ specializing in Criminal Law, Municipal Court and Family Law matters. Since 2007, he has taught a variety of law courses at Camden County Col- lege as an adjunct professor.

Juan is most proud of his volunteer service to the San Juan Bau- tista Parade, Inc., and the Puerto Rican Parade of Camden, New Jersey. Juan attributes his commitment to community service to the example set by his mother, Ramona M. González, a founding member of the San Juan Bautista Parade, who died in 1997. She was always very active and well respected in the Camden community.

For 27 years, Juan has been the parade coordinator and has served various terms as president and/or vice president of the parade committee. Through the parade committee, he has organized and served as moderator of the annual conference of the Puerto Rican Parades and Festivals throughout the Northeast Region of the United States since 1997. Juan also served as the parade coordinator of the Atlantic City Puerto Rican Parade from 2008 to 2013. Additionally, Juan has also served on numerous Boards including the Latin American Economic Development Association (LAEDA), Our Lady of Fatima Church, Stewardship Committee, and the City of Camden Historic Preservation Commission.

In 2011, Juan started hosting the City of Camden’s public-interest radio talk show, “Pa’lante Con Camden/ Moving Camden Forward,” Sunday mornings on LaMega, 105.7FM/1310AM, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Juan hopes to pass on his family’s tradition of community service and good will to his daughter, Maricela D. González, who is already following in her father’s footsteps studying law at Cardozo School of Law, in New York.

38 CelebrandoDE NUESTRA Lo Mejor COMUNIDAD George Acevedo For almost 30 years, George Acevedo has volunteered his time as an expertise to a variety of businesses and non-profit organizations in the Bronx and Manhattan. Through his volunteer efforts, he lends his experience as a business professional, entrepreneur and marketing advisor to non-profit organizations and Latino small businesses. His support and assistance helps develop a strong business community and savvy non- profits.

He currently volunteers his services as a business advisor and advisory board member of Latina 50 Plus, a non-profit organizations that acknowledges, empowers, and pay tribute to the contribution of Latinas over the age of 50, and to Victorious Warriors, Inc., a community organization focused on assisting the homeless. George has assisted in building a solid financial and governing infrastructure for these organizations.

He serves on the board of the Bronx Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as its vice president, Bronx Council for the Arts as board member and former chairperson and as member of the Business Plan Review Com- mittee of the Science, Industry, Business, Library Business Plan Com- petition where he shares his expertise with these organizations that help create economic development for the community.

Since 1985, he has volunteered his time and has served as business advisor to Star Quality Marketing and most recently to Just Jazzy Cakes, Inc., Come Let’s Worship Productions and Confetti Community Party Center. His involvement has grown these businesses and has created stability and economic development.

By profession, he is the president of ACE Promotions in the Bronx. He has held positions at the Bronx Women’s Business Resource Center as director, the Bronx Business Al- liance as project manager, the Small Business Development Center at Lehman College in the Bronx as HUD advisor, William Grant and Sons, as spirit marketing manager in Manhattan; and Charmer Industries in Astoria, Queens as sales representative. He began his professional career as the New England market manager in Long Island in 1989.

Ms. Maria Aponte, founder and president of Latina 50 Plus, describes George as a man who “embodies the generosity of the human spirit that is needed to be of service to others”.

39 CelebrandoDE NUESTRA Lo Mejor COMUNIDAD Gloria M. Rodriguez

Gloria M. Rodriguez’ volunteer community service record started over 45 years ago, with her involvement as a student, community and social activist in Brooklyn. As a young woman, Professor Rodriguez was a leading member of the Young Lords Party in the late 60’s and throughout the 70’s. Equality for women was integral to the Young Lord’s philosophy and her history serves as a strong foundation for the leadership that has emerged since the 60’s of women as leaders and activists. Professor Rodriguez continues to demonstrate the need to empower the leadership of women as the Founder and Director of DeAlmas Women’s Institute, a community-based organization she launched in 1998. Literally meaning “of the soul” DeAlmas is dedicated to providing women the opportunity to imagine, create and live empowered lives. She is a pioneer in creating an organization that offers community forums for Latinas to address and transcend significant challenges in their lives. She presents workshops, keynote addresses and lectures to national and international audiences at major colleges, conferences and retreats. She has developed and provides a retreat title, Latinas Rock Wellness! that is specifically targeted to the empowerment and healing of at-risk Latina adolescents, providing them with fundamental tools for increasing self-esteem, agency, wellness and success.

Her tireless work as an agent of positive change continues with The Guapa Project. This intergenerational, multi-media project is meant to inspire and facilitate strategies for girls’ and women’s ability to transcend personal, cultural and societal myths of the limitation of women. Guapa strengthens success in every area of their lives by developing individual blueprints for success. This project represents and gives voice to the unlimited potential, relevance, authenticity and brilliance of the Latina Diaspora – an imperative for community wholeness and empowerment.

Ms. Rodriguez is also a tenured Professor of Psychology at Bronx Community College of The City University of New York and holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Her interests and ongoing research intersects women’s, multicultural, spiritual, social and positive psychology. She is also a Certified Spiritual Life Coach. Gloria has authored articles for academic peer-reviewed journals and released her first published book, You Are More Than Good Enough in 2011, which won First Place awards in the Self-Help and Spiritual categories, and Second Place in the Women’s Issues category at The International Latino Book Awards 2012. She has received numerous community awards by various women’s and community organizations, including The National Puerto Rican Day Parade Committee, Dedicate to Educate, Inc., The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diasporic Institute, Hispanicize, F.I.E.R.C.E. and Comité Noviembre.

40 CelebrandoDE NUESTRA Lo Mejor COMUNIDAD Olga Quiñones Duperón

Olga Quiñones Duperón was born in 1945 in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. At the age of 12, her parents moved to New York in search of a better life and opportunities for their children.

During the decade of the sixties, she began to take an interest in her Puerto Rican culture and in 1967 she joins the Circulo Civíco Cultural Mayagüezano, Inc. In New York. In 1978, Olga was elected President of the Circulo Civíco Cultural Mayagüezano, Inc. in New York.

By 1980, she had volunteered to work with Ramon S. Velez in helping to organize the people of the different hometowns of Puerto Rico, to ensure a more extensive representation in the Puerto Rican Parade. Olga never ignored her responsibilities as a wife, mother and volunteer; instead she integrated her family and got them involved in all the cultural events. As a result, her children, nephews, nieces and lately her grandchildren have been participating in the Puerto Rican Parade with her for more than 50 years.

For many years she devoted her time to activities such as selling food, tours, dances and pageants in order to raise funds to cover the costs of children participating in the parade. Many times she had to accommodate them at her house, providing transportation, food and clothing because there was not enough funding to cover these expenses.

Olga has not only been an active participant of her hometown civic organization and of the community but she has also supported, volunteered, recruited and mentored others to preserve this Puerto Rican hometown organization and not to let it disappear. She has not only gone beyond the call of duty volunteering her time with her hometown organization, but she has also inspired her family and the community through her pride in her Puerto Rican heritage

Because of her outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in promoting and preserving our Puerto Rican culture in our community, but Olga has been recognized by civil, social and governmental entities. The most recent in 2015 when the municipality of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, honored Olga Quiñones Duperón with a special distinction.

41 CelebrandoDE NUESTRA Lo Mejor COMUNIDAD Edgar R. Santana Edgar R. Santana is an active community leader whose passion lies in the educational and leadership development of young people in particular Puerto Rican and Latino youth. He is always working towards changing the lives of children.

He volunteers his time and takes active roles in many community governmental, professional and civic organizations, such as the Yonkers Board of Education, the Yonkers Hispanic Advisory Board, Exchange Club of Yonkers, Growing Economic Opportunities, Building the Future Foundation and Yonkers Planning Board. As a trustee of the Yonkers Board of Education and as Vice Chair of the Yonkers Hispanic Advisory Board, these important organization provide him with the ability to affect change when it comes to the Hispanic community and children.

By profession, he is the Director of Political & Governmental Affairs for the Laborers Eastern Region Organizing Fund (LEROF) which covers Greater New York City, New Jersey, Delaware and Puerto Rico. Prior to LEROF, he held other prestigious posts including: Construction Market Rep (Eastern Region) at Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET), Deputy Executive Director at New York State Democratic Committee and Northeast Political Director for Hillary Clinton for President in her 2008 run.

Edgar R. Santana III was born and raised in New York City by his parents Edgar and Eva Santana. Edgar’s father was a truck driver delivering meats to local bodegas throughout the five boroughs and his mother was a seamstress who owned her own small business in the Bronx. Both worked six days a week instilling in him the values of commitment, hard work and perseverance. They continue to reside in the Bronx. Edgar lives in the Colonial Heights section of Yonkers, with his wife Anietra Guzmán-Santana, their twin daughters Catalina Edele and Aviana Loren and their dog Teddy, a rescue from the Yonkers Animal Shelter.

He graduated from St. Raymond’s High School for Boy’s in the Bronx. He then obtained two Associate in Science degrees (A.S.) in Business Administration and Marketing, respectively, from Westchester Community College. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration, BBA, and Master of Business Administration from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. While obtaining his MBA he also attended the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations where he completed his Certificate in Labor Relations. Edgar is enrolled at Wilmington University and has begun work on his second Masters in Management (MSM) with a concentration in Public Administration.

42 CelebrandoDE NUESTRA Lo Mejor COMUNIDAD Yvette Martinez For over three decades, Yvette Martinez has volunteered her time doing what she loves most by performing and providing dance, percussion and movement classes to community organizations from senior centers to Girl Scouts troupes to NYC public schools, and performance art schools and centers throughout the City of New York. Her most recent volunteer project was working with the elderly and forming intergenerational connections at Elmhurst-Extended Care, Madison York in Queens, Glebe Senior Center, Castle Hill in the Bronx and the NYC Department for the Aging.

She has volunteered her time in several Public Schools throughout the City preparing students, from 1st to 6th grades, for performances by building confidence, self-esteem, artistic ability and knowledge of their culture and history. She give lectures as part of the “Making a difference” Sheros Program, organized a trip to Washington, DC to visit the Capitol and Supreme Court where students met Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor in May 2016 and worked with the winners of the New Jersey Network (NJN) Hispanic Youth Showcase from Kearny Dance Studio to prepare for a holiday show at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Her volunteer work is extensive and also includes working with women participants of Casa Atabex Ache, (Casa), a grassroots organization, created to meet the health and empowerment needs of women in the Mott Haven community of the Bronx, through her dance and percussion workshops for children and adults. In addition, she continues to provide weekly dance workshops for the City Island Community Center and at BAAD (Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance); has fundraised for Bronx Children’s Museum and is a member of the– Hispanic Heritage Month Federal Interagency Planning Committee.

In 1991, Ms. Martinez is the co-founder and president of One World Arts, Inc., a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to enhance individual understanding and acceptance of different races, cultures, religions, and beliefs through the medium of dance, music, theatre, and storytelling workshops, public school residencies, lectures, seminars, and performances. She is the co-founder and artistic director of ¡Retumba! (Resound!), a multi-ethnic music and dance ensemble founded in 1981 and was the arts administrator for the ArtsConnection Program, a comprehensive arts-in-education program that brings music, dance, theater and visual arts to New York City public schools.

Ms. Martinez has received numerous awards and recognitions for her community involvement and preservation of Puerto Rican culture. In 2015 she received the Guaitiao/Friendship Taino Award for her outstanding achievements and accomplishments with the Taino community, the Latina 50 Plus Arts Award for her lifetime commitment and dedication to the Latino community in 2014 and in 2008 she received the Bobby Capo Lifetime Achievement Award for recognition of leadership and service to the arts and culture.In 1998, Ms. Martinez was selected one of 50 outstanding Latinas by El Diario/La Prensa, New York’s #1 Spanish language newspaper and in 1996, she was awarded the BRIO (Bronx Recognizes Its Own) Award for fellowship and support of artistic excellence. 43 CelebrandoDE NUESTRA Lo Mejor COMUNIDAD Rosalie Román

Born in New York City, Rosalie Román was inspired by her artisan family at a young age. Brought up in Playa de Ponce, P.R., she was raised by her grandmother, a master knitter of mundillo. Mesmerized by the beautiful, intricate patterns of lace in the five-centuries-old folk craft, Ms. Roman acquired a lifelong love for art and artistry that is reflected in many of her endeavors. She was awarded Research Fellowships at both the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and School of Plastic Arts, both in San Juan, in the early 1970s.

During this time she also attended the University of Buffalo. And in 1980, Ms. Román became the first Puerto Rican woman to receive the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Fellowship, in Washington, D.C Ms. Román career has the underlying thread of promoting public awareness and service. From the time she was a student at the University of Buffalo in NY, where through the public library she organized programs for the Hispanic community, to the current day where she is developing program service and awareness models to help public housing residents focus their efforts in lifestyle changes and disposition to the health system programs.

In her past corporate positions as a publicist, she developed campaigns promoting healthy habits for children’s hygiene and for healthy diets by food providers. More recently she organized conferences on Alzheimer’s awareness for the Mayors Conference on Aging and coordinated awareness events for Alzheimer’s, NYC Chapter in venues throughout the city in the Hispanic community. She is currently working with the NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan Health+Housing Project with the Henry Street Settlement. The program targets public housing to improve the level of health and social services provided to these residents.

As a volunteer, she has made significant contributions to the Association of Hispanic Arts (AHA) in NY where she helped develop programs for the promotion of Hispanic artists; Hostos Community College where she has created and organized scholarship programs in the name of distinguished social activists in the Hispanic community and help profile new artists; and most recently working with families developing programs to instill social and personal realization values in emotionally at risk children reaching out to the Hispanic and immigrant communities.

44 CelebrandoDE NUESTRA Lo Mejor COMUNIDAD Raul K. Rios

Raul K. Rios grew up on the streets and did anything and everything to survive and avoid being killed by members of drug gangs, like the Bloods, Crips and Latin Kings. He sold drugs and served time. Today, he is praised as mentor, father figure, community hero and an activist for the poor, homeless and HIV/AIDS. Rios is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LatinosNYC, a non-profit organization founded in 2008, dedicated to enriching lives by providing food, clothing, books and more. Rooted in the unique intricacies that make up the Latino culture of New York City, it utilizes art, live performances and community events to bring about awareness, raise funds for its charitable services and collection of goods/donations such as school supplies, winter wear, and canned foods. Rios recognized that many of the ills of his community were being ignored. Rios served his country in the United States Army from 1981-86, from which he retained the duties of the oath he took and a dedication to finishing his mission. These characteristics are ingrained in everything LatinosNYC does. What started out as an interest in participating in a live performance art events, became the catalyst for Rios and his board members, to curate their own shows. This morphed into a vehicle that empowers, serves and informs the community. A labor of need had become a labor of love, of excitement, of possibilities, of more.

Over the last several years, LatinosNYC has proudly garnered recognition for their work and continue to expand their efforts to grow and improve upon on their success. From participating in 8 mile walks to bring awareness to the issue like suicide, to collecting coats, clothes and toys for unwed teenage mothers in Brooklyn, to conducting food drives and cooking meals for the homeless and hungry during the holidays, the organization has become a beacon of hope in the community. Additionally, through the efforts of Mr. Rios donations have been sent to Haiti and Santo Domingo during times of crisis and the holidays. LatinosNYC artists have performed all over the tri-state area and are branching out into the national performance scene, carrying with them the message of service to the poor and in need. Mr. Rios currently works as a mental health/ substance abuse counselor for Fordham Tremont ACT Team and as an event manager for the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. For more than 5 years, Rios has been a member of “Friends In Need” that feeds the homeless in the Lower East side of Manhattan. He volunteers as a community outreach worker for Ryan-Nena in the Lower East Side where he brings information, awareness of HIV/AIDS and administers HIV tests at schools or health fairs throughout NYC. From a life on the streets to now quoting self-help author Tony Stubbs, “What makes a person a winner? I have discovered it is not money and wealth at all. It is all attitude and belief about ourselves. Winners live in peace, happiness, harmony, joy with unconditional love and abundance.” This is true in my life now, says Rios. Mr. Stubbs could have not put it any better.

45 CelebrandoDE NUESTRA Lo Mejor COMUNIDAD Dr. William Quintin Ross

Dr. William Q. Ross is the son of a Young Lord who was always taught that the movement is never ending and we must always do our best to provide resources for our community. “Seguimos Pa’Lante, Siempre”, his mother would always say. During his adolescence when he thought enough community service had been done for one day, she would take him to the neighborhoods they hadn’t reached yet and asked: “Did these brothers and sisters benefit from the work you did today? Our people are all over and the needs of our community exist on every level.”

Dr. Ross has been a grassroots organizer since the age of 15. Specializing in working with urban youth, he has been instrumental in ending conflicts between street organizations in the United States and abroad.

With degrees in Business Management, Nonprofit Management & Leadership, and Spiritual Counseling, Dr. Ross focuses on not only ensuring that resources are created for the community, but that they are sustained. As the President & Founder of Ashé International, Inc., he offers scholarships that cover the cost of college applications for high school students as well as the cost of GED examinations for adults, initiatives that seek to assist families in dealing with the trauma of having a parent incarcerated, personalized tours to Cuba, and various other services that focus on celebrating the personalization of each person’s spirituality.

Dr. William Q. Ross currently publishes under the pen names of King Mission and Minister Mission.

46 Celebrating 21 Years of Success Comité Noviembre Scholarship Program 2016 Scholars

For the past 30 years, CN has developed programs geared to the support of educational opportunities and leadership development for Puerto Rican and Hispanic youth. 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.

Each one of our over 260 scholars are making an impact in the communities in which they live.

The 2016 Scholars continue to honor this tradition of giving back to their community and making a clear impact and difference through their volunteer efforts. CN is extremely excited about the future of our community and our young people. The caliber of students who have applied and ultimately received the scholarship, have demonstrated a desire to pursue their chosen fields and given back to the community in various ways that directly affect change. Many have shown a vision and maturity beyond their years; and there are others who have already faced and have overcome many challenges.

This year’s recipients are all certainly making a difference in their community. From advocates for the hearing impaired and speech impediments to voting rights, child welfare, the homeless and changes to the criminal justice system, to feeding the hungry and mentoring children. We have been inspired by these scholars and are learning from their community service. In total, 18 scholarships have been awarded, (7 CN Schol- arships/2 Richie Perez Scholarships for Peace and Justice/6 continuing scholarships/2 Josefina Aguado and 1 Ernesto Malave). CN is extremely grateful to The Colgate-Palmolive Company for its sponsorship of 15 of these scholarships.

Over the years, CN has selected leaders from various sectors of the community who have demonstrated interest in the educational excellence and leadership development of our youth to serve on the selection committee. The scholarship selection committee is headed by Lisa M. Rodriguez, MSW, education and youth advocate, and Elba Cabrera, community leader who jointly co-chair the committee, Zenaida Muslin, Retired Diversity Coordinator Founder & Leader of Latino Educators in NY Schools, and Maria Aviles, Retired principal, NYC Department of Education. We want to thank them for their leadership, dedication and commitment to the success of this program.

To receive an application please email your information to, Lisa M. Rodriguez at [email protected], 347-693-6893. Or visit our website at www.comitenoviembre.org to download a copy of the application in January 2017.

47 2016 COMITÈ NOVIEMBRE SCHOLARS DARIEN MENDEZ is a freshman attending Towson University in Maryland majoring in Applied Mathematics. Darien is interested in exploring a career as an Actuary. Darien is a proud Boricua representing Brooklyn and a graduate of Midwood High School at Brooklyn College. Darien was awarded the U.S. House of Representatives Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries at his high school graduation in recognition of his community service. Darien’s acts of giving back began at his high school as a peer mentor, assisting students with their homework & test prep and counseling students on various topics. Darien also found time to volunteer with New York Cares by sorting and distributing food in Far Rockaway, Queens, to residents still overcoming the effects of Hurricane Sandy; and with the organization a Room To Grow. At a Room To Grow, Darien helped organize donated baby clothes for families in need of support for their babies so they would have an opportunity to grow up healthy. Darien states, every member of his family has created an impact in his life; and has always supported him in his dreams and other interest, such as baseball, soccer, football, basketball, and karate. Darien also states there’s so much pride in his family of being Puerto Rican and always feels at home when vacationing in Puerto Rico.

“I am honored to have been chosen as a 2016 Comité Noviembre Scholar. This award will not only help towards my academic advancements financially, but has also inspired me to work hard because I realize now more than ever, that others also want to help me succeed and achieve my goals.”

DELILAH BUITRAGO is currently a freshman at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. Delilah is originally from the Bronx and graduated from Democracy Prep Charter High School in Harlem. Delilah is interested in Business and incorporating her love for art and technology in a career in Marketing. Delilah has also earned a scholarship from The National Conference of Puerto Rican Women. Delilah states that going out and improving the community is something that she and her school take very seriously. Each year, her high school hosted “Get Out To Vote” in which Delilah helped to organize the Harlem neighborhood by handing out fliers and voter registrations. Delilah adds, it’s not their job to convince those in our community to vote for a specific candidate, but to encourage them to exercise their right to vote; especially since East Harlem is home to a majority of Puerto Rican families. In addition to the “Get Out To Vote”, Delilah helped to organized a street clean up in Harlem surrounding the 125th street and Adam Clayton Powell area developed from her “Change the World” project consisting of a research paper, to raise awareness, and an act to improve the issue. This environmental awareness project centered on how pollution harms marine life, and how trash (mostly plastic) ends up in the oceans from people littering.

“Being one of the lucky people to receive a scholarship from Comité Noviembre has been a huge blessing for me; and will greatly help me when purchasing the tools that I need for my classes. This money will also greatly help my parents with the tuition that they have to pay for my school as well. I am so happy and thankful for every cent that Comité Noviembre has given me in order to help me become an even more educated woman and to give back to the community in the near future.”

MARISSA STUCK is currently a freshman attending Towson University in Maryland, working towards a Bachelors of Deaf Studies/Speech Language Pathology and plans to continue to obtain a Masters in Speech Language Pathology. Marissa graduated from Ossining High School in Ossining, New York. Marissa excelled in her studies and was granted the following scholarships first annual “Big Mike Sellazzo”Scholarship Award; Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute Scholarship; Mercy College Science and Technology Entry Program Award; Rotary Scholarship Fund Award; Robert J. Huntz Scholarship Award; the Kieron Nuñes Memorial Scholarship Award; Ossining High School Parent Teacher Student Association and the Victor L. Ridder Memorial Scholarship. While excelling academically, Marissa states her family has instilled in her the importance of giving, sharing and volunteering. Marissa has carried out her family mission statement with her church The Rock of

48 2016 COMITÈ NOVIEMBRE SCHOLARS (continued)

Salvation Church.At her church, Marissa participated in the annual Vacation Bible School as a teacher, an assistant, and as a crew member and is also an active member of the Worship Team as an alto vocalist. In addition, Marissa volunteered at the Hillside Food Pantry delivering food monthly to local families and the Tarrytown Food Pantry packing shelves. Furthermore, Marissa had the opportunity to volunteer internationally in Brazil working with young girls addressing the issues of worldwide commercial sexual serviced and forced labor, with the Shores of Grace Organization.

“I am honored to be counted among so many wonderfully creative, inspired, resourceful, ingenious, gifted, innovative, humorous, honorable, artistic Puerto Ricans who represent Comité Noviembre.Once again, thank you for the honor.”

MIGUEL ORTIZ is currently in his second year at CUNY/Guttman Community College. Miguel plans to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, addressing policy change in child welfare and the criminal justice systems. Miguel has faced many challenges in life from homelessness to the foster care system. These events created the determination to make a difference in the lives of other youth to not endure the same experiences he underwent. Miguel states, it’s my dream to become a role model for other Puerto Rican youth who grow up in poverty. I want to show these youth that I came from poverty and grew up on the streets, but through education and hard work, I was able to succeed. And they can do the same. Writing and boxing have helped Miguel find his voice and cope with his past. In addition, Miguel uses service and advocacy to make a difference. As a founding member of a non-profit foster youth advocacy group, Miguel assisted other youth advocate for policy change in foster care. Miguel is also a Youth Representative for the Foster Care Funders Group that created a video on “Well Being in Foster Care” which gave a youth voice to the foster care system. Miguel has also taken the time to peer mentor other youth from his neighborhood to stay in school and complete their education. Miguel is also a writer for a national youth magazine called “Represent” covering topics such as stereotypes, anger management, and the importance of advocacy. Miguel expresses, “There are many Puerto Rican youth who are in the foster care system in NYC. Approximately 50% of foster youth end up in jail or homeless after just three years of aging out of foster care. It’s time to make a change. “I’m forever thankful that Comité Noviembre awarded me a scholarship. This will definitely help me during my bachelor’s program.”

DESTINY HERNANDEZ is currently a freshman attending SUNY/Stony Brook University in Long Island, NY, majoring in Biology and Psychology, on the Pre-Med track. Destiny graduated from North Rockland High School. Destiny Hernandez states, throughout high school, I challenged myself with many honors classes, multiple AP classes, and numerous college courses. Destiny excelled in education, but she did find the time to give back to her community. Destiny was a member of the ASPIRA Club in her high school, Science Honors Society, Business Honor Society, English Honor Society, History Honor Society, and National Honor Society. In addition, Destiny volunteered as a food server on Thanksgiving Day with the Town of Haverstraw’s Holiday Meal Organization for six years. She has also participated, organized, and assisted in the Town of Haverstraw Miss Puerto Rico Pageant for five years. Destiny began as a contestant, placing as Miss Simpatia in 2012 and ViReina in 2013, and worked her up to becoming a juvenile pageant coordinator. Destiny’s dedication to Puerto Rican youth is what led her to become a member of the Town of Haverstraw Puerto Rican Committee. Furthermore, Destiny translated at West Haverstraw Elementary School’s Meet the Teacher Nights and Parent-Teacher Conferences. Destiny declares, English was not my first language, so I understand the difficulty and barriers that can arise when communication is limited, especially in education.

“I am very grateful and honored to be a 2016 Comité Noviembre Scholar. This award really makes achieving my goals possible. It allows me to focus more on my education, instead worrying about finances. I’m extremely thankful for not only the scholarship that comes along with being a 2016 Comité Noviembre Scholar, but the connections as well. Thank you again!”

49 2016 Comite Noviembre Scholars (continued)

IMAN ABDUL is a freshman attending The City College of New York majoring in childhood education and also plans to pursuit a PhD in Urban Education. Iman believes that education, inspiration, and motivation is what every individual needs to grow and prosper in life overall. Iman is a daughter of a bold Puerto Rican mother and a humble Lebanese father. Growing up, it was often difficult for Iman to identify herself. She often felt she had to choose whether to be Arab or Latina. When Iman was little, she was taught and exposed more to her Arab-Islamic heritage, but as she got older, Iman started becoming more curious about her Boricua heritage. As a high school student, Iman joined the ASPIRA Club which sparked her to educate and embrace the fact that she was a Latina and, a Borinqueña. Iman learned about the vision of Che Guevara, the bombing in Vieques, the unjust imprisonment of Oscar Lopez, and the revolution of the Young Lords! Iman felt connected to her Puerto Rican culture and felt she no longer had to choose how to identify myself. Iman was able to embrace and celebrate both! Iman uses her voice to address social injustice as an intern for an organization called IntegrateNYC4Me which encourages promotion and advocacy for public school integration through youth voice and student leadership. Iman is and will continue being a leader, a young activist, an educator, and an inspiration to her future children, students, peers, and community. I have a vision for my Latino community especially my Puerto Rican community and it is my duty to make it a reality.

“Being a 2016 Comité Noviembre Scholar is an honor and something I am very proud of representing as a young Puertorriqueña. I am grateful for being a recipient for such a prestigious scholarship and I have hopefully set an example to all Latina youth, especially young Puerto Rican leaders such as myself.”

SAMANTHA GUZMAN is a junior attending Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey majoring in Biology, Math and Science. Samantha is interested in exploring an Occupational Therapy career that combines her love for children and medicine. Samantha will be the first in her family to graduate from college. Samantha has always liked sports; however, she wasn’t able to play as a kid. Samantha had a heart condition which stopped her from doing what she enjoyed. In her high school junior year, her cardiologist cleared her to play sports after her surgery. Though a bit too late to jump into a demanding physical regiment; Samantha would always volunteer to assist the coaches. This love for sports has served as a springboard. Samantha currently has her own team with the North Bergen Recreation Center. Samantha states they are a great group of kids, and is happy to be one of their role models. Samantha credits her mother and older sister as being her role models from the very beginning. Samantha states, they always told me not to depend on anyone, and made me believe that anything was possible. In addition, Samantha also credits a number of the Union City Junior Police Academy officers as role models, but one in in particulate stood out.Samantha shares, he is Puerto Rican, and always represented his Boricua pride and his community. Samantha recalls his words of wisdom of “never let anyone tell you that you couldn’t do something. He said he believed in me and one day I would be a great doctor.”He also said that when that day comes, let everyone know that I was of Puerto Rican descent and a leading role model for our families and community.”

“I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a 2016 Comité Noviembre Scholar. This award is helping me fulfill my aspiration by continuing my education to help utilize my career path.”

Comité Noviembre Mentoring Program The mission of the CN Mentoring Program is to continue to develop programs geared to the support of educational opportunities and leadership development for Puerto Rican and Hispanic youth. Firmly rooted in the belief that in order to succeed in life, young people must pursue a higher education, give back to your community through volunteer efforts, and know their cultural roots.

For more information please contact: Teresa A. Santiago, (914) 263- 6599 /[email protected]

Lisa M. Rodriguez, [email protected] / (347) 693-6893 or Elba Cabrera, [email protected] / (646) 236-7705

50 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 Scholar- ship 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. To date CN has awarded 20 scholarships to young Puerto Rican urban warriors who have fought for environmental justice, the Dream Act, educational disparities, police brutality, US Navy out of Vieques, media’s stereotypical portrayal of the Puerto Rican community and so many other important causes.

ELIGIBILTY To be eligible an applicants must be of Puerto Rican descent, have a minimum of one- year documented 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 and be between the ages of 17 and 25.

The application form will be ready for distribution and posted on Comité Noviembre’s website, www. comitenoviembre.org, in January. Please contact: Martha Laureano, [email protected]; (917) 803-2367 or David Galarza (917) 573-9250 or email [email protected] if you have any questions or to receive an application form.

51 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.

Jonathan Ferrer, 2015 recipient of the RPSP and David Galarza, RPSP co-chair with friends.

52 RICHIE PEREZ SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Omar Burgos Campos Omar R. Burgos Campos is a student at the University of Puerto Rico, (UPI) Río Piedras Campus. For the past 2 years, he has been a volunteer at Casa de Amor, Fe y Esperanza a Christian Church that operates El Mesón del Amor which provides free meals to UPI students. El Mesón is run by student volunteers that cook and serve the donated food Mondays through Thursdays to about 100 fellow students each day that don’t have enough to eat. Omar feels blessed that he has the opportunity to serve his community. Omar has faced and overcome many challenges, he was raised by his maternal grandparents and became homeless after a fire destroyed their home. Omar is a humble servant who passionately gives back to his communty because he knows first hand of the assistance he received when his family was in need. His family lives in a home that was donated by the Mayor of Ponce after the fire. Omar decided to leave Ponce and his family to attend La UPI in Rio Piedras because he would be the first to attend college in his family and he wanted to serve as an example to his five younger sibling that anything is possible. He received scholarship money to attend school enough to pay for tuition, lodging and sending money home to meet the needs of his grandparents and younger siblings. He works doing anything he can get from cleaning yards, washing cars, changing the oil or brakes in cars, doing home repairs, moving people anything to make money to purchase books, course materials, personal toiletries, and clothing but there was always very little for food. He is extremely grateful to El Mesón del Amor because he know that many students suffer hunger in silence. Even though many students receive grants and scholarships like he did, there are times when the money arrives late, causing many who depend on this money for their college and personal expenses to go through a difficult economic situation during the first months of the semester. If there are problems with receiving this assistance, they can spend an entire semester without income and cannot sustain themselves. Omar has become an advocate for students in his same situation, giving advice, information and where you can get a good hot meal each day. Omar thanks God eveyday for El Mesón del Amor that has opened its heart and doors to him and all the young people that are trying to better their future by attending college and receiving an education.

Karina Gonzalez For the past year Karina Gonzalez has been involved in informing the community about the economic and humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico. With the passing of the PROMESA bill this past summer her volunteer work has taken on a more urgent and deliberate strategy from planning and attending demonstrations to developing ways to inform and engage the community at large. Throughout her childhood, her parents always held their ancestral homeland Puerto Rico with the highest esteem. Their love became Karina’s self-imposed responsibility to cherish her ancestral homeland. Karina cultivated that love and knowledge of Puerto Rico during her summer visits to the island to spend with her grandmother and great-grandmother in Vega Baja.

Although she has attended many demonstrations against PROMESA where very few people have attended, she is not deterred in fact it makes her mission stronger. Living in a society where nearly everything is disposable, she strongly believes that her cultural connection to the island is insoluble. It was an easy decision to begin her college education at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. Al- though she was considered an outsider by her peers at the University, she never wavered in the identity she represent.

Karina is currently attending Brooklyn College Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology and expects to graduate in the summer of 2017. She earned her BA in Speech Language Pathology from Keane University in New Jersey and also has an Associate Degree from Fashion Institute of Technology. She is a writer and has contributed to Cultura Profética, an online Latino publication was a logical extension of having worked hard at refining her writing skills to achieve a purpose. Providing readers with an insight into this popular group’s musical artistry, for instance, coupled with their advocacy for Puerto Rico’s freedom from colonial oppression inspired her to write. The pen, she realizes, has replaced the crayons and markers of her childhood doodling, but her sense of honor for what she holds dear remains as sterling as the lone star emblazoned on the flag of Puerto Rico. 53 THE JOSEFINA AGUADO SCHOLARSHIP FOR SINGLE PARENTS

Administered By Comite Noviembre

The Josefina Aguado Scholarship for Single Parents is awarded to single parents pursuing a college or a graduate degree. This scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from the husband and wife philanthropist team of Bill Aguado and Kathi Pavlick. The scholarship is a five year $10,000 commitment.

The scholarship is named in honor of Mr. Aguado’s mother to honor the sacrifices single parents make on behalf of their families. The Josefina Aguado Scholarship for Single Parents is a one-time $1,000 scholarship. Ten scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded within a 5 year period.

To be eligible candidates must be single parent with children age 21 or younger; must be of Puerto Rican descent; have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0; be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the Fall of award year pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree and undergo a face to face interview with the Selection Committee.

This year’s recipients are Niltza Mendez and Priscilla Quiñones.

54 THE JOSEFINA AGUADO SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Priscilla Quiñones Priscilla Quiñones is a single parent of three. She had her first daughter at 18 and after completing her medical assistant certification she had her second daughter at 21. The father of her daughters was incarcerated soon after that. Priscilla knew that a college education would be the only way she could ensure a future for herself and her girls and returned to school.

She is currently attending Bronx Community College majoring in nursing in the in the evenings and weekends, while she holds down a full time job as an office manager at a medical clinic. During the summer she takes intensive courses to accelerate her course load. She maintains a 3.9 GPA. But what is most important to Priscilla is that every night no matter how tired or difficult her day has been she sits down with her daughters Leah and Laelani to do homework and take care of her nine month old Xavier. This nurturing and emphasis on educational excellence shows in the accomplishments of her daughters both are smart, respectful and straight “A” students in the NYC Public School System.

After several years, she began dating and got engaged while attending college. She believed her life was back on track. She became pregnant and had a healthy beautiful baby boy Xavier. She continued her college studies during her preg- nancy along with her full time job and family responsibilities. After her son’s birth, his father became unsupportive. Although this was an unexpected outcome, it will not deter her passion to complete school.

Priscilla provides all the financial support to her children and does not receive financial aid for schools. She plans to graduate from Bronx Community with an Associates in Applied Sciences, AAS in Nursing in May of 2017. She is scheduled to take the entrance exam in October 2016 for the Montefiore School of Nursing in Mount Vernon and begin her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) in January 2017. The Josefina Aguado Scholarship for Single Parents will the cost of tuition at the Montefiore School of Nursing. defer Niltza Mendez Niltza Mendez is a Case Manager / Housing Specialist at Bronx Neighborhood Agu- ila, a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing for homeless families throughout New York metropolitan area which seeks to end the cycle of homeless. She provides counseling to clients in need of assistance.

She was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and lived in Puerto Rico until the age of 3 when her mother migrated to the Bronx where she was raised. At 15 years old, she became pregnant with her first child, daughter Xenia. She experienced several challenging and tragic situa- tions which at one point left her homeless and she entered the New York Foundling Mother and Child program to provide her daughter a better life and a place to stay.

While at the Mother and Child program, she joined the City Volunteers Corp of New York where she served as a member of the first Americorps team deployed to serve the citizens of New York. She is a graduate student at Fordham University working towards a Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Human Services Leadership. She was awarded a general scholarship to attend Fordham University. Next year, she will be doing her field work and will be applying her experiences to her new role as social work intern.

Niltza currently lives with her three children Xenia 24, RayQuan 20, Daniyah 3, and pet Mia in the South Bronx.

55 THE ERNESTO MALAVE SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE ARTS

Ernesto Malave, Vice Chancellor for Budget and Finance at The City University of New York, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 22, 2009. He was 51 years old. Throughout his 27-year career at CUNY, including the last six years as the University’s chief financial officer, he was known for his keen financial acumen, creative leadership, and genuine concern for students and colleagues alike. His distinguished and dedicated service enhanced the University in every way. Ernesto managed a vast financial universe, but he was no ordinary chief financial officer. His bottom line was keeping CUNY’s riches affordable for the most economically vulnerable of students. That he kept that promise will always be remembered.

Mr. Malave was instrumental in making the Annual Comité Noviembre Artisans Fair a reality by providing funding and resources in 2005 and every year until his death. Last year, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Fair, CN established the Ernesto Malave Scholarship for the Arts for his contribution, support and commitment to making the Artisans Fair a reality. The award will recognize Puerto Ricans pursing a higher education majoring in the Arts. The arts represent an outlet of expression, that is usually influenced by culture and which in turn helps to change culture. The candidate must be majoring in either of the following artistic disciplines: literature: including poetry, novels, short stories, and epics; performing arts: music, dance, and theatre; media arts: photography, cin- ematography, and visual arts and crafts: drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpting.

This annual award will both promote the advancement of new artists and invest in their continued growth by providing support for their ongoing education and artistic development. The scholarship winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

To be eligible an applicants must be of Puerto Rican descent, be majoring in the Arts, be enrolled in an accredited college or university by the fall of each year or at the time of the scholarship award, submit digital samples of their work and be between the ages of 18 and 30.

For More Information Contact: Teresa A. Santiago, 914 263-6599, [email protected]

56 THE ERNESTO MALAVE SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE ARTS RECEPIENT

Born and raised in The Bronx, Siria Perez is a proud Puerto Ri- can young lady, with a wonderful mother from Bayamón and a loving father from Barranquitas. Her father always shared with her the hardships he and his siblings faced in Puerto Rico with his mother running a farm as a single woman supporting seven children. When she was seven years old, her parents got divorced; but she was very fortunate to grow up spending a great deal of time with her paternal grandmother.

Those moments with her grandmother taught her a great deal about life and what it meant to empathize with people. She was also taught the meaning of being a strong Puerto Rican woman; and her grandmother’s words of wisdom guided her through some of the toughest times of her life.

Siria started her first job when she turned seventeen in the retail industry where she was paid the minimum wage. It was only enough money to help out a little with rent, transportation and food; therefore, while her friends were going to college, it was financially impossible for her to attend college at that time. Eventually, Siria did enroll at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Mercy College; however, the business major was not where her passion lied and it was not until later on that she realized she wanted to be a writer.

Siria is now pursuing a higher education majoring in the Arts. She is on her last semester at Empire State Col- lege where she will earn her Associate Degree. She has high hopes of continuing her studies towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing. She is aware that the financial hardship still exists, but she is determined to make her parents and her family proud of her educational and career accomplishments. She currently works at the Westches- ter Institute for Human Development helping address the major social and health issues affecting people with dis- abilities and vulnerable children.

Even though Siria aspires to be a creative writer, her volunteer work with children has given her an even bigger opportunity to test the depth of her own commitment to that of working with special children. She has developed a genuine concern for vulnerable children; and therefore, her plans are to continue making a difference by generously giving of her time and expertise to this special population.

57 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 con- sultation 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 • Nutritional Centers • Entitlement Assistance • Social/Cultural Activities • Case Management • Crime Victims • Advocacy & Service Monitoring • Prevention Services • Counseling Crisis Intervention • Social Services • Leadership Training • Mental Health Services • Employment Training • Housing • Immigration Counseling • Nutrition • Translation Services • Hot Line • Bilingual Citizenship Classes

IPR/HE Headquarters - 413 East 120th Street, New York, NY 10035

Suleika Cabrera, IPRHE founder at Three Kings Celebration 58 59 2016 Artisans Fair & Exhibit Over to 100 Artists from throughout the US and Puerto Rico participated in Comité Noviembre’s Puerto Rican Artisan Fair last year. They came from all over the eastern part of the US. We had artisans from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois and Puerto Rico. For this reason and because this is the largest Puerto Rican artisan fair outside of Puerto Rico and the largest in the US, we are now calling it the National Puerto Rican Artisan Fair.

Comité Noviembre transforms Hostos Community College into a haven for anything Puerto Rican. In addition to the artisans and authors, we have also introduced a Puerto Rican Memorabilia Collectors Show so that we can have the opportunity to meet collectors of stamps, coins, historical documents, posters, musical records and items that bring our history to life. Memorabilia collector William Millán is coordinating this portion of the day’s events.

The Fourth Annual Puerto Rican Authors Book Expo was a huge success and this year we are celebrating our Fifth Book Expo. It has been attended by some of the finest Puerto Rican writers in New York, who introduced and sold their books. Close to 40 authors participated last year. This event was coordinated by author, poet/performance artist Maria Aponte who is coordinating the Fifth Book Expo.

Comité Noviembre’s National Puerto Rican Artisan Fair is produced by the CN Artisan Fair Committee composed of: Teresa A. Santiago, co-chair; Luis Cordero Santoni, cochair; artisan Olga Ayala; Maria Aponte, Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture Executive Director John MacElwee, and theatre manager Felix Arocho and many volunteers who help make the event the success that it has been for these past ten years.

60 2016 Artisans Fair & Exhibit

61 The Book Expo was established to showcase the many talented Puerto Rican Puerto writers in the New York area. However, we have attracted writers from not Rican just NY but from the immediate area and Puerto Rico. The Book Expo is a great success because it emphasizes the interaction between the author Authors and the reader. The popularity also brings to life the Puerto Rican literary movement. An open mic poetry/ book presentation is also showcased. Author Book Expo poet/performance artist Maria Aponte is coordinator of this year’s Book Expo.

62 Puerto rican institute for the development of the arts

63 HISTORY ASPIRA was founded in New York City in 1961 by Dra. Antonia Pantoja to combat the exor- bitant 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 As- sociation 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 and role models for AS- PIRA 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. 15 West 36th Street, 15th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10018 (212) 564-6880, (212) 564-7152 (f), www.nyaspira.org Mark Gonzalez, Executive Director - [email protected] David Minaya, Student Coordinator - [email protected] ASPIRA: “to aspire”

64 COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE mes de la herencia puertorriqueña 21ST ANNUAL DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2016 10AM TO 12NOON El Museo del Barrio La Clinica del Barrio 1230 Fifth Avenue, NYC, 2nd Floor 413 E 120th Street, NYC

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016 11AM TO 2PM

In the Bronx In Queens In Brooklyn James Monroe/IPRHE Senior Center Elmhurst Jackson Heights UPROSE 1776 Story Ave, IPRHE Senior Center 166a 22nd Street, Bronx, NY 75-01 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11232 Elmhurst, NY

NON-PERISHABLE FOOD DRIVE ITEMS NEEDED TO CREATE A TYPICAL PUERTO RICAN THANKSGIVING MEAL RICE BAG OF POTATOES CRACKERS GANDULES MAYONNAISE COOKIES CANNED HAMS CRANBERRY SAUCE PERMALOT MILK BROWN SUGAR/MAPLE SYRUP GRAVY SODA CLOVES STUFFING (BOX) COFFEE CANNED SLICED PINEAPPLES CANNED FRUITS SUGAR CANNED YAMS CANNED VEGETABLES

For the past twenty 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. This volunteer experience has transformed into a 3-day weekend event.

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 FOR FOOD COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION! FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO VOLUNTEER PLEASE CONTACT : Teresa A. Santiago, CN, (914) 263-6599, [email protected] 65 675 FAMILIES RECEIVE TURKEYS FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER DURING 20th ANNIVERSARY OF CN’S COMMUNITY SERVICE & SOCIAL RESPoNSIBILITY WEEKEND

CN surpassed its turkey distribution goal this year giving out 675 turkeys to needy families in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Yonkers thanks to generous cash donations from you and several turkey contributions from partners. A donation of 300 turkeys was made by Precision Concierge New York (“PCNY”), a high end concierge service company which involves its clients in charitable activities as well as 75 turkeys from both Bronx Lebanon Medical Center and Common Pantry. With this contribution CN added Catholic Charities Community Services of Westchester in Yonkers, Hope Worldwide, in the Bronx and El Cemi Housing/Kornegay Senior Houses and Carver Senior Center in East Harlem, in addition to the Elmhurst Jackson Heights Senior Center in Queens, UPROSE, the oldest Puerto Rican organization in Brooklyn, James Monroe Senior Center in the Bronx, El Museo de Barrio and La Clinica del Barrio in East Harlem.

Now in its 20th year the Day of Community Service and Social Responsibility has become a 2-day program with food distribution on Saturday

November 22nd and Sunday, November 23, 2015. On this day CN along with its partners and young people from ASPIRA of New York, Inc., El Puente and Big Brothers Big Sisters Latino Bigs and UPROSE distributed the turkeys.

*CN Day of Community Service and Social Responsibility from 2007 to 2015 66 How much influence do Puerto Rican voters hold in 2016?

By Dake Kang, Associated Press August 15, 2016 at 8:07 AM EDT

A worker takes off U.S and Puerto Rican flag after rally of U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders in San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 16, 2016. REUTERS/Alvin Baez – RTSEL4U

PHILADELPHIA — Residents of Puerto Rico can’t vote in presidential elections. But with the island’s economy in shambles, many are fleeing to the U.S. mainland, potentially shifting demographic norms in some of the most closely contested states. The impact of Puerto Rican migrants on the election hinges on how successful voting advocates are in getting them to the polls, with many focused more on finding jobs, homes and schools. Together, Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio — three pivotal states in the fall — absorbed more than 22,500 Puerto Rican migrants in 2013 alone. Many more Puerto Ricans already living on the mainland have relocated to these states from traditional hubs such as New York. Recent polls suggest that for now, Democrat Hillary Clinton leads in Pennsylvania and has the edge in Ohio, while Clinton and Republican Donald Trump are in a close race in Florida. “Think about what happened in 2000” with the presidential recount in Florida, said Sandra Suarez, a professor of political science at Philadelphia’s Temple University. “The difference was a few hundred votes.” Puerto Ricans living on the island can only vote in presidential primaries. As U.S. citizens, they are immediately eligible to vote in national elections upon residency and registration on the mainland. Even if only one-quarter of eligible recent Puerto Rican migrants vote in Pennsylvania and Florida, that could be enough to tilt a close race.

67 Dozens of new grassroots organizations have emerged in recent years to encourage Puerto Ricans to vote, said Justin Velez-Hagan, founder of the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce. The Rev. Roberto Luis Lugo of Philadelphia, who has been organizing activists to get Puerto Ricans to vote, said it doesn’t really matter for whom they vote, as long as they exercise their right as citizens. “If they vote, we can make a big difference in whatever election we have,” he said. Puerto Rico’s economy has been on the decline since the 1990s, when tax incentives for U.S. companies to operate in Puerto Rico were repealed. Stagnation turned into a free-fall in the 2007 housing market crash. The island has failed to bounce back ever since, with unemployment topping 12 percent earlier this year —more than double the national average. New York has been a traditional hub for Puerto Rican migrants, but they are increasingly settling elsewhere, due mainly to New York’s high cost of living. Puerto Ricans typically have a high turnout at home; voter participation often exceeds 70 percent. Organizers have in the past faced hurdles encouraging Puerto Ricans on the mainland to get to the polls. Jonathan Lewis, a recent migrant to Philadelphia, left his hometown of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, in search of opportunity when his biomedical science degree would only land him a job at McDonald’s. His girlfriend, a student at New York University at the time, invited him to the mainland. It was an easy decision, and he quickly found a job at FedEx. But voting wasn’t a priority for Lewis until he encountered an organizer on the street who registered him within minutes. “People will always be more concerned about finding a job,” Lewis said. “Once they already have a job, they will start probably having interest in some other things like voting, getting registered, that kind of thing.” In the 2014 elections, only about one-quarter of eligible Puerto Ricans on the mainland voted, whereas nationally, voter turnout reached about 42 percent that year, and 27 percent among Latinos as a whole, according to the Pew Center. High turnout would likely favor Clinton. Polls show she leads by large margins among Latinos nationally, though those samples are not large enough to give a breakdown of her performance among Puerto Ricans specifically. Clinton won Puerto Rico during the primaries and has made prominent campaign hires to appeal to Latino voters. The Trump campaign has been less successful at reaching out to Latino voters and lost Puerto Rico to Florida’s Cuban-American Sen. Marco Rubio in a landslide during the primaries.

This article is a reprint of a blog published by PBS News Hour, The Rundown: A blog of News and Insight on August 15, 2016 at 8:07 AM EDT by Dake Kang, Associated Press. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/much-influence- puerto-rican-voters-hold-2016/

68 se acabaron las promesas: the birth of a movement Ángel L. Carrión Maymí

Puerto Rico is under a fiscal control board imposed by the United States government. Many have expressed their rejection of this unelected board and have actively opposed it. One of the more tense instances was on August 31, when around 300 protesters, organized by Jornada Se Acabaron las Promesas (Promises Are Over), but hailing from different groups, managed to stop the First PROMESA Conference at the Condado Plaza hotel in San Juan. The conference was slated to include panels on economic development under PROMESA and was sponsored and organized by the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce; Birling Capital Advisors, LLC; Select Global Advisory Group, LLC and El Nuevo Día, Puerto Rico’s most widely-read newspaper. Using social media, Jornada urged people to join them in their effort to achieve their objective. Some of the groups that joined were Campamento Contra la Junta (Camp Against the Board), a permanent civil disobedience camp that was set up in front of the federal court building in the Hato Rey sector of San Juan and Juventud Trabajadora PPT, the youth group of the Partido del Pueblo Trabajador (Working People’s Party). The Jornada used their Facebook page to document the events of the day as they played out. The protesters were able to push back riot police and achieve their objective of stopping the conference. Many protesters were injured in the process and mainstream media condemned them.

The Backstory: A Promise for Who? The fiscal control board was created by the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act, or PROMESA, which means promise in Spanish. It was approved by Congress with bipartisan support and signed into law by President Barack Obama on June 30, 2016. Its stated purpose is “to provide a method for [Puerto Rico] to achieve fiscal responsibility and access to the capital markets.” The cost of operating the Board comes entirely out of the Puerto Rican government’s funds. The Board is imbued with extraordinary powers that override Puerto Rico’s constitution and it has complete control over the budget, revenues and operation of its government. As if that weren’t enough, the Board, its seven members and any employees it hires are exempt from any liability for claims against the Board “resulting from actions taken to carry out this Act.” Critics hold that the legislation violates the basic human right to self-governance, is basically a package of devastating austerity measures that would adversely affect the most vulnerable populations and doesn’t address the underlying problem that led to the current fiscal and economic situation, which is the broken model of economic dependence on the United States’ economy. The legislation mentions nothing about tackling corruption in the Puerto Rican government, which is something that surprises many people in Puerto Rico who support the creation of PROMESA, believing that it is a step towards reducing or eliminating corruption. Indeed, the word corruption is absent from the legislation.

69 se acabron las promesas: the birth of a movement (cont.)

During their annual assembly on August 26, the Puerto Rico Economists’ Association moved to formally express their disapproval of the law and called for an auditing of the public debt. The Center for a New Economy, a non-partisan think tank, came out against PROMESA in a May 25 blogpost on their webpage. The main reasons for not endorsing the legislation are that it imposes too high a cost in exchange for an uncertain benefit (there is no guarantee that after doing everything the PROMESA Board orders that a court would allow Puerto Rico the possibility to be able to restruc- ture its debt, anyway) and that, even though Puerto Rico needs strong fiscal controls, there is no point in balancing the government’s checkbook if there isn’t going to be a transformation of the fiscal culture and institutions that are directly responsible for the crisis, an issue that PROMESA doesn’t address at all. Mainstream media in Puerto Rico has, in general, expressed support of PROMESA. GFR Media, in particular, which is the parent company of El Nuevo Día, has been very vocal in advocating for the approval of PROMESA. During the months leading up to its passing into law, El Nuevo Día published a series of editorials urging people to accept and to cooperate with the fiscal control board. Interestingly, some of these editorials were published both in Spanish and in English, an extraordinary occurrence, given the fact that El Nuevo Día is a Spanish language newspaper and doesn’t normally publish content in English. The paper has also opted to refer to the Board as Junta de Supervisión Fiscal, instead of the more common Junta de Control Fiscal, opting for the euphemistic word supervisión (supervision), which is the translation that the PROMESA Board uses on its webpage.

Taking a Stand The narrative in alternative media, however, is quite different. Digital news sites, such as 80 grados, El Post Antillano, and others have published content arguing against PROMESA. Social networks have been active with different groups forming to organize resistance against the austerity measures and colonialism imposed by the PROMESA Board. One such group is the Jornada Se Acabaron las Promesas. Scott Francis Barbés Caminero, one of its main organizers, explained the origins, intentions and goals of the Jornada Se Acabaron las Promesas and their calls to action.

Question: How did the Jornada Se Acabaron las Promesas start? Was it always conceived as an initiative to halt the First PROMESA Conference? What are its goals and objectives?

Answer: The Jornada Se Acabaron las Promesas is the result of a cross-conversation between activists, most of whom are young people, who come from different experiences of struggle during the past two decades around the island. During the past five or six years we have lived and dialoged about the effects of austerity policies, taxes and public debt promoted by the neoliberal policies of the colonial state, the US government and the banking sector, the weakening of the Puerto Rican revolutionary left, the political emptiness that this weakening has left in the capacity of our working class and our people to defend themselves, and the need to articulate a new way to make politics and organize ourselves to decolonize us completely in every sense. In the past two years, a group of activists from movements and projects that advocate for decolonization and the eradi- cation of all forms of oppression have been a part of various attempts to organize resistance against the payment of the debt and the austerity measures that have been imposed in order to accomplish this. These efforts have culminated in what today is known as the Jornada Se Acabaron las Promesas. Projects like El Pleno de la Juventud, a product of important student mobilizations, Acción de Pueblo, the Junte Contra la Junta, among others, have served to keep honing forms of organization and democratic and autonomous mobilization that have been tested by organized youth during the past decade. During this period, young leftist militancy in Puerto Rico has built a culture of democratic organization

70 se acabaron las promesas: the birth of a movement (cont.)

that proposes a breakaway from authoritarian and oppressive forms of organization, decision-making and mobilization that can be found both in the traditional left and in the neoliberal right. When PROMESA was about to be passed into law, we at the Junte Contra la Junta determined to launch a call to mobilize to the federal court building in Puerto Rico once the bill was signed into law. The event, which was called El Agite Anunciao (The Announced Agitation) in response to the passing of PROMESA, was June 29, and that same night a group of young people founded the Campamento Contra la Junta de Control Fiscal (Camp Against the Fiscal Control Board). Weeks later, in one of those cross-conversations, a group of companions thought that the political process that was happening in the Campamento had to be replicated and taken to the streets because what we were seeing in that space of resistance was indicative of the conditions necessary to organize the activists that so desperately needed to connect with each other, to gather in a same place all of their experiences of struggle and to build a new decolonization movement, anticapitalistic and antipatriarchal, to resist and defeat neoliberalism in Puerto Rico. We called our first meeting of activists for July 21 and we approved a working plan to build a day (jornada) of struggle that would culminate in stopping the First PROMESA Conference at the Condado Plaza on August 31 with the aim of laying the groundwork for the development of a rallying point of political action and formation capable of uniting the wills and accumulated experiences of thousands of activists that weren’t part of any political project, but that un- derstood the urgent need to organize in a common space of formation and collective democratic political power made up of individuals, groups and self-managed and autonomous social and environmental projects that could serve as examples of our capacity to be independent. An example of a self-managed project that is linked to the Jornada are the Comedores Sociales and popular agro-ecological projects that are found all around the island. After August 31, we found ourselves at a point where we needed to consolidate the activism generated during the Jornada Se Acabaron las Promesas into autonomous regional structures in order to create spaces of political action, organization, formation and mobilization where the activists of different regions of the island could come together to take our proposals of absolute decolonization to their own communities and workplaces, connect the struggles of their town to a resistance and nation re-foundation project and continue with the direct action that serves to point the accusing finger and unmask before the eyes of the people the bondholders, the politicians that work for them and the colonial bourgeoisie that promotes and serves as the mouthpiece of big money in the US. For the next months we have on our agenda the Marcha Se Acabaron las Promesas on the day of the general elections and an assembly of activists near the end of the year that will allow us to continue to gather strength to confront the looming challenges and struggles against the colony and big money.

Photo: Ricardo J. Rodríguez Ríos

Q: What are your plans in the long run?

A: In the long run, we aspire to have a decolonization movement that has defeated in its interior all forms of oppression and that is sufficiently strong enough to have a solidary economy and culture that can confront and substitute the power and work relationships of big money and the imperialism of the US on the island with large

71 se acabron las promesas: the birth of a movement (cont.)

self-managed projects unconnected to the colonial state, which can educate and provide us with shelter and food and that serve as alternatives to the destruction of life and the planet represented by capitalism. We aspire to be free, to build a solidary economy and a true democracy and to be a part of the great project of Antillean solidary unity and revolutionary, without the economic and cultural imposition of the neoliberal forces that seek to quash our countries. Q: Until now, what has been circulated about the protest of August 31 has been mainly through traditional media. Given that certain media outlets have decided to express their support of the fiscal control board, do you feel that the coverage has been fair? What do you feel has been left out of media coverage?

A: The hostile coverage that the Jornada Se Acabaron las Promesas, the protest of August 31 and other resistance groups like the Campamento Contra la Junta comes as no surprise to us. We expected no less. Corporate media in Puerto Rico are the spokespeople of the main political parties in Puerto Rico and of the neoliberal proposals of the candidates for governor. The colonial political parties and the nonpartisan neoliberal gubernatorial candidates have expressed their intention to collaborate with the [fiscal control] Board. In Puerto Rico, social classes are clearly marked and corporate media, along with the rest of the parasitic colonial bourgeoisie, live off the colonial situation and intend to continue exploiting the people and filling their pockets under PROMESA the same way they did under the defunct Estado Libre Asociado (Free Associated State, equivocally translated as Commonwealth). Indeed, the Grupo Ferré Rangel (GFR Media), owners of the newspapers El Nuevo Día and Primera Hora, and who print the newspapers Metro, Índice and even the pro-independence newspaper Claridad, was one of the main sponsors of the First PROMESA Conference, stopped by the Jornada Se Acabaron las Promesas on August 31. That’s why on August 29, during the early hours of the morning, the Jornada stopped the distribution of El Nuevo Día with a successful act of civil disobedience days before the conference and in which there were six arrests. Because of their colonized nature, corporate media have not been able to identify the real significance of our actions. The Jornada Se Acabaron las Promesas is a political and cultural breaking away among a sector of our country, mainly young people and families, workers, farmers and students, that try to disconnect from all forms of oppression and that do not accept the forms of corporate and authoritarian social organization imposed both by the right that controls the country and the traditional left that in its day aspired to be in power. They haven’t been able to identify the potential of building another country completely contrary to the one they helped to build because they remain in the Cold War. Where they see mobs and mischief-makers, what is really there is the revolutionary germ of a generational coming together with a real potential to defeat them at the end of the road.

Q: What are your calls to action? How can people express their opposition to the fiscal control board and resist in their everyday lives?

A: Our call to action is to continue the efforts to strengthen a radical pole that serves as a space in which the activists that today compose it can turn it into one of the tools of the people to free themselves from US imperialism. We should continue to fortify our bonds of solidarity and action with the diaspora, because if our victory is to be, we need to understand that we are a single people. Our history takes us to a climax, a cul-de-sac, in which we must decide to break down the colonial barrier and rebuild ourselves from a state of freedom or to live stuck in the misery and perpetual colony that PROMESA brings. But the most important call to action is to reflect and transform internally to eradicate from within ourselves all those prejudices and oppressions imposed on us by our colonial upbringing. The revolution starts inside us, in our capacity to defeat the oppressor that lives within each and every one of us, especially within men, and rebuild ourselves as the free, just, democratic and sensitive beings that our words say we are.

Ángel L. Carrión Maymí is a freelance writer who regularly contributes articles for Global Voices, the online community of bloggers, activists and translators. He has published in The Postcolonialist and 80 grados. He holds a Bachelor’s in Music from the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and a Master’s in Puerto Rican and Caribbean History from the Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y el Caribe (CEAPRC), where he is currently a doctoral student. 72 ‘I’M NO THREAT’ WILL OBAMA PARDON ONE OF THE WORLD’S LONGEST-SERVING POLITICAL PRISONERS?

Oscar López Rivera - AKA the Mandela of Puerto Rico - has been in a US jail for 35 years for his part in the independence struggle. He talks about renouncing violence and his dream of seeing the monarch butterfly again

The Guardian, Ed Pilkington@edpilk- ington; Sunday 16 October 2016 09.00 EDT Last modified on Monday 17 Oc- tober 2016 11.26 EDT https://www. theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/16/ obama-pardon-mandela-puerto-rico- oscar-lopez-rivera-

Protesters call for Oscar López Rive- ra’s release at the White House on 9 October. Photograph: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Any day now, monarch butterflies will begin their epic migration from Canada to Mexico. It is one of the wonders of the world: insects whose distinctive orange and black wings barely stretch four inches flying on thermal currents up to 3,000 miles in search of a warm spot to spend the winter.

The phenomenon has entranced Oscar López Rivera since his childhood days in rural Puerto Rico. If he ever gets the chance, he says, one of his great ambitions is to trace the monarchs’ route, all the way from the Canadian border, across the US great plains into northern Mexico. “The monarch is fascinating to me,” he says. “The length of their journey and what they do to survive: how can an insect so small go so far?”

That’s an achingly powerful question when you consider who is posing it. For the past 35 years, López Rivera has been un- able to fly, his wings clipped. He has been held in federal institutions, for 12 of those years totally alone inside a 6ft-by-9ft concrete box from which he had no view of the sky. The last time he saw a live butterfly, let alone a monarch, was in 1981.

López Rivera is one of the US’s, and the world’s, longest-serving political prisoners. Aged 73, he has spent more than half his life behind bars. He is convicted of killing no one, of hurting no one. His crime was “seditious conspiracy” – plotting against the US state in the furtherance of Puerto Rican independence. He still believes in what he calls that “noble cause”: full sovereignty for his Caribbean birthplace that is classified as a US “territory”.

But his views on how to attain that goal have changed. Two decades ago he and his fellow Puerto Rican independence fighters renounced violence and embraced peaceful political reform. The last year in which the militant group to which he belonged committed a violent act was 1983.

The US government continues to see him through the prism of a bygone age … López Rivera pictured in 1973. Photograph: Bettmann

73 Yet there he still sits in his prison cell, reading and painting, the last of his kind locked up, so venerable that other prisoners call him “El Viejo” – the Old One. It is as though he is stuck in a time-warp, trapped for ever in the headstrong 1970s, a white-haired septuagenarian forced to dress up in floral shirt, flares and platform shoes dancing to Chic. The world, and López Rivera with it, has moved on, but the US government continues to see him through the prism of a bygone age.

Unless someone intervenes to release him, he will remain in captivity until 26 June 2023, five months after his 80th birthday. Fortunately for López Rivera, there is such a person who holds the power of clemency: Barack Obama. As the US president prepares to quit the White House, he is drawing up his final pardon list, presenting the prisoner with a slender hope

Many prominent supporters are lobbying hard for the pardon. They make for an impressive list: Archbishop Desmond Tutu; the governor of Puerto Rico, Alejandro García Padilla; the Hispanic caucus of the US Congress; former US president Jimmy Carter; Democratic presidential runner-up Bernie Sanders; and the creator of the smash Broadway musical Hamilton, Lin- Manuel Miranda, who confronted Obama about López Rivera face to face during a recent White House visit. On 9 October thousands of supporters gathered outside the White House bearing placards of the prisoner and calling on Obama to set him free, their voices projected across the mansion’s South Lawn in the hope that the president at work in the Oval Office might hear them and act accordingly.

With friends like that, isn’t López Rivera a shoo-in for release? Not according to the man himself, who remains cautious about his chances. “I do not practise wishful thinking,” he begins in perfect English, delivered with a strong Puerto Rican accent. “It’s very difficult for me to read President Obama. The way he has been treated, the obstacles he has faced in the White House, makes him a little skittish about decisions.”

What a carefully weighted remark about something as visceral as his freedom. In the course of a two-hour phone conversation (the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, having refused to allow the Guardian to visit him in person) it becomes clear that this is not artifice: the professorial tone is true to the man.

López Rivera says he draws some optimism from Obama’s frequent expressions of admiration for Nelson Mandela. “He embraced Mandela as a great man, he saw that what Mandela did was important throughout the world.”

‘There is no regret inside my heart’ … López Rivera. Photograph: larespu- estamedia.com

To invite comparison with Mandela may seem far-fetched for a man who in the US is relatively little known, but back home López Rivera is often cast as the “Mandela of Puerto Rico”. Mandela served 27 years in South African prisons for leading an anti-colonialist liberation struggle that deployed selective violence as a political tool; López Rivera has already served eight years longer, arguably for doing the same thing. Mandela refused to renounce violence from his prison cell; but López Rivera did so, some 20 years ago.

López Rivera was born in 1943 in San Sebastián in the north-west of Puerto Rico. His childhood was spent living in the constitutional limbo that has defined the island since it was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898. Neither a sovereign country, nor the 51st state of the union, Puerto Rico is caught betwixt and between. Its people are US citizens, hold US passports, and can be drafted into the US military as López Rivera would soon discover. Yet when it comes to voting for the US president or a representative in the US Congress, a Puerto Rican is persona non grata. Quite rich, you might think, coming from a nation such as the US, which was founded upon the anti-colonial principle of no taxation without representation.

“The only thing we are good for is to be cannon fodder,” López Rivera says in a rare display of chagrin.

Not that he had a clue about any of that when he was growing up in San Sebastián and Chicago, where his family moved when he was 14. He was just an ordinary kid for whom the concepts of self-determination or shrugging off the Yankee yoke were as alien as nuclear physics. “Before I got drafted I was a happy-go-lucky Puerto Rican. I enjoyed life. I wasn’t paying 74 attention to anything other than me.”

Then along came Vietnam. “I arrived thinking we were bringing freedom to Vietnamese people but as soon as I hit the ground I realised that wasn’t happening. We did sweeping opera- tions lasting 30 days, getting villagers out of their homes, moving them off the rice paddies, body-searching them.”

In solitary he would spend all but two hours a week in his cell with no sight of the sky … a mural dedicated to López Rivera in Puerto Rico.

By the time he returned to Chicago a year later, sporting a Bronze Star for meritorious achievement, he says he had undergone a transformation. “I felt an obligation to change, to look at life from a totally different perspective. Now I could see what colonialism did to people.”

He threw himself into community work among the Puerto Ricans of Chicago. That brought him into contact with the families of imprisoned nationalists and, without ever suspecting that he would one day join their ranks, he was sucked into the movement and eventually became a member of the clandestine Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación Nacional.

As the name suggested, the FALN believed armed force was justified as a means to an end. Between its foundation in 1974 and its effective demise in 1983 as a result of mass arrests, the FALN was said by prosecutors to have carried out about 140 bombings on military bases, government offices and financial buildings across the US, especially in Chicago and New York. Targets were chosen for being symbols of “Yankee imperialism”, such as oil companies with offshore rigs in Puerto Rican waters.

López Rivera insists that the focus was always on bricks and mortar, not people. “For me human life is sacred. We called it ‘armed propaganda’ – using targets to draw attention to our struggle.”

That may have been the case, but the results were, to put it politely, inconsistent. In 1975 the group claimed responsibility for a bombing at the historic Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan, the scene of George Washington’s farewell to troops after the American revolution. The attack killed four people and injured more than 50. Two years later an employee at the Mobil building in New York was killed by another FALN device.

López Rivera has denied involvement with these fatal attacks. But when I asked him if he ever committed acts of armed force such as planting a bomb, he replied: “I cannot comment on that.” Interestingly, he still claims justification for violence under international law, using the present tense: “I believe we were adhering to international law that says that colonialism is a crime against humanity and that colonial people have a right to achieve self-determination by any means, including force.”

The scene after the FALN bomb exploded at the Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan, on 24 January 1975. López Rivera has always denied involvement. Photograph: New York Daily News via Getty Images

But he is also adamant that the decision to renounce force was real and permanent. By 1990, the movement was already changing with the times. “We realised other tactics to armed force could be more effective, mobilising people

75 through peaceful campaigning. Morally, also, we came to see that we had to lead by example, that if we are advocating for a better world then there are things you cannot do. You cannot get a better world by being unjust yourself.”

When I ask him if he would pose a threat to the public were Obama to set him free, he replies: “I don’t think I could be a threat. We have transcended violence – it’s crucial for people to understand, we’re not advocating anything that would be a threat to anyone.”

He was picked up in 1981 at a traffic stop in Chicago and charged with seditious conspiracy – a very rare count of plotting against the US state that was first used after the civil war against southern refuseniks and then applied to anarchists and socialists before being turned against Puerto Rican independistas like himself.

At trial, prosecutors presented no evidence that tied him to any deaths or injuries, or even specific attacks. For his part, he and his comrades refused to recognise the judicial process, calling himself a prisoner of war, offering no defence and declining even to attend the trial. He still describes seditious conspiracy as an “impossible crime”. He told me: “How can a Puerto Rican be seditious towards the US state when we never had any part in electing a US government?” He was sentenced to 55 years. By contrast, as his lawyer Jan Susler has pointed out, the average federal sentence for murder in 1981 was 10.3 years. Later, his sentence was extended to 70 years when, he insists, he was framed by agents provocateurs planted in his cell who cooked up a plot to escape and then implicated him in it.

López Rivera was one of two dozen independistas in prison. Now he is the last one … the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana. Photograph: Alamy

In a less disciplined individual, such harsh treatment would inevitably spawn bitterness and despair. Not for López Ri- vera. He recounts his time in prison with verve bordering on enthusiasm. Yes, he has faced “terrible times”, been labelled a terrorist by prison guards, called a “spic” and worse. But he has always made use of his life of incarceration, he says. “When I first got to prison I made myself a promise: they can lock me up, but the time I spend in prison is my time. I use it to my own advantage, for my own goals. From the moment I get up to the moment I go to bed, I keep active.” That means rising at 4am to an exercise regime of 40 minutes of stretching, pull- and push-ups, sidewinders and upper body routines. He reads a lot. Currently, he’s reading Edward Said’s Orientalism, and before that he devoured the New Yorker writer Jane Mayer’s book on billionaire right wing donors, Dark Money.

He teaches other inmates to read and write or speak Spanish. He also likes to paint as a way of “taking myself out of prison into the outside world”. He uses as his template photographs of landscapes or seascapes that he tears from magazines, making up for his lack of access to the natural world.

He caught the painting bug after the alleged escape plot when he was put into solitary confinement in two of the toughest supermax prisons in the US: Marion, Illinois, and Florence, Colorado. He would spend all but two hours a week in his concrete cell with no sight of the sky. “Little by little, colours start to fade. Your eyes begin to change how you see things. You see less colour; everything blurs into the yellow-grey of the cell walls.”

So he turned to painting as a way to bring colour back into his life. That’s when he rediscovered his passion for the monarch butterfly, reproducing pictures of the insects as a reflection on their migration. “I had to be strong. I always thought they were not going to destroy me that was not going to happen.”

Though he is now out of solitary he has still had to deal with social deprivation. At its peak, he was one of two dozen independistas in federal prisons; now he is the last one. Over the years, he has seen his comrades walk free, their ranks gradually depleted, until in 2010 he became the only one left. He is sanguine about that. “I have never felt abandoned or lonely. There is no regret inside my heart.”

76 To have no regret about his predicament is all the more extraordinary in that he could have been released in 2009. In August 1999, Bill Clinton did what López Rivera’s supporters are now urging Obama to do: he used his final days in office to grant a presidential pardon to 11 Puerto Rican independence fighters. López Rivera was offered a lesser deal that would have seen him released after a decade, but he turned it down, because he says he had no faith in the US government sticking to its side of the bargain and he was unhappy about a couple of his fellow fighters being offered no commutation at all. “When I was in Vietnam I never left anyone behind. That’s not my practice, I couldn’t do it,” he says.

He caught the painting bug after the alleged escape plot when he was put into solitary confinement in two of the toughest supermax prisons in the US: Marion, Illinois, and Florence, Colorado. He would spend all but two hours a week in his concrete cell with no sight of the sky. “Little by little, colors start to fade. Your eyes begin to change how you see things. You see less colour; everything blurs into the yellow-grey of the cell walls.”

.“When I was in Vietnam I never left anyone behind. That’s not my practice, I couldn’t do it,” he says. Surely he must have had moments in the past seven years when he has questioned his rejection of the deal that would have set him free? “None whatsoever. I believe in principles. For me, the decision was the one I had to make.”

So what now is the likelihood that Obama will follow in Clinton’s footsteps and finally fling open the cell doors? One factor in Obama’s calculation might be that Clinton’s round of pardons sparked a fireball of opposition in Congress and the media. The “Clinton terror pardons” remain a bugbear for the right to this day, even though the vitriol overlooks one awkward fact about the releases: that not a single criminal act has been committed by any of the 11 former FALN militants in the 16 years that they have been out.

The Clinton backlash perhaps explains Obama’s apparent ambivalence on the matter. He is reported to have told Lin-Manuel Miranda that López Rivera’s clemency petition was “on his desk”. But Congress member Luis Gutiérrez, who is of Puerto Rican descent and has been a leading proponent of a pardon, has said that when he asked Obama about the account the president firmly disputed it and gave a bland statement that “procedures must be followed”.

That sounds less than promising for the Mandela of Puerto Rico. But López Rivera responds to the mixed messages emanating from the White House with trademark composure. “I have no choice but to be optimistic,” he says, as the Terre Haute guards call time on our conversation. “Hope that is one thing we can never lose.”

PRESIDENT OBAMA FREE OSCAR LOPEZ RIVERA A CALL TO ACTION — what can we do?

1. Download a sample letter from www.boricuahumanrights.org and sign the letter to President Obama urging him to release Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar López Rivera. After signing please mail the original document to: National Boricua Human Rights Network, 2739 W. Division Street, PASEO BORICUA, Chicago, IL 60622 2. Write to Oscar and express support mailing address: Oscar López Rivera, 87651-024; FCI Terre Haute, PO Box 33; Terre Haute, IN 47808 3. Support the campaign financially: donate directly through PayPal on our website: press “donate” http://boricuahumanrights.org/petition-free-oscar/ 4. Adapt your own letter.

77 beyond PROMESA?

The Prospects of Puerto Rican Self-Determination By Angelo Falcón Note: This is an updated version of an article originally appearing in NBC Latino on June 17, 2016.

In mid-June of this year I wrote that intense emotions, both positive and negative, filled this past week for the Puerto Rican community. There was the drama of the Puerto Rico debt crisis with the passage of the PROMESA Act with its financial control board in the House of Representatives (with Senate approval expected any day now) and the recent Supreme Court decisions reaffirming Puerto Rico is under the complete control of the US federal government. On the more positive side, there was the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and all the festivities associated with it, along with the record number of Tony Awards garnered by Lin-Manual Miranda’s play, Hamilton.

It was also a week that saw the release of Luis Guzman’s newest film, Puerto Ricans in Paris. It was a week that began as well with the Presidential and Gubernatorial primaries in Puerto Rico, adding to Hillary Clinton’s delegate count and narrowing down the candidates vying to lead the financially and politically bankrupt Island government.

On top of these developments was the horrific domestic terrorist attack on the gay nightclub in Orlando leaving more than 50 dead in a city with a large Puerto Rican concentration, sadly overshadowing media coverage of the Puerto Rican Parade. All this has had significant diasporic reverberations.

Puerto Rico’s debt crisis has put its diaspora in the recurring role of an indispensable lobby within the United States since it elects four boricuas to the US House of Representatives, and Puerto Rico only elects one non-voting Resident Commissioner to that body that governs the territory. Getting a Republican- controlled Congress to pass legislation to aid Puerto Rico was a long shot, but with the hard work and leadership of New York Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez with the support of Bronx Congressman Jose Serrano and Chicago Congressman Luis Gutierrez (and even that given grudgingly by Tea Partier Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador), the PROMESA Act was adopted with minor changes.

However, while there was a strong push by the White House and the Congressional Democrats to get this legislation passed, which required compromising with Congressional Republicans pushing to include “con- servative” elements into it, the result was a bill no one was entirely happy with, proof of its rare bipartisan nature. In fact, the poor reaction to it among the Puerto Ricans it was meant to help brings to mind the old saying, be careful what you ask for... you might just get it.

The Puerto Rican community, both on the Island and stateside, is very divided over this legislation. Much of the mainstream political leadership seems to have accepted it with qualifications, while labor and left 78 beyond PROMESA? (continued)

elements have opposed it. In the Congress, while Velazquez, Serrano, Pierluisi and Labrador support it, Guti- errez and New Jersey US Senator Bob Melendez opposed it. VAMOS4PR and the SEIU have also opposed it. At the same time, coalitions like the A Call for Action on Puerto Rico collective, who support independence, have publicly attacked and picketed against Velazquez and Serrano for their support of this bill.

A network organized by Congresswoman Velazquez with the coordination of the CUNY Center for Puerto Rican Studies, called the National Puerto Rican Agenda, has taken on the task of unifying the diaspora on this issue at a national summit they held on July 24th in Camden, New Jersey at the time of the National Democratic Convention (July 25-28 in Philadelphia). They are doing this in collaboration of the recently-formed Caucus of Puerto Rican Elected Officials that was established under the leadership of NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Bronx Assemblyman Marcos Crespo.

Meanwhile in Puerto Rico, they are preparing for their election for Gov- ernor, which is an open seat. The Island’s House of Representatives adopted a resolution opposing the PROMESA Act, but this had no impact. There is also a growing movement involving over 200 community organizations to stop the adoption of the financial control board, with a Co- alition to Oppose the Control Board that organized a major rally on June 25 in San Juan led, in part, by the Mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulin.

The PROMESA Act also includes a provision calling for a plebiscite on the future political status of Puerto Rico to be held in January, while others, like the Puerto Rico Bar Association, are calling for the convening of a constituent assembly to address status and related issues.

Although at this point it is not entirely clear how this all comes together, there are some things that need to be done:

1. Whether or not you support it, the provisions of the PROMESA Act need to be fully analyzed regarding their projected positive and negative impacts on Puerto Rico. While the legislation is being approved by Congress, it is important to note that the Presidential election could result in a major change in who runs the White House and Congress in January. If Hillary Clinton becomes President and the Democrats increase their power in the Congress, this opens the possibilities of making significant changes in the PROMESA Act. It is important, therefore, to view this legislation not simply in narrow technical terms but for its broader political implications.

2. There is going to be the need to identify an independent mechanism to monitor closely the implementation of the PROMESA Act. This would include the close vetting of the individuals chosen to serve on the seven-member control board, as well as its staff. One issue is to assure that these are individuals well-versed in the realities of Puerto Rico and who are politically independent.

3. Making sure that the independent 17-member. Puerto Rico Commission for the Comprehensive Audit of the Public Credit is adequately funded and completes its analysis identifying which parts of the public debt were illegally issued above a limit and which complied with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s financial disclosure rules.

79 beyond PROMESA? (continued)

4. There continues to be a need to develop legislation to promote sustained economic growth in Puerto Rico that addresses the funding disparities of programs like Medicare and Medicaid, the exemption of Puerto Rico from the merchant marine restrictions of the Jones Act, the need to make major financial investments in infrastruc- tural and other economic development projects to Puerto Rico, among others. This also includes exploring ways that the Federal Reserve and other US government bodies can play in assisting Puerto Rico out of its economic depression.

5. Raising the case for Puerto Rico’s decolonization at the United Nations and other international bodies now that the self-governing nature of the Commonwealth status has been fully exposed as being illusory as a result of the PROMESA Act and the recent Supreme Court ruling. It appears the case can now be made that the United States misrepresented to the United Nations the autonomy it supposedly granted to Puerto Rico in 1952. This may also be the right time to test whether the notion of Puerto Rico being the victim of an “odious debt” is actionable in international forums. Hearings on Puerto Rico are being held on June 20th by the UN Decolonization Committee.

6. There is a need for a major communications campaign to educate the American public and the world community about the situation in Puerto Rico and the increasingly problematic nature of its relationship to the United States. The release by the Hedgeclippers’ organization of the documentary, Preying on Puerto Rico: Forgotten Citizens of HedgeFund Island, is a good example of the type of educational tools that this movement needs to develop.

The PROMESA Act is clearly not the solution to Puerto Rico’s long- term economic problems and what its short-term effects will be are not all that clear as well.

Rather than seeing its adoption as either a victory or defeat, the adoption of the PROMESA Act can be an opportunity for progressive political action in the Puerto Rico case. The actions outlined above are but a few starting points in positioning the struggle for greater Puerto Rican self-determination.

This will require an unprecedented unity within the Puerto Rican community that must include a more organic connection between the Island and the diaspora, as well as a major effort to build major coalitions with other Latinos and communities of color, progressive Whites, and faith-based and labor groups.

The big question is whether the current Puerto Rican leaderships both on the Island and stateside are up to this challenge.

Angelo Falcón is President of the National Institute for Latino Policy, for which he edits the online information service, The NiLP Report on Latino Policy & Politics. You can reach him at [email protected]. For further information on NiLP, visit www.latinopolicy.org.

80 CELEBRATING 20YRS OF PRESERVING PUERTO RICAN POPULAR CULTURE

La Fundación Nacional Para la Cultura Popular, The National Foundation for Popular Culture is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve, archive and promote the popular culture of Puerto Rico. The foundation seeks to advance the development of Puerto Rico’s popular culture by procuring and studying historical information; promoting and sponsoring cultural events and artists. Its goal is to organize, research, study, archive, publish, catalogue, disseminate, foment competition, conserve, foment the production of, promote, exhibit, and exchange subjects of popular culture, classical, and folk of Puerto Rico. The foundation’s extensive archival collection includes information in all formats: radio recordings, interviews, photos, negatives, videos in various formats, propaganda advertising, magazines, artwork, paintings, and other collectibles.

On August 7, 2016, at the Tapia Theater in Old San Juan, over twenty artists, personalities and partners came together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the FNCP. Nore Feliciano, Aidita Encarnación, Ile, Almas Band, Más que 2, Miguel Diffoot, Carmen Alicia Morales, Alí Tapia, Atabal, Tamara Escribano, Danny Rivera, Tito Auger, Carmín Vega, Pijuán y los Baby Boomers, Oscar Solo, Julito Enrique Court, Hermanos Sanz, Edu- ardo Villanueva, Yesenia Cruz, Tepeu, and Alfred D. Herger were some of the artists who participated in the Gala concert “Amigos con la Fundación,” Friends of the Foundation. This special concert was organized in secret with many personalities and collaborators that came together to donate their time and raise funds for FNCP. The above group surprised the founder and director of FNCP, Javier Santiago, who was overwhelmed with emotion when he heard of their plan.

Javier Santiago, Founder and Executve Director Mailing Address: Apartado 9023971, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902-3971 Calle Fortaleza #56, Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 [email protected]; (787) 724-7165; Fax: (787)725-2498

81 Puerto Rican Women… A Legacy of Strength, Empowerment & Inspiration

In 2014, CN instituted the Puerto Rican Women Legacy Award to honor Puerto Rican women whose pride in their heritage and strength of character have empowered themselves and inspired others to make a significant impact on our community. The award will be given annually during Women’s History Month.

Since its inception, CN has developed programs all geared to the support and enhancement of educational opportunities and leadership development for Puerto Rican/Hispanic youth with a cultural twist. This event had all the makings for a “teachable” moment and for the past 3 years CN has developed motivational presentations for young women and men. Students from Hostos Community College, ASPIRA of New York, El Puente, CENTRO de Estudios Puertorriqueños/Hunter College, the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women and our CN scholars participated as part of Women’s History Month.

Recipients of the Puerto Rican Women Legacy Award

2014 Honorees: the honorable Associate Judge Sallie Manzanet-Daniels, Dr. Virginia Sanchez-Korrol, Ph.D., the honorable NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito, and poet, actor and community activist Caridad De La Luz.

2015 Honorees: Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, President & Founder, Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Insti- tute, Marisol Seda, Assistant News Director & Investigative Reporter, WNJU Telemundo 47; Nitza Tufiño, Artist & Activist; Dawn Diaz Founder & CEO, Milagros Day Worldwide.

2016 Honorees: Miriam Colón-Valle Founder & Artistic Director, Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, Rosalba Rolón, Artistic Director, Pregones, Aida Rosario, Director, Communications and Community Empowerment, WXTV Univision 41 and Elizabeth Yeampierre, Executive Director, UPROSE.

Each one of these women in their respective careers and community work have empowered women with their actions and have always kept their Puerto Rican culture ever present in all their endeavors. Each an inspiration to all of us.

82 83 84 85 86 87 Buscando Nuestras Raices 10 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO PUERTO RICO: AQUI Y ALLA SOMOS UN SOLO PUEBLO

Over the past ten years, Comité Noviembre, (CN) has planned Buscando Nuestra Raíces with a clear mission in mind: to educate its participants on Puerto Rico’s culture, history and ancestral roots and take them on a journey to places they would normally not have the opportunity to visit. Ranging from the mountainous areas and ocean front communities to metropolitan cities of Puerto Rico, our trip has taken us around the island. We are proud that we have shared in the culture, livelihood and economy of Aibonito, Adjuntas, Arecibo, Bayamón, Caguas, Camuy, Cayey, Coamo, Comerio, Fajardo, Guánica, Guayama, Jayuya, Lares, Loiza, Mayagüez, Naranjito, Old San Juan, Ponce, Rio Piedras, San German, San Juan, Santurce, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, and Vieques. The “homecoming” receptions we have received in these incredible places from the smallest town to the great metropolis have been extraordinary.

We have walked in the footsteps of our Taino ancestor at Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes in Ponce, Parque Ceremonial Indigena de Caguana in Utuado and la Piedra Escrita in Jayuya, as well as Las Cuevas de Camuy.

We have learned about our pioneers, nationalist and heroes of our Patria and seen through the history that has been preserved the political, economic and cultural development of Puerto Rico. From Ramón Emeterio Betances, Eugenio Maria de Hostos, Mariana Bracetti, Lola Ridríguez de Tío, Pedro Albizu Campos, Julia de Burgos and Luis Muñoz Marín, we have learned about all of their stories and the mark they have left on the history of Puerto Rico.

Comité Noviembre’s Compromiso Con Nuestra Patria Additionally and most important, CN wanted to support the economy of the places we visit as well as lend our voice to the current key issues and initiatives on the island, empower organizations with our support, take action when needed and give back through actual community service projects. From its inaugural trip CN has been in the forefront of many issues.

88 Buscando Nuestras Raices (continued)

Preservation and Protection of Puerto Rican Cultural and History CN was honored with an in depth lecture by historian, archeologist, pioneer and keeper of our Puerto Rican culture and history, Dr. Ricardo Alegría, on our very first trip in 2007 before his death. He clearly gave CN a road map and challenged us to use our power as members of the Diaspora to affect change. He was the first to talk about leveraging the power of the Diaspora to assist Puerto Rico with not only the preservation of its culture and history but the many issues from the environment, social justice, health and veterans’ benefits.

To this end, over the years, CN has partnered with the following organizations: Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y el Caribe, Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular, Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, Museo de Arte de Ponce, Festival de la Palabra, Casa de España, Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Genealogía; Museo Felisa Rincón de Gautier, Fundación y Casa Museo Luis Muñoz Marín, Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, Casa Paoli, Fundación Banco Popu-

Comité Noviembre’s Commitment to the Northeast Ecological Corridor… a ten year journey. On Wednesday, August 15, 2007, during Comité Noviembre’s first annual trip to Puerto Rico: Buscando Nuestra Raíces, the Board of Directors released a statement supporting the preservation, conservation and protection of the Northeast Ecological Corridor, (NEC). CN’s support of the NEC garnered substantial media attention because of the prestige and reputation of its member agencies and the fact that organizations from the mainland United States where interested in the outcome of this struggle. CN’s support came at a pivotal point in this effort, six days before the resolution was to be voted on by the legislature of Puerto Rico.

On October 4, 2007, Governor Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, signed an executive order establishing as public policy the designation of the NEC as a nature reserve with specific mandates and terms. CN received a thank you email from Luis Jorge, leader of la Coalición Pro Cor- redor Ecológico del Noreste.

Again in 2009, CN wrote letters of support for a legislative bill to protect the area and in 2011 we began a relationship with the Sierra Club of Puerto Rico when its president Or- lando Negron gave a presentation and tour of the Corridor. CN continued to support and bring awareness to the NEC by issuing A Call to Action to protect the Northeast Ecological Corridor in Puerto Rico and NY. In 2012, CN hosted Camilla Fiebelman of the NEC in NY with a presentation at Ju- lia de Burgos Cultural Center during the National Puerto Rican Day Parade week events.

In April 2016, Luis Jorge Rivera Herrera won The Goldman En- vironmental Prize, the highest and most prestigious award in the field of the environment. He received the award for leading the successful campaign to establish a nature reserve in Puerto Rico’s Northeast Ecological Corridor—an important nesting ground for the endangered leath- erback sea turtle—and protect the island’s natural heritage from harmful development.

89 Buscando Nuestras Raices (continued)

On April 18, 2016 CN received a thank you note form Luis Jorge Rivera-Herrera for our support and commitment to the NEC.

Paz Para Vieques From 1999 to 2003, CN was involved in the PAZ PARA VIEQUES movement that demanded the demilitarization of Vieques; the removal of the U.S. Navy presence from Vieques and to return control of land to residents of the island. CN wrote letters and made statements to members of Congress and Senators, distributed information, and marched in rallies demanding the end to the bombing in Vieques. On May 1, 2003, the U.S. government ended bombing on Vieques and land used by the military was converted into nature reserves.

In 2008, on CN’s second trip to PR, we visited Vieques and met with Roberto Rabin, founder of Comité Pro Rescate y Desarrollo de Vieques and other key community leaders including women rights and advocacy groups, health organizations and economic development/cooperatives.

CN trip participants were given an update on the overall state of Vieques. After a day of listening and learning about what needed to be done, CN supported the proposals of Comité Pro Rescate y Desarrollo de Vieques which included proposals on the safe and environmentally conscious removal of uranium contaminated bombs and debris, the development of health services including the building of a hospital in Vieques, and the creation of an eco-tourism project to boost the economy.

Twelve Years Later…the Struggle Still Continues In 2015, we returned and re-confirmed our commitment to the continued development and restoration of Vieques. Twelve years after the U.S. Navy left Vieques the clean-up has stopped, residents suffer significantly higher rates of cancer and other illnesses than the rest of Puerto Rico, and the infrastructure of the island has to be developed/renovated so that economic development can flourish. CN met with Robert Rabin, longtime activist and founding member of the Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques to receive an overview of the current situation in Vieques.

Fundación Agenda Ciudadana Partnership CN began its relationship with Fundación Agenda Cuidadana, (FAC), in 2013 with a “Convocatoria,” a discussion between Comité Noviembre members, community and non-profit leaders and leaders of key Puerto Rican organizations on the Puerto Rican Diaspora. How can we work together to assist each other in the issues that are affecting Puerto Rico and the mainland. This dialogue is the first of its kind. FAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that serves as a collaborative

90 Buscando Nuestras Raices (continued) space in which citizens, organizations and institutions from different social sectors gather and deliberate public issues affecting the country in eight central areas: Education, Economic Development, Government Structure and Public Policy, National Security, Health, Human and Civil Rights, Environmental Issues, and Families On Friday, November 14, 2014, Comité Noviembre (CN) and Fundación Agenda Ciudadana, (FAC) formally signed an agreement to open dialogue on issues, solutions and strategies that will assist in the economic and other social issues of the 8 million Puerto Ricans both on the island and mainland.

This was a historic non-profit, non-partisan collaboration to create and develop policies and affect change. CN is the first organization on the mainland to enter into such a collaboration with FAC.

The agreement terms are: • Create and solidify alliances and citizen participation of the Puerto Rican community in and outside the island. • Organize and execute initiatives using FAC work methodologies to sustain dialogues, deliberation processes, and define solutions to the most pressing needs identified by both organizations in the areas education, economic development, security, health, families, and environmental protection. • Develop integrated strategies to activate, educate and mobilize Puerto Rican community regarding public policy, citizen participation and democratic participation. • Educate citizens in Puerto Rico and New York on the main methodologies FAC uses to push for social change through citizen competencies and deliberative dialogue

The first collaboration began during the SOMOS, Inc. Legislative Conference in Albany that led to the participation of CN and FAC at the SOMOS Winter Conference in Puerto Rico, November 2015.

It continued during last year’s trip to PR, with a presentation on the: “Economic situation in Puerto Rico: How can the Diaspora Help?” Panelist included: DiaspoRicans/Diasporiqueñxs, Asociación Puertorriqueña de Historiadores, the Honorable Rossana López León, Fundación Agenda Ciudadana and CN at the Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y el Caribe in Old San Juan. CN & Agenda Ciudadana Partnership Continues to Shed Light on Puerto Rico Health and Economic Crisis: From the forum during the trip, conversations were started on how the Diaspora would be able to assist in the issues affecting Puerto Rico. In Septem- ber 2015, CN began a partnership with the Senate of the Com- monwealth of Puerto Rico, the Hispanic Federation and a working group of over 40 non-profit organizations throughout the country to lend support and work with counterparts in Puerto Rico to develop private/public partnerships, policy changes and solutions to the current fiscal crisis on the island. On Saturday, October 24, 2015, the forum: THE HEALTH AND ECONOMIC CRISIS IN PUER- TO RICO: DEFINING THE ROLE OF THE DIASPORA was held at the Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center in East Harlem.

91 Buscando Nuestras Raices (continued)

Over 120 people attended the all-day informational forum that gave an overview of the situation in Puerto Rico, the health disparities, the effects of the Jones Act on the island as well as what needs to be done and how the Diaspora can mobilize and affect change. NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito and NYS Assemblyman Marcos Crespo gave opening remarks. Senator Eduardo Bhatia, President and Rossana López León, Majority Whip of the Senate of Puerto Rico and Antonio Colorado, Special Advisor to the Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico, (DDEC), traveled from Puerto Rico to participate in the Forum. “Patria Extendida” alza su vóz The past August CN and FAC hosted a forum to discuss the impending takeover of La Junta Fiscal. CN reiterated its support to stand with the people of Puerto Rico. The forum and its findings were the front page story of El Nuevo Dia, Puerto Rico’s most prestigious and largest periodical.

Potente la voz de la diáspora Buscan presentar a la Junta Fiscal propuestas específicas en áreas como economía, salud, seguridad, educación y ambiente domingo, 14 de agosto de 2016 - 4:00 PM Por Gerardo E. Alvarado León To read article please visit: http://fw.to/Ojo5FJR

El Mesón Del Amor In 2014, CN began a partnership with El Mesón del Amor which provides free meals to students of the University of Puerto Rico, (UPI), Rio Piedras Campus. The food is cooked and donated by volunteers, Mon- days through Thursdays. The program is run by volunteer college students of the UPI. Casa de Amor, Fe y Esperanza is a Christian Church that operates the program. Many students suffer hunger in silence. Even though students receive Pell grants, there are times when the money arrives late, causing many who depend on this money for their college and personal expenses to go through a difficult economic situation during the first months of the semester. If there are problems with receiving this assistance, they can spend an entire semester without income and cannot sustain themselves. El Mesón del Amor opens its heart and doors to these young people that are trying to better their future by attending college and receiving an education.

In addition to a donation of non-perishable food to el Mesón, CN also outreached to Walmart and the Jose Santiago Company, Inc., the largest food company in Puerto Rico to support the organization. The donations made secured meals for 100 students each day for several months. Through the generous support of CN trip participants of 2014 a $1,100

92 Buscando Nuestras Raices (continued)

was donated for the Thanksgiving holiday. In 2015 and 2016, the Jose Santiago Company, Inc., continued its support delivering a truck load of non-perishable foods that once again enabled El Mesón to continue to provide free meals to students of the UPI.

Through the efforts of Angel Santini Palos, CN’s coordinator, CN was able to secure free healthcare for university students members of El Mesón through its relationship with the non-profit health organization HealthProMed located in Barrio Obrero, in San Juan. Last year, CN instituted a scholarship to be awarded to a UPI student volunteer of El Mesón, to date 2 scholarships have been awarded. Because of CN’s partnership and support of El Mesón del Amor, a permanent plaque bearing our logo was installed in El Meson’s new facility. We are extremely proud of this honor and promise to continue our commitment of support to el Mesón del Amor.

Promotion of Cultural Exchanges and Partnerships Festival de la Palabra: In 2012 CN began a partnership with Mayra Santos Febres, founder of Salón Literario Libroamericano de Puerto Rico and Festival de la Palabra at La Princesa sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Since then CN has supported Festival de la Palabra for the past 3 years, promoting the event and giving both Puerto Rican authors on the island and mainland the opportunity to promote their books and get exposure.

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico In 2008, CN partnered with Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico to present the Mundillo project and documentary with Maestro Antonio Martorell. Since then our partnership has presented several major events including a concert with La Banda De Conciertos de Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico’s Concert Band directed by Maestro Angel “Cuco” Peña and special presentation by Jesús Omar Rivera - El Boricuazo, an international radio and TV personality, writer, historian, and public speaker, known for his stories, facts, and trivia about Puerto Rico.

Fundación Nacional Para la Cultural Popular, (FNPCP) In 2008, CN began its successful partnership with Fundación Nacional Para la Cultural Popular, a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve, archive and promote the popular culture of Puerto Rico. Our first event was a bohemia by the renowned artist Lucy Fabery. Since then, FNPCP has sponsored and presented numerous musical performances including: Los Hermanos Saenz and Fusión Jonda as well as educational exhibits like the 50th anniversary of El Gran Combo; the stars of Ocho Puertas and many more. In 2011, FNPCP, became the first cultural organization of Puerto Rico to become a member of CN.

Relationship with La Fortaleza

93 Buscando Nuestras Raices (continued)

From our very first visit in 2007, Governors Anibal Acevedo Villa to Luis Fortuño to Alejandro Garcia Padilla have opened the doors of LA Fortaleza, the Governor’s Masion their home to Comité Noviembre. CN has forged a relationship that transcends political parties and focusses solely on the issues that are affecting Puerto Rico and how can CN and the Diaspora assist.

Buscando Nuestra Raíces at its Core…Extraordinary Memorable Trip for One CN Guest During our visit to the National Archives of Puerto Rico IN 2015 several photographs were selected randomly to show the group 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 guide who could not believe what he was hearing. The photo cap- tion 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 and CN trip particiant. Zenaida was able to identify the teacher, the town and herself assisting the National Archives with its research

94 COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE’S TENTH ANNUAL TRIP TO PUERTO RICO BUSCANDO NUESTRAS RAICES TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016 – FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2016

This year marked the 10th anniversary of CN”s cultural trip to Puerto Rico: “Buscando Nuestras Raíces.” Ten years ago, we planned this trip taking into consideration that many of us visit the island fre- quently but rarely visit the historical sites and landmarks unique to Puerto Rico. Our hope was that this trip would become an educational adventure into the richness of Puerto Rico’s culture, ancestral roots and history. Today, we have surpassed our expectations making this trip not only an educational and cultural experience but an opportunity to also support, sponsor and empower many humanitarian, environmental, cultural and social justice organizations and issues. For the first time ever our itinerary began in the western coast of Puerto Rico in the historical town of Mayagüez. From learning about one of Puerto Rico’s most beloved patriot, Eugenio María de Hostos, visiting historical buildings with hundreds of years of history to walking el paseo lineal in Aguadilla and experiencing the beauty of its ocean front and spending a day at the beach to hiking la Cueva Ventana in Arecibo, venturing into and creating memories once more in Old San Juan, your journey will be one of an explorer. Participants were treated to a special visit to the Gov- ernor’s Mansion, La Fortaleza, and a lunch hosted by Governor Garcia Padilla and the First Lady. Thought provoking presentations on the current economic situation in Puerto Rico, a “conversatorio” hosted by Agena Ciudadana on the role of the Diaspora gave participants a stronger sense of Puerto Rico’s future and the struggles ahead, as well as a discussion with the Mayor of San Juan Carmen Yulín Cruz. Ad- ditionally, many wonderful musical performances were experienced starting with La Tuna Mayagüezana, Fusión Jonda and many surprises rounds off the very exciting and educational itinerary.

95 CN TO RAISE CONSCIOUSNESS AND PROTECT A FIVE CENTURY ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE IN RIO BLANCO, NAGUABO, PR

CN is honored that it is working with muralist and activist Nitza Tufiño to raise consciousness and protect a five century archeological site recently discovered in Rio Blanco in Naguabo.

Nitza was CN’s 2015 artist and created a piece in homage to this important location and that exemplifies CN’s mission of preserving and protecting our culture and history. She has challenged CN to raise awareness and protect this archeological site which is home to one of the very first finding of Taíno petroglyphs carving. She has generously donated 25 pen and ink etching that CN will sell to raise funds to protect this area.

On CN’s educational trip to Puerto Rico the group visited Naguabo and met with its Mayor Noé Mar- cano. The Mayor was presented with CN’s 2015 poster by artist Nitza Tufiño and Teresa A. San- tiago, CN’s Chairwoman. He was excited at the prospect of having funds to up keep and protect the area. An agreement is being finalized to ensure that the funds raised by this effort are used solely for the needs of the archeological site.

If you are interested in making a donation or purchasing one of the limited edition etching please contact: Teresa A. Santiago, tascommunicationsllc@ gmail.com/914 263-6599 or Lili Santiago Silva, [email protected]/ (914) 751-5741

Nitza Tufiño is one of the most influential muralist and public artist in our community. Her most recognized ce- ramic murals have been commissioned for a number of public locations including the 103rd Street and Lexington Avenue subway station, the Third Street Music School, and LaGuardia Community College. Nitza was born in Mex- ico City in 1949 to the late Puerto Rican artist, Rafael Tufiño and Mexican dancer and model, Luz Maria Aguirre and grew up in Puetro Rico. Nitza was greatly influenced by both her parents. She has been commissioned by the Metropolitan Transit Authority, NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation, La Guardia Community College, Trinity College, and the Hospital for Special Care. As resident artist teaching art and design at Central Connecticut State University, she developed and created the first murals public art program at CCSU. In 1970, Tufiño began her 45 year relationship with El Taller Boricua. Nitza is a proud member of “El Consejo Grafico”, a national coalition of Latino printmaking workshops and individual printmakers.

96 97

Friday, January 6, 2017 | 11:00am |Free! Interested in marching El Museo del Barrio or volunteering with 40TH ANNUAL THREE El Museo del Barrio? Please email: KINGS DAY PARADE [email protected] for more information

1230 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029 www.elmuseo.org | #3K2017 | @elmuseo

98 La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc.

La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc. (The Puerto Rican Cultural Heritage House, Inc.), also known as “La Casa”, and located in El Barrio/East Harlem since 1980, has been a vital element in the cultural tapestry of New York City, representing the significant Puerto Rican Diaspora in all of its creative cultural force and art forms, and contributing to the vitality and development of the community. A historic, nonprofit cultural institution, La Casa was originally developed in 1980 and incorporated in 1983 by Puerto Rican pioneers, as a Heritage Library and Resource Center, to: promote, enrich, and preserve the culture and literary work of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, within the multicultural context of New York City. La Casa provides essential structural supports for cultural and educational activities, serves youth and their families, students, professional and emerging artists, and works in collaboration with educational and non-educational institutions, and other community groups directly from El Barrio, the Tri-State-Area, and Puerto Rico.

Leticia Rodriguez Executive Director La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Tel: (212) 470-9235 and Puertorriqueña, Inc. (212) 470 - 8228 240 East 123rd Street, Suite 306 Website: www. lacasapr.org New York, NY 10035 www.Facebook.com/lacasapr 99 Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration Office of the Honorable Alejandro Garcia Padilla, Governor

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 close to 3.5 million U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico, and advises local government agencies and municipalities on issues of interest to Puerto Rico before the federal government.

The Washington, D.C. office is the primary liaison between Puerto Rico’s officials, the White House, Con- gress, and federal agencies. Additionally, the office interacts with U.S. organizations representing governors from the states, including the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Southern Governors’ Association (SGA) to advance the interests of the people of Puerto Rico.

Like many states, Puerto Rico’s focus areas include economic development, transportation funding, energy, health care (including Medicare and Medicaid), as well as veterans, and defense issues.

PRFAA REGIONAL OFFICES

In addition to the Washington, D.C. office which serves as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s primary liason in the U.S. capital, PRFAA also has a Northeastern Regional Office, based in New York City and a Southern Regional Office in Kissimmee, Florida. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s regional offices are intended to promote cultural awareness and helps 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, empowerment and leadership development through partnerships with community organizations.

WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE: 1100 17th St. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 778-0710

Juan E. Hernández Mayoral Cesar A. Andreu Executive Director Deputy Director

NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL OFFICE: 135 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10020, (212) 252-7300

Rosa Cruz-Cordero Community Officer

Established in 1930, the Northeastern Regional Office is the oldest office of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the United States.

100 CENTROThe Center for Puerto Rican Studies

Our Mission Centro Publications The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter Centro Press enables us to engage in robust College-CUNY is a research institute that is participation in the fields of Puerto Rican, Latino, dedicated to the study and interpretation of the New York City, and American Studies. By taking Puerto Rican experience in the United States and that advantage of our vast archival resources and produces and disseminates relevant interdisciplinary connections in the Puerto Rican community, we research. Centro also collects, preserves, and disseminate crucial information about the Puerto provides access to library resources documenting Rican experience and contribution to the political, Puerto Rican history and culture. We seek to link economic, and social cultures of the United States scholarship to social action and policy debates and through the following mediums: to contribute to the betterment of our community and enrichment of Puerto Rican studies • CENTRO Journal - the premier journal of Puerto Rican studies and the place to go for contemporary analyses of the Puerto Rican Library and Archives experience. The Centro Library and Archives is the world’s only • Centro Voices – our e-magazine profiles the institution solely dedicated to collecting, preserving, multiple manifestations of Puerto Rican identity and disseminating the story of the Puerto Rican and culture. diaspora. Our collections include over 40,000 • Puerto Rican Voices – videos highlighting the photographs, original works by prominent writers contributions of Puerto Ricans in the U.S. and artists, papers of elected officials, early records of major community organizations, and other primary materials available nowhere else. Centro Events Centro events look into our past, portray our present and explore our future, with lectures, panel Research discussions, performances, art exhibits and more. Our research department investigates, documents, and broadens the understanding of the Puerto Rican Join us on Dec. 3 for Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans experience in the U.S. We heighten the impact of Parades & Festivals, a conference that brings the data by sharing it in research-based conferences together key members of organizations in the and publishing in original publications and refereed United States that organize Puerto Rican parades journals. and festivals to examine and gain a broader understanding of how they promote Puerto Rican culture and heritage and how they can work together Education towards this goal. We support and expand the area of Puerto Rican Studies by offering opportunities for students, Centropr.nationbuilder.com parents, and educators in the form of fellowships, internships, and education resources. Our teaching materials include lecture notes, syllabi, bibliographies, literature reviews, curriculum guides, @centropr study notes, educational posters, traveling exhibits and videos.

101 Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans

Edwin Melendez Director, Center for Puerto Rican Studies City University of New York

Puerto Rico is in a prolonged recession that started in 2006 and has resulted in a fiscal crisis, a reduction of public services, and a migration to the United States so massive it has lead to a significant decline in the island’s population. Though the economic, fiscal, and humanitarian crises have been widely addressed, their impact on stateside Puerto Ricans remain a secondary concern to many. Over the last decade, half a million Puerto Ricans, mostly millennials, migrated to the U.S. Today, almost two-thirds of the total Puerto Rican population resides stateside. This transformation has changed the profile of Puerto Ricans significantly. Even as stateside Puerto Ricans became more numerous than those living on the island, an important change in settlement and dispersion has also transpired. Puerto Ricans now make up close to 10 percent of the total Hispanic population in the U.S. In addition, in the last decade more than a million stateside Puerto Ricans migrated across state lines. This extraordinary rate of mobility is several times the rate for the population of the U.S. as a whole or for any other major ethnic group. Consider also that the South—and Central Florida, in particular—are the main destinations of inter- state movers and recent migrants. Indeed, as many Puerto Ricans live in Florida as in New York, the traditional enclave of Puerto Ricans. Similarly, it is apparent that, before long, the fast-growing Puerto Rican population in the South, West, and Midwest will outnumber Puerto Ricans in the Northeast. When this happens, it will mark a significant shift in the history of Puerto Ricans in the U.S. Undoubtedly, these dramatic population swings are partly explained by the disproportionate impact of the Great Recession on Puerto Ricans on the continent and the island. However, the Puerto Rican story is one of resiliency. The narrative that emerges from our research is of a community that, despite facing challenges in finding employment and staying off poverty, has been proactive in taking steps to overcome dire circumstances. Puerto Ricans’ resiliency is demonstrated by their seeking jobs wherever these were available, by taking training to improve skills and employability, by changing careers and occupations to accommodate employment demand, and by deploying strategies for improving competitiveness in the job market. The millennial migration and Puerto Rican resiliency are the best proof of an indomitable spirit. Over the last year, Centro sponsored events for the discussion of policy issues regarding the situation in Puerto Rico. For us, it is critical to promote not only an understanding of the current situation in Puerto Rico, but also of its impact on stateside Puerto Ricans. Equally important is for us to support efforts to articulate a diaspora response to the crisis, to advocate for an agenda for stateside organizations to move forward with coalition building, and to sustain a discussion of the role that Centro may play.

102 In response to the crisis, Centro has become an integral part of the solidarity with Puerto Rico movement, but our role is different from that of others. We seek to serve as a neutral convener for the discussion of critical issues, to serve as a nonpartisan think tank providing accurate and unbiased information, and to promote cultural awareness and historical preservation. As important, we implemented an action agenda in conjunction with a broad range of community leaders and organizations.

Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans. Last April, this event engaged dozens of community organizations and more than 600 participants. Shortly after, in collaboration with the Puerto Rican Day Parade, we sponsored the first-ever LGBT Ricans Encuentro, a forum to discuss and advance LGBT issues. And, in Sep- tember, with the participation of more than 300 community representatives, we celebrated Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans New England. Future conferences will focus in Florida, on youth, and on the environment. Parades and Festivals. On December 3, in collaboration with dozens of grassroots organizations, Centro is sponsoring the Conference Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans: Parades and Festivals, which will bring together key members of groups that organize parades and festivals to examine and gain a broader understanding of how they promote Puerto Rican culture and heritage. November: Puerto Rico Heritage Month. In conjunction with Comite Noviembre, Borimix, and numerous other community cultural organizations, our Puerto Rico Heritage Month campaign serves to educate younger generations about their history and culture and to celebrate our heritage and the many contributions of our community to the American story. This year we will broadcast in Puerto Rico with our partner WIPR and make available online several documentaries celebrating the legacy of Puerto Rican pioneers, such as Pura Belpre, Frank Bonilla, and Clemente Soto Velez. In addition, we will offer online courses on the history of Puerto Ricans in the Unites States, including a historical chronology pamphlet with illustrations and video. Puerto Rican Voices. This joint venture with WIPR-TV in Puerto Rico is now in its third season and, last September, received the 31st Annual Imagen Award for Best Local Informational Program. This television show focuses on cultural, historical, and current topics that highlight the contributions of Puerto Ricans across the U.S., including some of our most vibrant neighborhoods in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Hartford, Orlando, and Miami. The history of Puerto Ricans living in the U.S. spans more than 100 years. Our long-established communities, together with the more recent ones, have made us increasingly visible.

Today, more than ever, it is imperative that we join forces to preserve our history and culture, to celebrate our heritage, and to be proud of our contribution to the American story. Centro is proud to be a founding member of Comite Noviembre and to support an action agenda for Puerto Rico and for 8.6 million Puerto Ricans. More than ever, we are one people.

103 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 El Puente Leadership Center at Taylor-Wythe Houses 211 South 4th Street - Brooklyn, NY 11211 80 Clymer Street - Brooklyn, NY 11211 Tel: 718-387-0404 Tel: 718-782-5553

El Puente Leadership Beacon Center at MS 50 El Puente Bushwick Center 183 S. 3rd Street - Brooklyn, NY 11211 311 Central Avenue - Brooklyn, NY 11221 Tel: 718-486-3936 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 104 in MEMORIAM

CARLOS R. FERNANDEZ, As many of you know, Carlos R. Fer- nandez passed away on July 4, 2016, He was CN’s resident trip DJ, historian, Puerto Rican trivia expert and #1 Boricua. He loved CN’s Buscando Niuestra Raices trip especially sharing his love of Puerto Rico with others. He was an avid reader and music enthusiast. He loved all music but was an expert in all genres of Puerto Rican music and shared his knowledge and singing ability with everyone who would listen.

He loved “El Boricuazo” and I can still see him jumping out of his chair in pure excitement in acknowl- edgment of what Jesús Omar Rivera was proudly exclaiming about the extraordinary accomplishments of our tiny island. Carlos (left) is pictured here with Jesus Omar Rivera “El Boricuazo” (right) in 2009. He worked at NYU Medical Center for 47 years and worked from flipping burgers in the cafetería at age 17 to becoming a member of 1199 SEIU and ending his career as head of the Central Services Department. He touched and influenced the lives of so many.

On a personal note, Carlos was not only my uncle but my father figure, my champion, the keeper of our family history. He made me proud to be Puerto Rican not by waving a flag and putting on a “Kiss me I’m Puerto Rican” t-shirt once a year on parade day but by challenging me, his children and the rest of my sibling to educate ourselves, to read about what was not in the history books about Puerto Rico.

He was so proud of my 30 year involvement with Comité Noviembre and was always there for me whether it was a word of encouragement, picking up CN journal books at the printer or giving out CN posters and journals out of the trunk of his car. He was someone that I could always count on to volunteer his time and energy to Comité Noviembre and to the Artisan Fair every year. He will be deeply missed but his memory and the lessons he taught us about being Puerto Rican will live on. Teresa A. Santiago, CN’s Chairwoman and proud niece.

ANGEL LUIS ACOSTA, (1951 – 2016): A dedicated civil servant that worked at the NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal for over 20 years. Active member of the NYS Public Employees Federation, elected President of the Hispanic Committee and served as President of the NY Chapter of Labor Council for Latin American Advancement where he left his mark serving as a voice for change in the Latino community, mobilizing workers and protecting their rights.

ROSARIO FERRÉ, (1938-2016): A Puerto Rican writer, poet and essayist. She was the recipient of the “Liberatur Prix” award from the Frankfurt Book Fair for “Kristallzucker,” the German translation of “Maldito Amor.”

105 in MEMORIAM

GILBERTO GERENA VALENTÍN, (1918-2016): A fighter for honest government, a leader in the peace and civil rights movements, labor organizer, fighter for community control, lecturer and writer.

VELDA GONZÁLEZ (1933-2016): A Puerto Rican actress, dancer, comedian, politician and former Senator. From 1981 to 2005, she was a member of the Senate of Puerto Rico. In 2013 she received a Latin Grammy nomination for Sentimental, a collaboration with musician Humberto Ramírez.

HÉCTO R RAMOS, (1920 – 2016): A widely respected journalist and radio broadcaster, was considered a living legend among the Latin media radio broadcasters of New York and Puerto Rico. In 2010, he published his autobiography: “Hector Ramos - Un Hombre Para Todas las Epocas.” He was the editor of “Edad Dorada.”

HOLLY WOODLAWN, (1946-2016): A transgender Puerto Rican actress and Warhol superstar who appeared in his movies Trash and Women in Revolt. Woodlawn’s estate founded the Holly Woodlawn Memorial Fund for Transgender Youth at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ AGOSTO (1927-2016): A Puerto Rican politician whose service in government spanned several generations. Affiliated with the Popular Democratic Party (PPD), he started his political career as a Cabinet member, but eventually became a Senator at-large. Hernández Agosto served as President of the Senate of Puerto Rico for 12 years (1981-1993).

TAYLOR NEGRON, (1957-2015): A brilliantly funny comedian, actor, painter and playwright. He appeared and left his mark in numerous movies and television shows. In 2008, he wrote the critically acclaimed: The Unbearable Lightness of Being Taylor Negron – A Fusion of Story and Song. His comedy essays have been published in several anthology books. Painting was his passion and had many important exhibitions.

106 107 Calendar of Events

Month Long Events NYS GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO ISSUANCE OF PROCLAMATION OF PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH NYC MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO ISSUANCE OF PROCLAMATION OF PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Month Long Events

On-view through October 28, 2016 through November 30, 2016 COMITE NOVIEMBRE POSTER EXHIBIT. A collection of thirty posters chronicalling the artistic rendition of CN’s themes. Loisaida Center. 710 East 9th Street, Lower East Side, NY, 10009. Monday-Friday. FREE. For more information contact Angel Santini, [email protected]

International Coquito Tasting Federation presents the 2016 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. 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 Qui- nones- [email protected] or (917) 287-4964. For more information on venues and Coquito Marketa (TBA) visit www.facebook.com/coquito.master.

La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc. presents MUSIC INSTRUCTION PROGRAM WITH CUATRO/ TRES MASTER LUIS RODRIGUEZ. Learn to play the Cuatro Instrument and the Folkloric Music of Puerto Rico. For more than 35 years, La Casa has conducted the Cuatro Music Instruction Program at its headquarters and other venues for the community of El Barrio, and participants from the tristate area. La Casa’s Cuatro Music Instruction Program introduces participants to the history and traditions connected to this century old form of musical interpretation, its construction, and how to read and play music in a hands-on, and enjoyable environment. Advanced participants will have an opportunity to join our Rondalla de Cuatros (Cuatro Music Ensemble) with an opportunity to perform at community events and other venues. El Barrio’s ArtSpace PS 109, 215 East 99th Street, New York, NY 10029 (between 3rd & 2nd Avenue). Saturdays 10-12:30 PM. Cost: $20.00/$10.00 for Students. Information: Tel: (212) 470 - 8228, (212) 470 - 9235 or visit www. lacasapr.org .

On-view through November 26, 2016 El Museo del Barrio presents ANTONIO LOPEZ: Future Funk Fashion, an exhibition on the work of the fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez (1943-1987). This exhibition will explore various aspects of the work of this important artist, developing thematic sections that focus on high fashion illustration, his relationship to particular models, his shoe and jewelry designs, and images of people he came to know and love from the streets of New York City. Antonio Lopez was born in Puerto Rico and his family migrated to New York City when Antonio was seven. To keep her son off the streets, Lopez’s mother, a seamstress, would ask him to draw flowers for her embroideries. Lopez went on to illustrate fashions for Women’s Wear Daily and The New York Times and eventually became a free-lance artist for many of the top fashion publications, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Andy Warhol’s Interview. Through his work, Lopez made great strides in exploring and representing the ethnic or racialized body within the world of high fashion. His imagery helped to develop and underscore a new canon of beauty throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The show’s co-curators are Rocío Aranda-Alvarado, El Museo del Barrio and Amelia Malagamba-Ansótegui, from Arizona State University and University of Texas San Antonio. Las Galerias, El Museo del Barrio: 1230 5th Avenue @ 104th Street, NYC. Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00am - 6:00pm, Suggested donation: Adults $9, Students and Seniors $5, Members and children under 12 Free. Free every Third Saturdays of the month and for Seniors on Wednesday. For more information: (212) 831-7272 or visit the website www.elmuseo.org.

108 On view through January 27, 2017 CENTRO: Center For Puerto Rican Studies presents Café Con Comics: Boricuas in the Comic Book Industry. For decades, Puerto Ricans have been well-represented in the comic book industry. This exhibition will uncover and highlight the work, participation and contributions of some these artists, writers, illustrators and colorists, as well as display examples of the artwork they have created throughout the years. Curated by Edgardo Miranda-Rodríguez. Silberman School of Social Work, 2180 Third Avenue (119th Street), Centro Library and Archives Rm 120. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM. Free Admission. For more information, visit www.centrpr.hunter.cuny.edu.

On-view through December 4, 2016 El Museo del Barrio presents Figure and Form: Recent Acquisitions to the Permanent Collection. This exhibition features a selection of recent acquisitions to El Museo’s permanent collection including a large painting by David Antonio Cruz, Puerto Rican Pieta, a portrait of the artist and his mother, as well as a large-scale self-portrait by Alessandra Expósito. Also featured are a set of body cast sculptures by artist Rigoberto Torres (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, 1960) and East Harlem resident John Ahearn. Works of photography, prints, sculpture, and ceramics accompany paintings in this multi-media exhibition that highlights the iconic presence of the human form in various ways. Quiet moments of (self) reflection are seen as are individual statements about the possibilities of a particular material, such as wood, ceramics, or the photograph. The artist is often present, as in a series of photographs by Ernesto Pujol (Cuba, 1957). Art stars from the last century such as Julio Alpuy (Uruguay, 1919-New York, 2009), the ceramicist Louis Mendez (New York, 1929-2012) and Nemesio Antunez (Chile, 1918-1993) are shown alongside younger artists such as Cruz (Philadelphia, 1974), Expósito (Buffalo, New York, 1967) and William Villalongo (Hollywood, Florida, 1975). Artists included are Julio Alpuy, David Antonio Cruz, Nemesio Antúnez, caraballo-farman (Abou Farman and Leonor Caraballo), Luis Cruz Azaceta, Alessandra Expósito, Caio Fonseca, Louis Méndez, Ernesto Pujol, Nick Quijano, Chuck Ramírez, Analia Segal, Francisco Toledo, Rigoberto Torres, and Wil- liam Villalongo. Las Galerias, El Museo del Barrio: 1230 5th Avenue @ 104th Street, NYC. Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00am - 6:00pm, Suggested donation: Adults $9, Students and Seniors $5, Members and children under 12 Free. Free every Third Saturdays of the month and for Seniors on Wednesday. For more information: (212) 831-7272 or visit the website www.elmuseo.org.

On-view through December 7, 2016 Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, in partnership with the Bronx Council on the Arts, Bronx Art Space, Bronx Museum of the Arts, The Andrew Freedman Home, The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, Poe Park Visitor Center Gallery, is pleased to be participating in the Fifth Bronx Latin American Art Biennial. Featured artists at Longwood include: Liliana Avalos (Perú), Williams Carmona (Cuba), Scherezade García ( Dominican Republic), Patrick McGrath Muñiz (Puerto Rico), Elsa Meléndez (Puerto Rico), José Morales, (Puerto Rico), Clara Morera (Cuba), Freddy Rodríguez (Dominican Republic), Nancy Saleme (Venezuela), Juan Sánchez (Puerto Rico), Ezequiel Taveras (Dominican Republic), Sandra Mack Valencia (Colombia). Chief Curator: Alexis Mendoza. Biennial Director: Luis Stephenberg. Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos, 450 Grand Concourse, Bronx. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday: 12 PM-5 PM. Admission: Free. For more information: (718) 518-4455.

On-view through December 15, 2016 Empire State College presents La Raza: Embracing Diversity. Latinos also have unique cultures, yet they share common values rooted on family traditions and religious beliefs exquisite gastronomy and friendly spirit. This rich cultural diversity has become the shared identity of the Hispanic/Latino community as represented in this exhibit by the artists: Patricia Cazorla, Daisy Ferrer, Raul Manzano and Gabriel Rivera. Empire State College Gallery - 177 Livingston Street, 6th floor, Brooklyn. Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10AM–4PM. Free admission. For information:www.esc.edu.

On-view through January 2, 2017 Whitney Museum of American Arts presents Carmen Herrera: Lines of Sight. This is the first museum exhibition of this groundbreaking 101 year old artist in New York City in nearly two decades. Focusing on the years 1948 to 1978, the period during which Herrera developed her signature style, the show features more than fifty works, including paintings, three-dimensional works, and works on paper. It begins with the formative period following World War II, when Herrera lived in Paris and experimented with different modes of abstraction before establishing the visual language that she would explore with great nuance for the succeeding five decades. Many of these works have never been displayed before in a museum. The second section of the show is an unprecedented gathering of works from what Herrera considers her most important series, Blanco y Verde (1959–1971). With work dating from approximately 1962 to 1978, the final section illuminates Herrera’s continued experimentation with figure/ground relationships and highlights the architectural

109 underpinnings of many of her compositions. This section includes four wooden sculptures—Herrera’s “estructuras”—as well as her brilliant Days of the Week, a series of seven vivid paintings. Exhibition organized by Dana Miller, the former Richard DeMartini Family Curator and Director of the Collection at the Whitney Museum. Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort Street, NYC 10014. Museum hours: Mon, Wed – Sunday, 10:30 AM – 6 PM; Fridays and Saturdays till 10 PM. Tickets: Adults $22, Students and Seniors $17. For information: www.whitney.org.

On View through December 19, 2016 NoMAA (Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance) exhibit “PORTRAITS OF COMMUNITY: People, Places” with Elizabeth Currier, Alexis Duque, Leslie Jimenez and Tony Serio. Curated by Gabriel de Guzman. Allen Hospital, 5141 Broadway, NYC. Free Admission. For more information: www.nomaanyc.org .

On-view November 4, 2016 to November 30, 2016 SEA and Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center presents BORINQUEYA: An Evolving Travesy! A multi- disciplinary visual arts exhibition curated by Miguel Luciano and Miguel Trelles exploring the contemporary practices of Dominican and Puerto Rican Visual Artists reflecting the dynamic relationship between these “Antillanos” in the Caribbean and in the diaspora. LES & Abrazo Interno Gallery @ the Clemente, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. Admission: Free. For more information: call (212) 529-1545.

On-view November 11, 2016 to November 15, 2016 International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival (IPRHFF) presents the 6TH INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL. The 2016 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 11 to November 15 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

On-view November 17, 2016 through January 7, 2017 Taller Boricua presents ARTE Y EL AMOR ( ART AND LOVE). This group exhibition explores the creative relations between artist couples, co - curated by Esperanza Cortés and Marcos Dimas. The artist couples include Lina Puerta and Alexis Duque; Juanita Lanzo and John Ahearn; Nitza Tufino and Rafaela Ronnie Billini; Michelle Marcuse and Henry Bermudez; Iliana Garcia and Robert Dandorov; Elena Calderon and partner; Esperanza Cortés and Michael Pribich. 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.

On-view Nov. 18, 2016 to Nov. 30, 2016 SEA and Comisionado Dominicano de Cultura presents M&M. An exhibition combining recent work by visual artists Miguel Luciano and Miguel Trelles, co-curators of Borinqueya: An Evolving Travesy. M&M curated by Alexis Mendoza. Comisionado de Cultura Dominicana, 541 West, 145 St., NYC. Admission Free. For more information: call (212) 529- 1545.

On-view beginning December 12, 2016 Instituto Cervantes presents THE VISUAL UNIVERSE OF JORGE LUIS BORGES: 30 YEARS SINCE THE DEATH OF JL BORGES. One of the least known aspects of Borge’s work, are his writing on the visual arts. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the author’s death, a group of Argentine artists reflect on the relationship between Borges and the visual arts. Featured artists include: Sara Facio (photography); Gabriela Aberastury (drawing and video); Gabriel Barna (etchings and drawings); Norma Bessouet (escultura); Mariano Cornejo (instalación) y Ezequiel Díaz Ortiz (diseño catálogo-libro). Instituto Cervantes, 211 E. 49th Street, Manhattan. Gallery hours: M-F 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM, Saturdays 10 AM-2:30 PM.. Free Admission. Information: www.newyork.cervantes.org.

110 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016 LOISAIDA presents FESTIVAL DE throughout the event. In Remem- LA PALABRA 2016 KICK-OFF. Book brance of Victims of Femicide: We will COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE ANNUAL Presentation “SAN JUAN NOIR”. adorn our altar (ofrenda) in pink in re- PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH San Juan Noir is an unprecedented membrance of the hundreds of thou- KICK-OFF EVENT, honoring the un- volume of contemporary Puerto Ri- sands of women who have been killed sung heroes of our community through can fiction edited by renowned au- violently in Mexico and other parts “Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad” thor Mayra Santos-Febres, creator of of the world. Join us by placing pink Awards. El Museo del Barrio. 6PM. Puerto Rico’s Festival de la Palabra roses on the altar as we remember By invitation only. For more informa- . She’ll be attending this special New them. East Yard of St. Mark’s Church tion www.comitenoviembre.org York City launch, alongside anthol- in-the-Bowery, 131 East 10th Street, ogy contributors Charlie Vázquez, Manhattan. 12 PM to 6 PM. Free Ad- . Wilfredo Burgos Matos and Manuel mission. More information visit www. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016 Meléndez manoamano.us. and Tere Dávila. Loisaida Center, 710 INSTITUTO CERVANTES presents East 9th Street, NYC. 7:30 PM. Free. Bronx Zoo presents BOO AT THE FESTIVAL DE LA PALABRA 2016 Information: www.loisaida.org. panel: ESCRIBIR EN ESPAÑOL EN ZOO. Halloween activities feature NY. Panel includes Teresa Nasarre hay mazes, costume parades, mu- Abizanda and Eduardo Lago. Insti- Repertorio Español presents LA CAN- sical theater, magic, and more. Visit tuto Cervantes, 211 E. 49th Street, CIÓN, THE MUSICAL with Original bats, owls, vultures and other winged Manhattan. 5 PM. Free. Information: Songs by VICO C. Written by Cán- icons of Halloween, then embark on www.newyork.cervantes.org. dido Tirado and directed by Edward a trip back in time as you ride our Di- Torres. “La canción” is the humorous nosaur Safari! 11:00 AM– 4:30 PM. and refreshing story of Rafa, a young Admission: $23.95-33.95 (10% sav- Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture With- man from The Bronx with a passion ings if purchased online). For more out Borders presents DAY OF THE for music. One night, Rafa dreams information or directions to the Zoo DEAD/DIA DE MUERTOS . Day of of a song he has never heard before visit www.bronxzoo.com. the Dead has been one of Mexico’s and when he awakens he inexplicably most important festivals since Pre- knows the lyrics to the song. Capti- Hispanic times. It is a time for families Repertorio Español presents LA CAN- vated by the song and with the desire CIÓN, THE MUSICAL with Original to gather and welcome the souls of to adapt it to urban music, Rafa em- the dead on their annual visit home. Songs by VICO C. Written by Cán- barks on a quest to find its author, but dido Tirado and directed by Edward Mexican food and crafts available in his search unexpectedly discovers for purchase throughout the event. Torres. “La canción” is the humorous the truth about his origins. In this new and refreshing story of Rafa, a young Special in Remembrance of Victims musical, Rafa tells his story through of Femicide: We will adorn our altar man from The Bronx with a passion an amalgam of musical genres from for music. One night, Rafa dreams (ofrenda) in pink in remembrance of Rap to tropical tunes like Salsa, Me- the hundreds of thousands of women of a song he has never heard before rengue and Bachata.Performed in and when he awakens he inexplicably who have been killed violently in Mex- Spanish with English subtitles via Si- ico and other parts of the world. Join knows the lyrics to the song. Capti- multext® In-Seat Captioning System. vated by the song and with the desire us by placing pink roses on the altar The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East as we remember them. East Yard of to adapt it to urban music, Rafa em- 27th Street (between Lexington & barks on a quest to find its author, but St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery, 131 Third Avenue), NYC. 8 PM. Tickets East 10th Street, Manhattan. 12 PM in his search unexpectedly discovers begin $17-$72. For reservations, call the truth about his origins. In this new to 6 PM. Free Admission. More infor- (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio. mation visit www.manoamano.us. musical, Rafa tells his story through org. an amalgam of musical genres from Rap to tropical tunes like Salsa, Me- NY PUBLIC MAIN LIBRARY ON 5TH rengue and Bachata.Performed in SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2016 presents FESTIVAL DE LA PALABRA Spanish with English subtitles via Si- 2016 panel: “La Ciudad, Una Isla multext® In-Seat Captioning System. Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture With- entre La Utopía y La Pesadilla” with The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East out Borders presents DAY OF THE Charlie Vázquez, Marina Pereza- 27th Street (between Lexington & DEAD/DIA DE MUERTOS . Day of the gua, and Carmen Boullosa. New York Third Avenue), NYC. 3 PM. Tickets Dead has been one of Mexico’s most Public Library on 5th Avenue (42nd. begin $17-$72. For reservations, call important festivals since Pre-Hispanic Street), NYC. 6 PM. Free. For more (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio. times. It is a time for families to gather information, visit www.nypl.org. org. and welcome the souls of the dead on their annual visit home. Mexican food and crafts available for purchase

111 LOISAIDA presents FESTIVAL DE larious stand-up comedy by the same most important festivals since Pre- LA PALABRA 2016. Panel: “Memoria, gifted comedian who made us laugh Hispanic times. It is a time for families Literatura y Comunidad” with Tina Ca- uncontrollably with LA VIDA EN LOS to gather and welcome the souls of sanova, Charlie Vázquez, José Rabe- ESCLAVOS UNIDOS and EL INSOM- the dead on their annual visit home. lo and Mariposa Fernández. Loisaida NIO AMERICANO. EN LA USA ME Mexican food and crafts available for Center, 710 East 9th Street, NYC. 4 QUEDÉ is a non-stop over the top purchase throughout the event. Spe- PM. Free. Information: www.loisaida. comedy about the life of immigrants cial tribute and altar to Juan Gabriel org. who decide to stay in the USA search- with performance by singer Claudia ing for the American Dream which will Valentina. East Yard of St. Mark’s ultimately come true for their children. Church in-the-Bowery, 131 East 10th LOISAIDA presents FESTIVAL DE Performed in Spanish only. No English Street, Manhattan. 1 PM to 6 PM. LA PALABRA 2016. Screening and translation available. The Gramercy Free Admission. More information panel: Documentaries: “Luis/Lizza” Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street visit www.manoamano.us . and “Clemente Soto Vélez” with Jo- (between Lexington & Third Avenue), elle González-Laguer, Luis Felipe NYC. 8 PM. Tickets begin $17-$72. Díaz and Alfredo Villanueva Collado. For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 Repertorio Español presents EN LA Loisaida Center, 710 East 9th Street, or www.repertorio.org. USA ME QUEDÉ with stand up co- NYC. 4:30 PM. Free. Information: median Saulo Garcia. A new and hi- www.loisaida.org. larious stand-up comedy by the same Queens Theatre in the Park presents gifted comedian who made us laugh DIA DE LOS MUERTOS WITH CAL- uncontrollably with LA VIDA EN LOS LOISAIDA presents FESTIVAL DE LA PULLI MEXICAN DANCE COMPANY. ESCLAVOS UNIDOS and EL INSOM- PALABRA 2016 PANEL: “Caribe: Ar- Dia de los Muertos is a captivating NIO AMERICANO. EN LA USA ME chipiélago de Sueños” with Raúl Agu- work about the unending relationship QUEDÉ is a non-stop over the top iar, Carlos Fonseca, Manolo Núñez between the living and the departed comedy about the life of immigrants Negrón and Mayra Santos-Febres. featuring passionate live music, larg- who decide to stay in the USA search- Loisaida Center, 710 East 9th Street, er-than-life characters, and breathtaking for the American Dream which NYC. 5:30 PM. Free. Information: ing dance for all ages. Queens The- will ultimately come true for their www.loisaida.org. atre in the Park, 14 United Nations children. Performed in Spanish only. Avenue, South Flushing Meadows No English translation available. The Corona Park, Queens. 8 PM. Admis- Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th LOISAIDA presents FESTIVAL DE LA sion: $25. For information and tickets: Street (between Lexington & Third Av- PALABRA 2016 BOOK PRESENTA- www.queenstheatre.org . enue), NYC. 2:30 PM. Tickets begin TION: “Yo Soy Iris Chacón” with Iris $17-$72. For reservations, call (212) Chacón. Loisaida Center, 710 East 9th 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Street, NYC. 7 PM. Free. Information: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016 www.loisaida.org. Taller Boricua commemorates THE Pregones Theater PRTT presents I LIKE IT LIKE THAT. – A story of THE HOSTOS CENTER FOR THE TOWN OF JAYUYA OCTOBER 30TH the Rodriguez family living in New ARTS presents LA NENA SE CASA. with a presentation by Dr. Olga Jimé- York City’s East Harlem in the early Repertorio Español production written nez de Wagenheim. Dr. Olga Jiménez 1970s, when music was the lifeline by Carlos Ferrari and directed by José de Wagenheim (Professor Emerita in and proudest expression of El Barrio. Zayas. A cleverly cruel comedy about History, Rutgers University will dis- With Jorge Maldonado. Puerto Rican a desperate father who will do abso- cuss her new book, Nationalist Hero- Traveling Theater, 304 W 47th Street, lutely anything to marry off one of his ines: Puerto Rican Women History New York NY 10036. 3 PM and 7 PM. three unmarried daughters. This play Forgot, 1930s-1950s which seeks to Tickets starts at $65. For more infor- is a wicked look at the absurd choices rescue the stories of the women who mation: www.pregonesprtt.org. people can make to maintain social gave up their freedom in the quest to appearances. In Spanish with Eng- free their homeland. Signed copies of her book will be available. Julia De lish subtitles. Repertory Theater, 450 Bronx Zoo presents BOO AT THE Grand Concourse at 149th Street in Burgos Cultural Center, 1680 Lex- ington Ave., NYC 10029. 2:30 PM. ZOO. Halloween activities feature the Bronx. 7 PM. Admission: $15/Stu- hay mazes, costume parades, mu- dents $5. For information call (718) Admission: Free. Information: www. tallerboricua.org. sical theater, magic, and more. Visit 518-4455. bats, owls, vultures and other winged icons of Halloween, then embark on a trip back in time as you ride our Di- Repertorio Español presents EN LA Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture With- nosaur Safari! 11:00 AM– 4:30 PM. USA ME QUEDÉ with stand up co- out Borders presents DAY OF THE Admission: $23.95-33.95 (10% sav- median Saulo Garcia. A new and hi- DEAD/DIA DE MUERTOS . Day of the Dead has been one of Mexico’s ings if purchased online). For more 112 information or directions to the Zoo Join El Museo on the first Wednesday Eventbrite. visit www.bronxzoo.com. of each month as we embark on an adventure with time for play, storytell- Queens Theatre in the Park presents THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS WITH CAL- ing, museum walks, and art making. PULLI MEXICAN DANCE COMPANY. Recommended for children ages 1-4 Repertorio Español presents LA Dia de los Muertos is a captivating and their caregivers. No reservations GRINGA, by Carmen Rivera and di- work about the unending relationship required, first come first served. Las rected by Rene Buch. María arrives between the living and the departed Galerias, El Museo del Barrio: 1230 5th in Puerto Rico and is very excited featuring passionate live music, larg- Avenue @ 104th Street, NYC. FIRST about seeing “her homeland.” As she er-than-life characters, and breathtak- SESSION: 9:30am-10:30am; SEC- visits her uncle in Puerto Rico she is ing dance for all ages. Queens The- OND SESSION: 11:00am-12:00pm. faced with many questions about be- atre in the Park, 14 United Nations Free Event. For more information: ing Puerto Rican. La Gringa is a story Avenue, South Flushing Meadows (212) 831-7272 or visit the website about cultural identity and family. The Corona Park, Queens. 4 PM. Admis- www.elmuseo.org. Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th sion: $25. For information and tickets: Street (between Lexington & Third Av- www.queenstheatre.org . Pregones Theater PRTT presents I enue), NYC. 11 AM. Tickets $30. For LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2016 www.repertorio.org. cal theater role of his career! I Like It Like That – A Musical is the story Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture With- of the Rodriguez family living in New Barnard College and SEA presents out Borders presents DAY OF THE York City’s East Harlem in the early Dominican and Puerto Rican The- DEAD/DIA DE MUERTOS . Day of 1970s, when music was the lifeline atre: A Panel Discussion with Direc- the Dead has been one of Mexico’s and proudest expression of El Barrio. tors and Playwrights. Directors and most important festivals since Pre- Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 Playwrights from the Dominican and Hispanic times. It is a time for families W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. Puerto Rican diaspora discuss their to gather and welcome the souls of 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more work and experience in the NYC the- the dead on their annual visit home. information: www.pregonesprtt.org. atre scene. Panelists will address the Mexican food and crafts available for opportunities and obstacles they have purchase throughout the event. Spe- encountered and the role that Domini- cial tribute and altar to Juan Gabriel LatinoJustice PRLDEF, National Law- can and Puerto Rican culture play in with performance by Mariachis at 5 yers Guild, and Puerto Rican Bar their creative process. Barnard Col- PM. East Yard of St. Mark’s Church Association presents PROMESA lege, Barnard Hall, The James Room, in-the-Bowery, 131 East 10th Street, FULFILLED? A discussion on the le- 4th Floor, 3009 Broadway, NYC. 5-7 Manhattan. 1 PM to 6 PM. Free Ad- gal and legislative responses to the PM. Free. For more information: mission. More information visit www. economic crisis in Puerto Rico, which (212) 529-1545. manoamano.us . has been devastating to the island. The panel will discuss the passage of the federal law (PROMESA) and PAMAR and NYPL presents Latin TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2016 the new federal fiscal control board, American Culture Work PRE-OPEN- the civil rights impact of the crisis ING EVENT:EDDY MARCANO’S CD Pregones Theater PRTT presents I and austerity measures, and the RELEASE CONCERT:¡VIVA ALDE- LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon constitutional and international legal MARO ROMERO! ¨ONDA NUEVA¨/ TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- dimensions to the measures being TARDE TINTA. ¡Viva Aldemaro! cal theater role of his career! I Like proposed and implemented to ad- is a journey using the violin with a It Like That – A Musical is the story dress fiscal solvency. Moderator:Ms. compendium of the best from the of the Rodriguez family living in New Natalie Gomez-Velez, CUNY School beautiful, refreshing instrumental and York City’s East Harlem in the early of Law; Panelists: Ms. Natasha Lycia vocal music of maestro Aldemaro 1970s, when music was the lifeline Ora Bannan, National Lawyers Guild Romero led by Eddy Marcano (violin) and proudest expression of El Barrio. and LatinoJustice PRLDEF; Mr. Rich- with José Layo Puente (double bass), Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 ard J. Cooper, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Daniel Prim (percussion) and Baden W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. Hamilton LLP; Mr. Federico de Jesús, Goyo (piano) SPECIAL GUESTS: 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more FDJ Solutions, LLC; Ms. Ariadna Carmela Ramírez (vocals) Jorge information: www.pregonesprtt.org. Godreau-Aubert, Espacios Abiertos; Polanco (cuatro). New York Public Mr. Efrén Rivera Ramos, University Library - Inwood Branch,4790 Broad- of Puerto Rico School of Law. Event way, NYC. 6:30 PM. Free Admission. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 at Cravath, Swaine & Moore in NYC For more information, visit www.nypl. . 6-8 PM. Registration is required: org. El Museo del Barrio presents COQUI RSVP and more information only on CLUB: MOVE WITH THE MUSICA. 113 Pregones Theater PRTT presents I contestant please email coquitomas- LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon [email protected]. El Café, El Museo Florida Puerto Rican/Hispanic Cham- TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- del Barrio: 1230 5th Avenue @ 104th ber of Commerce presents THE cal theater role of his career! I Like Street, NYC. RSVP required through 20TH ANNUAL BREVARD COUN- It Like That – A Musical is the story our website for the tasting. For more TY’S PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE of the Rodriguez family living in New information: (212) 831-7272 or visit GALA. Hilton Realto, Melbourne, York City’s East Harlem in the early the website www.elmuseo.org. Florida. 6 PM. Tickets $55-100. For 1970s, when music was the lifeline information www.FPRHCC.org. and proudest expression of El Barrio. Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 Pregones Theater PRTT presents I LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2016 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musical theater role of his career! I Like information: www.pregonesprtt.org. NYPL presents BELLEZAS DE LAS It Like That – A Musical is the story AMÉRICAS. Mezzo soprano Anna of the Rodriguez family living in New Tonna and Colombian guitarist Fran- FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 York City’s East Harlem in the early cisco Roldán present “Belleza de las 1970s, when music was the lifeline Américas,” a recital for guitar and Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. and proudest expression of El Barrio. voice that showcases composers of (SEA) and The Clemente presents Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 the Caribbean, South America and BORIMIX 2016 FESTIVAL CELE- W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. Central America as well as both his- BRATION & AWARDS CEREMONY. 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more torical and contemporary music from Celebrate this festival kick-off event information: www.pregonesprtt.org. the United States. NYPL - Washing- and opening of the visual arts exhibi- ton Heights Branch, 1000 St. Nicholas tion, Borinqueya: Evolving Travesy! Ave, NYC. 2 PM. Free Admission. The evening begins with the BORI- Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE For more information visit: www.an- MIX Awards Ceremony followed by HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- natonna.com, www.franciscoroldan. food, dancing and live Puerto Rican ploring the History of Salsa with the com, or www.nypl.org. and Dominican music by Lorenzo Award Winning Colombian Dance & El Grupo Bravo. Don’t miss this Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 fun-filled evening celebrating Puerto THE HOSTOS CENTER FOR THE Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. Rican heritage, arts and culture! Cle- ARTS presents CHARANGA-FEST. 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 mente Soto Velez Center, 107 Suffolk The three top Charanga bands in Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. Street, NYC. 7 PM – 10:30 PM Ad- New York – Orquesta Broadway, fea- 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students mission: FREE. For additional infor- turing Eddy Zervigon, La Charanga & Seniors. For information call (718) mation, please call (212) 529-1545. 76, featuring Andrea Brachfeld, and 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. Típica Novel, featuring Mauricio Smith, come together for an unprec- Repertorio Español presents LA edented evening of lively Cuban mu- GRINGA, by Carmen Rivera and di- Repertorio Español presents LA ZA- sic, inspired by the dance, featuring rected by Rene Buch. María arrives PATERA PRODIGIOSA by García a host of special Charanga guest art- in Puerto Rico and is very excited Lorca, directed . by Andrés Zam- ists including the legendary Pupi Le- about seeing “her homeland.” As she brano. A small village is scandalized garreta as well as Connie Grossman visits her uncle in Puerto Rico she is by the marriage of an old shoemaker and Karen Joseph. Co-produced with faced with many questions about be- and a beautiful, sensual, and flirta- Richie Bonilla Artist Management. ing Puerto Rican. La Gringa is a story tious young woman. LA ZAPATERA Main Theater, 450 Grand Concourse about cultural identity and family. The PRODIGIOSA is a poetic comedy by at 149th Street in the Bronx. 7:30 PM. Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Federico García Lorca where true Admission: Orch $30 /Mezz $25 /Stu- Street (between Lexington & Third Av- love triumphs. Filled with music and dents $10. For information call (718) enue), NYC. 11 AM. Tickets $30. For performed by a talented cast, this play 518-4455. reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or will leave audiences in awe of one of www.repertorio.org. García Lorca’s most captivating stories. Performed in Spanish with sub- Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. titles in English & Spanish via Simul- (SEA) presents THE GLORY, A LAT- Coquito Tasting is back at El Museo! text® In-Seat Captioning System. The IN CABARET: DANIEL SANTOS, Come taste the recipes from this Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th MYRTA SILVA Y CELIA CRUZ EN LA year’s Coquito Master Qualifier Se- Street (between Lexington & Third Av- GLORIA CARIBEÑA. Created & di- ries 2016 contestants, and help enue), NYC. 8 PM. Ticket from $17- rected by Manuel Antonio Morán and choose the final winner. Remember 68. For reservations, call (212) 225- written by Norge Espinosa, The Glory to bring ID if you’d like to taste, and 9999 or www.repertorio.org. is a celestial Caribbean Cabaret full vote! Space is limited. To register as a 114 of famous ghostly singers, musicians 5 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more an entire Latin American town ap- and dancers. The emcee, Arcángel information: www.pregonesprtt.org. pears to be an accessory to the fact. Camacho, is expecting a new per- Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE The Gramercy Art Theatre, 138 East former that will debut that night at the HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- 27th Street (between Lexington & Cabaret, however he is interrupted ploring the History of Salsa with the Third Avenue), NYC. 11 AM. Admis- by famous ghost Stars of that Caba- Award Winning Colombian Dance sion: $17-68. For reservations, call ret, the great Puerto Rican singers Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio. Myrta Silva & Daniel Santos, who are DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 org. complaining that they will be not re- Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. placed. In order to maintain their Star 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 positions in the cabaret, the orchestra Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. (La Sonora Matancera) helps them 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students Florida Puerto Rican/Hispanic Cham- by playing many songs (Boleros and & Seniors. For information call (718) ber of Commerce presents THE 20TH Guarachas). The clock strikes twelve 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. midnight and the new diva appears ANNUAL BREVARD COUNTY’S who is non-other than superstar Celia PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE. Cel- Cruz. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, PAMAR presents Latin American Cul- ebrating the 503rd year discovery of NYC. 8 PM. Tickets $37.50 Advance/ ture Week-OPENING EVENT-GALA Florida by Ponce de Leon. Parade $50 at door. For more information/ CONCERT/MILONGA/MIDNIGHT starts in Palm Bay with the line up at tickets:www.teatrosea.org or (212) SHOW. Gala show with performanc- 2pm on Eldron Road and Malabar Rd 529-1545. es by Quinteto Leopoldo Federico ending at the Palm Bay City Hall with and Dancers Ivan Ovalle & Gina Me- a free Festival until 8pm. 2 PM. Free. dina, Tango Class by Karina Romero; For information www.FPRHCC.org. Repertorio Español presents BU- Eddy Marcano Acoustic Quartet; Ga- RUNDANGA, a new comedy by Jordi briel Misse & Carla Espinoza Tango Pregones Theater PRTT presents Galcerán and directed by José Za- Dancers. Flamboyán Theater, Cle- MUNDO CRUEL. Directly from Puer- yas. Sylvia and Berta are desperate mente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educa- to Rico! Collaboratively adapted from to discover the true character of Ber- tional Center, 107 Suffolk St. (Lower Luis Negrón’s eponymous short story ta’s boyfriend, Manel. But when they Level), NYC. 7 PM to 2 AM. Admis- collection and winner of a 2014 Lamb- drug him with Burundanga – a truth sion: Advance $30, Day of the Show da Literary Award. MUNDO CRUEL serum where the consumer can’t lie $40 (cash only). For tickets: http:// jolts the audience with the verve, or remember the conversation – they lacwopening.bpt.me . find a much darker secret that sets sass, and authentic voice of working them off on a hilarious, over the top class characters getting by and get- mission. A hysterical adventure, Bu- Pregones Theater PRTT presents ting on in Santurce, the most densely rundanga is a fun yet dark comedy MUNDO CRUEL. Directly from Puer- populated barrio in San Juan, PR. that will have you laughing until the to Rico! Collaboratively adapted from In Spanish with English supertitles. curtain closes. Recommended for Luis Negrón’s eponymous short story Pregones Theater, 575 Walton Av- adult audiences. Performed in Span- collection and winner of a 2014 Lamb- enue, Bronx, NY. 3 PM. Tickets starts ish with subtitles in English & Span- da Literary Award. MUNDO CRUEL at $15. For more information: www. ish via Simultext® In-Seat Captioning jolts the audience with the verve, pregonesprtt.org. System. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, sass, and authentic voice of working 138 East 27th Street (between Lex- class characters getting by and get- Repertorio Español presents LA CAN- ington & Third Avenue), NYC. 8 PM. ting on in Santurce, the most densely CIÓN, THE MUSICAL with Original Ticket from $17-72. For reservations, populated barrio in San Juan, PR. Songs by VICO C. Written by Cán- call (212) 225-9999 or www.reperto- In Spanish with English supertitles. dido Tirado and directed by Edward rio.org. Pregones Theater, 575 Walton Av- Torres. “La canción” is the humorous enue, Bronx, NY. 8 PM. Tickets starts and refreshing story of Rafa, a young at $15. For more information: www. man from The Bronx with a passion Pregones Theater PRTT presents I pregonesprtt.org. LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon for music. One night, Rafa dreams TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- of a song he has never heard before cal theater role of his career! I Like Repertorio Español presents Nobel and when he awakens he inexplicably It Like That – A Musical is the story Prize Winner Gabriel García Márquez’ knows the lyrics to the song. Capti- of the Rodriguez family living in New CRONICA DE UNA MUERTE ANUN- vated by the song and with the desire York City’s East Harlem in the early CIADA (CHRONICLE OF A DEATH to adapt it to urban music, Rafa em- 1970s, when music was the lifeline FORETOLD). Directed by Jorge Alí barks on a quest to find its author, but and proudest expression of El Barrio. Triana.A spectacular wedding, a sav- in his search unexpectedly discovers Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 age scandal, and a murder to which the truth about his origins. In this new W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. musical, Rafa tells his story through 115 an amalgam of musical genres from and dancers. The emcee, Arcángel 27th Street (between Lexington & Rap to tropical tunes like Salsa, Me- Camacho, is expecting a new per- Third Avenue), NYC. 2:30 PM. Tick- rengue and Bachata.Performed in former that will debut that night at the ets begin $17-$72. For reservations, Spanish with English subtitles via Si- Cabaret, however he is interrupted call (212) 225-9999 or www.reperto- multext® In-Seat Captioning System. by famous ghost Stars of that Caba- rio.org. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East ret, the great Puerto Rican singers 27th Street (between Lexington & Myrta Silva & Daniel Santos, who are Third Avenue), NYC. 2:30 PM. Tick- complaining that they will be not re- MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2016 ets begin $17-$72. For reservations, placed. In order to maintain their Star call (212) 225-9999 or www.reperto- positions in the cabaret, the orchestra Pregones Theater PRTT presents I rio.org. (La Sonora Matancera) helps them LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon by playing many songs (Boleros and TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- Guarachas). The clock strikes twelve cal theater role of his career! I Like New York Public Library presents AN midnight and the new diva appears It Like That – A Musical is the story ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF TANGO who is non-other than superstar Celia of the Rodriguez family living in New WITH BASSISTS PABLO ASLAN & Cruz. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, York City’s East Harlem in the early EMILIO SOLLA. Grammy nominated NYC. 4 PM. Tickets $37.50 Advance/ 1970s, when music was the lifeline Argentine bassist and Tango scholar $50 at door. For more information/ and proudest expression of El Barrio. Pablo Aslan presents a program of tickets:www.teatrosea.org or (212) Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 tangos from all eras, illustrating the 529-1545. W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. 100+ years of evolution of this sensual 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more music, song and dance form. Accom- information: www.pregonesprtt.org. panied by Grammy nominated pianist Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE and composer Emilio Solla, they will HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- cover the origins of Tango, its evolu- ploring the History of Salsa with the INSTITUTO CERVANTES presents tion into a sophisticated dance genre, Award Winning Colombian Dance concert FLAMENCO WITHOUT composers and styles, including the Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- BORDERS , TIC - TAC- TOE. Institu- great Astor Piazzolla, and weave in DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 to Cervantes Auditorium, 211-215 E. stories and history to illuminate the Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 49th Street, Manhattan. 7 PM. Gen- musical richness of Tango’s history. 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 eral Admission: $20 - ICNY Members: NYPL - Inwood Branch, 4790 Broad- Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. $ 10 . You may purchase the tickets way, NYC. 2 PM. Free Admission. 4 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students over the phone 212-308-7720, before For more information: www.nypl.org. & Seniors. For information call (718) 6:30PM the day of the concert or on- 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. line: http://bit.ly/2cpqZEn. Information: www.newyork.cervantes. Pregones Theater PRTT presents I org. LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon Repertorio Español presents LA CAN- TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- CIÓN, THE MUSICAL with Original cal theater role of his career! I Like Songs by VICO C. Written by Cán- QUINTET OF THE AMERICAS pres- It Like That – A Musical is the story dido Tirado and directed by Edward ents 40th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT. of the Rodriguez family living in New Torres. “La canción” is the humorous A celebration of the 40th anniver- York City’s East Harlem in the early and refreshing story of Rafa, a young sary of the founding of Quintet of the 1970s, when music was the lifeline man from The Bronx with a passion Americas in Bogotá (Colombia) and and proudest expression of El Barrio. for music. One night, Rafa dreams the 100th anniversary of the Colom- Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 of a song he has never heard before bian composer, Jorge Olaya Muñoz, W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. and when he awakens he inexplicably the founder of SAYCO (Sociedad de 3 PM and 7 PM. Tickets starts at $65. knows the lyrics to the song. Capti- Autores y Compositores de Colom- For more information: www.pregone- vated by the song and with the desire bia).Salvation Army Queens Temple, sprtt.org. to adapt it to urban music, Rafa em- 86-07 35th Avenue, Jackson Heights, barks on a quest to find its author, but Queens. 7 PM. Free Admission. For in his search unexpectedly discovers more information: www.quintet.org. Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. the truth about his origins. In this new Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) presents THE GLORY, A LAT- musical, Rafa tells his story through (SEA) and The Clemente presents IN CABARET: DANIEL SANTOS, an amalgam of musical genres from MICRO THEATER. Micro Theater is a MYRTA SILVA Y CELIA CRUZ EN LA Rap to tropical tunes like Salsa, Me- theatrical format that features a vari- GLORIA CARIBEÑA. Created & di- rengue and Bachata.Performed in ety of short works (from 1 to 5 different rected by Manuel Antonio Morán and Spanish with English subtitles via Si- shows per evening) of approximately written by Norge Espinosa, The Glory multext® In-Seat Captioning System. 15 minutes each. Audience members is a celestial Caribbean Cabaret full The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East of famous ghostly singers, musicians will be able to pick and choose which 116 shows they want to see, from 1 to all Society of the Educational Arts, for adult audiences. The Gramercy 5. Performances in English and Espa- Inc. (SEA) presents Film Screen- Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, ñol. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, ings SHORT NIGHT / NOCHE DE between Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 7:30 -11:30 PM. Admission: $5. CORTOS . Features Film Shorts: NYC. 11 AM. Tickets: $30. For reser- For more information:www.teatrosea. CHATARRA directed by Rolando vations, call (212) 225-9999 or www. org or (212) 529-1545. Meléndez: A child is raised in a junk repertorio.org. yard in secret by a gang of thugs with no contact to the outside world. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2016 After a conflict with his boss, he dis- Pregones Theater PRTT presents I covers that there is an outside world LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon Repertorio Español presents Nobel that he does not know. EL PÚGIL di- TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- Prize Winner Gabriel García Márquez’ rected by Ángel Manuel Soto:A nar- cal theater role of his career! I Like CRONICA DE UNA MUERTE ANUN- rative of a rags to riches story of the It Like That – A Musical is the story CIADA (CHRONICLE OF A DEATH super featherweight underdog, Angel of the Rodriguez family living in New FORETOLD). Directed by Jorge Alí ‘Tito’ Acosta, a young Puerto Rican York City’s East Harlem in the early Triana.A spectacular wedding, a sav- boxer from the slums of Barrio Obrero 1970s, when music was the lifeline age scandal, and a murder to which and his journey to becoming World and proudest expression of El Barrio. an entire Latin American town ap- Champion. VALENTINA directed by Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 pears to be an accessory to the fact. Xavier Medina: The greatest heart W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. The Gramercy Art Theatre, 138 East builder in the world has to rush to get 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more 27th Street (between Lexington & to Salvador and save the love of her information: www.pregonesprtt.org. Third Avenue), NYC. 11 AM. Admis- life. SALVE directed by: Mariángel sion: $30. For reservations, call (212) González, Miguel Ángel Hernández, The International Brazilian Opera 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Raymesh Cintrón: This short tells one Company presents “The Seventh of the oldest stories in the book of life: Seal-Opera,” inspired by the Ingmar the story of falling in and out of love, Bergman film of the same name. Art- Pregones Theater PRTT presents I the emotional ups and downs that it ist Talk and Concert. Scandinavia LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon entails, and the beauty and possibili- House, TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- ties of self-healing. LOS ÁNGELES cal theater role of his career! I Like directed by Lina Sarrapochiello: A 58 Park Ave, NYC. 7:30 PM. Admis- It Like That – A Musical is the story 40-something woman from NY de- sion: $20. For more information: bra- of the Rodriguez family living in New cides to move to L.A. to become an zilianopera.com. York City’s East Harlem in the early actress and get away from her co- 1970s, when music was the lifeline dependent family. Unfortunately, her and proudest expression of El Barrio. family decides to tag along. LA FOTO Teatro La Tea presents LA JOM AT- Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 DE PAPÁ directed by David Norris: ENDA. A comic drama written by Dio- W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. When memories are prettier than re- Genes Abreu about an unconvention- 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more ality, like the absence of a father. al relationship. Set in an apartment in information: www.pregonesprtt.org. Washington Heights, the story of two Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. unique and different personalities, 7 PM. Free. For more information: united by the thread of their existential WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016 (212) 529-1545. emptiness, one with an effusive spirit and desire to live and an elderly man El Museo del Barrio presents LIBRO- overwhelmed by physical and mental Repertorio Español presents EN EL FUM: EL BALCÓN EN INVIERNO. deterioration. In Spanish with Eng- TIEMPO DE LAS MARIPOSAS, A Cada mes El Museo del Barrio le da lish Supertitles. Directed by Nelson play by Caridad Svich based on Julia la bienvenida a todos aquellos que Landrieu. Teatro La Tea, 107 Suffolk Alvarez’s novel, directed by José Za- quieran participar en nuestro club de Street, Manhattan. 8 PM. Admission yas. “In The Time of the Butterflies” lectura en español. (Monthly Literary $20/15 Seniors. For more informa- is the story of the courageous Mira- Club in Spanish). Black Box Theatre, tion: www.teatrolatea.com. El Museo del Barrio: 1230 5th Avenue bal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María @ 104th Street, NYC. 11:00 AM-1:00 Teresa) from the Dominican Repub- PM. Contact: [email protected]. lic. The sisters inspired resistance FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 Free. For more information: (212) cells throughout the country against 831-7272 or visit the website www. the dictatorial regime of Gen. Rafael Pregones Theater PRTT presents I elmuseo.org. Leónidas Trujillo. The ‘butterflies’, LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon their secret code name, were bru- TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- tally murdered by the regime in 1960. cal theater role of his career! I Like THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016 Presented in Spanish. Live English It Like That – A Musical is the story translation available. Recommended

117 of the Rodriguez family living in New zilian Umbanda Religion” ; Dr. Yanna SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2016 York City’s East Harlem in the early Elsa Brugal and Liza Papi, lecture 1970s, when music was the lifeline “Afro-Cuban Rituals and Brazilian CENTRO: Center For Puerto Rican and proudest expression of El Barrio. Popular Arts” 7; Arizona University Studies and The International Puerto Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 Prof. Mark Curran, lecture “Brazil- Rican Heritage Film Festival presents W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. ian Northeastern Cordel” ; Dancers CONFERENCE ON MULTIMEDIA 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more Felipe Galganni and Friends, lecture PRODUCTION. All day conference. information: www.pregonesprtt.org. on “Integration of Brazilian Music with Morning session: strategic planning, American Tap Dance” ; Dance pre- proposals, legal counsel, distribution, sentation on Forró and Frevo; and, marketing & outreach. Afternoon with Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE Closing Cocktail. 6–9 PM. The Brazil- filmmakers: William Caballero, HBO HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- ian Endowment for the Arts, 240 E 52 Latino; Filmmakers Master Classes: ploring the History of Salsa with the St., NYC. Free Admission. Informa- Centro’s Producer Erica Soto(PR Award Winning Colombian Dance tion: www.brazilianendowmentforth- Voices) and Director Pedro Bermudez Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- earts.org. (Hasta Mañana); Director/Producer DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Lillian Jimenez & Sonia Gonzalez- Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. Martinez (Antonia Pantoja ¡Presente!) Repertorio Español presents EL 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 and Actors Master Class: Luis Antonio AMOR EN LOS TIEMPOS DEL Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. Ramos (Power/Starz), David Zayas CÓLERA. Based on Gabriel García 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students (Gotham & Dexter) and Liza Colón- Márquez’s Nobel Prize Winning novel, & Seniors. For information call (718) Zayas (Sex & The City, Law & Order: this lyrical, imagistic play focuses on 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. Special Victims Unit); and, Genera- an extraordinary love story between tion Z: Young filmmakers panel (col- a poetically-inclined man named Flo- lege and high school students) and Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. rentino Ariza and a sensual, practical screenings. Silberman School of So- (SEA) presents THE GLORY, A LAT- yet somewhat elusive woman named cial Work, Room 115AB, 2180 Third IN CABARET: DANIEL SANTOS, Fermina Daza. Spanning fifty years of Avenue (119th Street), NYC. 9:30 MYRTA SILVA Y CELIA CRUZ EN LA time, the story plays out in a series of AM-6:30 PM. Free but must RSVP GLORIA CARIBEÑA. Created & di- short scenic episodes filled with po- at: centropr.nationbuilder.com/prfilm. rected by Manuel Antonio Morán and etry, song, movement and heightened written by Norge Espinosa, The Glory moments of theatricality. A daring is a celestial Caribbean Cabaret full four-actor tour-de-force piece for the THE HOSTOS CENTER FOR THE of famous ghostly singers, musicians theatre. Presented in Spanish with ARTS presents BALLET CONCIER- and dancers. The emcee, Arcángel English and Spanish subtitles. Rec- TO DE PUERTO RICO. In celebration Camacho, is expecting a new per- ommended for adult audiences.The of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, the former that will debut that night at the Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Island’s leading ballet / contemporary Cabaret, however he is interrupted Street, between Lexington & Third Av- dance company makes its triumphant by famous ghost Stars of that Caba- enues, NYC. 8 PM. Tickets $17-$68. return to New York direct from San ret, the great Puerto Rican singers For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 Juan, with a mixed repertory program Myrta Silva & Daniel Santos, who are or www.repertorio.org. including The Latin Suite featuring the complaining that they will be not re- music of Willie Colón and Héctor La- placed. In order to maintain their Star voe, Shakira, Juan Luis Guerra, Ricky Teatro La Tea presents LA JOM AT- positions in the cabaret, the orchestra Martin, and more. Main Theater, 450 ENDA. A comic drama written by Dio- (La Sonora Matancera) helps them Grand Concourse at 149th Street in Genes Abreu about an unconvention- by playing many songs (Boleros and the Bronx. 7:30 PM. Admission: Orch al relationship. Set in an apartment in Guarachas). The clock strikes twelve $25 /Mezz $20 /Students $10. For in- Washington Heights, the story of two midnight and the new diva appears formation call (718) 518-4455. who is non-other than superstar Celia unique and different personalities, Cruz. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, united by the thread of their existential PAMAR and NYPL- Fort Washington NYC. 8 PM. Tickets $37.50 Advance/ emptiness, one with an effusive spirit presents BANDONEORAMA. Unique $50 at door. For more information/ and desire to live and an elderly man ensemble with four-bandoneón play- tickets:www.teatrosea.org or (212) overwhelmed by physical and mental ers led by Music Director/ Maestro 529-1545. deterioration. In Spanish with Eng- Daniel Binelli with Rodolfo Zanetti, lish Supertitles. Directed by Nelson Javier Sánchez, Julien Labro. Reper- Landrieu. Teatro La Tea, 107 Suffolk toire includes J. S Bach, Igor Stravin- The Brazilian Endowment for the Arts Street, Manhattan. 8 PM. Admission sky, Astor Piazzolla, Daniel Binelli as presents CLOSING OF THE BRAZIL- $20/15 Seniors. For more informa- well as other Tango arrangements. IAN CULTURE WEEK. Opens with tion: www.teatrolatea.com. New York Public Library - Fort Wash- Alex Minkin, Director of Ticun Brazil, ington, 535 West 179 St., NYC. 2 lecture “Gypsy Trance Rituals in Bra- PM. Free Admission. For more in- 118 formation: www.danielbinelli.com or 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Street, Manhattan. 8 PM. Admission www.nypl.org. Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. $20/15 Seniors. For more informa- 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students tion: www.teatrolatea.com. & Seniors. For information call (718) SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2016 Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. (SEA) presents EL ENCUENTRO DE JUAN BOBO Y PEDRO ANIMAL/THE The Bronx Museum of the Arts pres- ENCOUNTER. Children participate Repertorio Español presents LA CAN- ents THE COQUITO MASTERS: CO- in this circus-style play, and in turn, CIÓN, THE MUSICAL with Original QUITO MARQUETA. Winners and Fi- see how these two charming char- Songs by VICO C. Written by Cán- nalists of the Annual Coquito Masters acters from the Dominican Republic dido Tirado and directed by Edward competition will have their delicious and Puerto Rico find friendship, self- Torres. “La canción” is the humorous coquitos for sale at the Bronx Mu- esteem and confidence Teatro SEA, and refreshing story of Rafa, a young seum! Come buy a variety of coquito, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 3 PM. Ad- man from The Bronx with a passion the traditional Puerto Rican holiday mission: $20 Adults / Children Free. for music. One night, Rafa dreams drink reminiscent of eggnog, and be For more information/tickets:www. of a song he has never heard before ready to celebrate the holidays in teatrosea.org or (212) 529-1545. and when he awakens he inexplicably style. The Bronx Museum of the Arts, knows the lyrics to the song. Capti- 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx. 12-5 vated by the song and with the desire PM. Free admission. For more infor- Teatro La Tea presents LA JOM AT- to adapt it to urban music, Rafa em- mation, visit www.bronxmuseum.org. ENDA. A comic drama written by Dio- barks on a quest to find its author, but Genes Abreu about an unconvention- in his search unexpectedly discovers Pregones Theater PRTT presents I al relationship. Set in an apartment in the truth about his origins. In this new LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon Washington Heights, the story of two musical, Rafa tells his story through TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- unique and different personalities, an amalgam of musical genres from cal theater role of his career! I Like united by the thread of their existential Rap to tropical tunes like Salsa, Me- It Like That – A Musical is the story emptiness, one with an effusive spirit rengue and Bachata.Performed in of the Rodriguez family living in New and desire to live and an elderly man Spanish with English subtitles via Si- York City’s East Harlem in the early overwhelmed by physical and mental multext® In-Seat Captioning System. 1970s, when music was the lifeline deterioration. In Spanish with Eng- The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East and proudest expression of El Barrio. lish Supertitles. Directed by Nelson 27th Street (between Lexington & Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 Landrieu. Teatro La Tea, 107 Suffolk Third Avenue), NYC. 8 PM. Tickets W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. Street, Manhattan. 4 PM. Admission begin $17-$72. For reservations, call 3 PM and 7 PM. Tickets starts at $65. $20/15 Seniors. For more informa- (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio. For more information: www.pregone- tion: www.teatrolatea.com. org. sprtt.org.

Pregones Theater PRTT presents I The International Brazilian Opera PAMAR and Canta Libre presents LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon Company presents “The Seventh LATIN MUSIC CELEBRATION. Can- TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- Seal-Opera,” inspired by the Ingmar ta Libre presents a varied and excit- cal theater role of his career! I Like Bergman film of the same name. Art- ing concert with the music of Ginas- It Like That – A Musical is the story ist Talk and Concert. Scandinavia tera, Piazzolla, Villa-Lobos and more of the Rodriguez family living in New House, 58 Park Ave, NYC. 7:30 PM. played by master musicians of harp, York City’s East Harlem in the early Admission: $20. For more informa- flute and string repertoire. Christ and 1970s, when music was the lifeline tion: brazilianopera.com . St. Stephen’s Church, 120 West 69th and proudest expression of El Barrio. St (btw Columbus Ave & Broadway), Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 Teatro La Tea presents LA JOM AT- NYC. 3 PM. Admission $15. For more W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. information: www.cantalibre.org. 5 PM and 9 PM. Tickets starts at $65. ENDA. A comic drama written by Dio- For more information: www.pregone- Genes Abreu about an unconventional relationship. Set in an apartment in sprtt.org. MARIANO AGUIRRE & DUO CAN- Washington Heights, the story of two TABILE presents a concert of voice unique and different personalities, and guitar with songs and solos from united by the thread of their existential Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE Latin America. Works by Ponce (Mex- emptiness, one with an effusive spirit HISTORY OF SALSA. A musical ex- ico), Gardel (Argentina), Barrios (Par- and desire to live and an elderly man ploring the History of Salsa with the aguay), Lauro (Venezuela), Cordero overwhelmed by physical and mental Award Winning Colombian Dance (Puerto Rico), Villa Lobos (Brazil) and deterioration. In Spanish with Eng- Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- others. Brooklyn Music School, 126 lish Supertitles. Directed by Nelson DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 St Felix St, Brooklyn, NY. 3 PM. Free Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. Landrieu. Teatro La Tea, 107 Suffolk

119 Admission. For more information: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 comedy about how Dominicans and www.marianoaguirreguitar.com. Puerto Ricans living in the same com- INSTITUTO CERVANTES presents munity learn to put their differences YOSS AND ILAN STAVANS IN CO- aside to stop the demolition of their Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE VERSATION: SCIENCIE FICTION basketball court. JDBPAC @ Julia de HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- AND THE FUTURE OF LATINIDAD. Burgos Latino Cultural Center, 1680 ploring the History of Salsa with the In Cuban sci-fu author Yoss’s novel Lexington Ave, NYC. 7 PM. Free. For Award Winning Colombian Dance Super Extra Grande, latin Americans more information: (212) 529-1545. Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- have pionereed faster-than-light trav- DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 el and spearheaded human coloniza- Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. tion of the Milky Way, and the galactic Pregones Theater PRTT presents I 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 lingua franca is now Spanglish. us- LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. ing satirical element as a jumping-off TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students point, Yoss and award-winning writer, cal theater role of his career! I Like & Seniors. For information call (718) scholar, and publisher Ilan Stavans It Like That – A Musical is the story 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. discuss science fiction and the future of the Rodriguez family living in New of Latinidad. Instituto Cervantes Audi- York City’s East Harlem in the early torium, 211-215 E. 49th Street, Man- 1970s, when music was the lifeline Repertorio Español presents LA TÍA and proudest expression of El Barrio. JULIA Y EL ESCRIBIDOR (AUNT hattan. 7 PM. Free admission with mandatory RSVP: bec1cultny@cer- Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 JULIA AND THE SCRIPTWRITER). W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. When 18-year-old aspiring writer Ma- vantes.org . Information: www.newyork.cervantes.org. 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more rio falls in love with his aunt-in-law, he information: www.pregonesprtt.org. dives head-first into a world of wild passion and forbidden love that will THE 9TH ANNUAL LATIN AMERI- scandalize and entertain the “novela” CAN PIANO & SONG FESTIVAL. Consulate General of Argentina pres- and Radio Soap Operas obsessed Founding Director, pianist and musi- ents “PIANEROS”- Tribute to Argen- world of 1950s Lima, Peru. Based cologist César Reyes presents a mu- tine Tango and Folklore Pianists. on the autobiographical tale of Nobel sical celebration of the 100th anniver- Claudio Mendez will interpret and ar- Prize winning writer, Mario Vargas sary of Argentinian composer Alberto range works by composers Adolfo Ab- Llosa and adapted for the stage by Ginastera, American ethnomusicolo- alos, Horacio Salgán, Ariel Ramirez, OBIE award winning playwright Cari- gist Henrietta Yurchenco and Mexican Hector Stamponi and others. Consul- dad Svich. Performed in Spanish with composers Carlos Jiménez Mabarak ate General of Argentina, 12 West subtitles in English & Spanish via Si- and Consuelo Velázquez. Greenwich 56th St, NYC. 6 PM. Free Admission. multext® In-Seat Captioning System. House Music School, 46 Barrow St, For more information: www.claudio- The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East NYC. 7:30 PM. Admission $15 mendez.com . 27th Street, between Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 2:30 PM. Tick- Information: www.facebook.com/ ets $17-72. For reservations, call MexicanPianist. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2016 (212) 225-9999 orwww.repertorio.org. CENTRO: Center for Puerto Rican North/South Consonance presents Studies presents CELEBRATING clarinetist Javier Vinasco and Q-Arte Teatro La Tea presents LA JOM AT- 100 YEARS OF HIRAM BITHORN. String Quartet – Colombia’s finest mu- ENDA. A comic drama written by Dio- Meet the Author Event with Jorge Fi- sicians -- performing works by Miguel Genes Abreu about an unconvention- del López, writer of Sobre la vida de del Aguila, Blas Emilio Atehortúa, Cel- al relationship. Set in an apartment in Hiram Gabriel Bithorn Sosa (The Life so Garrido-Lecca and Max Lifchitz. Washington Heights, the story of two of Hiram Gabriel Bithorn Sosa), with Christ and St. Stephen’s Church, unique and different personalities, Commentator Julio Pabón, Presi- united by the thread of their existential 120 West 69th St (btw Columbus Ave dent, Latino Sports. New book about emptiness, one with an effusive spirit & Broadway), NYC. 8 PM. Free Ad- Hiram Bithorn, the first baseball play- and desire to live and an elderly man mission. For more information: www. er from Puerto Rico to play in Major overwhelmed by physical and mental northsouthmusic.org . League Baseball, celebrating his 100 deterioration. In Spanish with Eng- years. Faculty Dining Room, 8th Floor lish Supertitles. Directed by Nelson West Building, Hunter College, 68th Landrieu. Teatro La Tea, 107 Suffolk TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016 and Lexington, NYC. 6-8 PM. Free Street, Manhattan. 4 PM. Admission with RSVP: centropr.nationbuilder. $20/15 Seniors. For more informa- Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. com/bithorn. tion: www.teatrolatea.com. (SEA) and the Hispanic Federation presents Film Screening Los Domir- riqueños directed by Transfor Ortiz. A 120 Pregones Theater PRTT presents I It Like That – A Musical is the story Fernando Botero, Wifredo Lam, Ro- LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon of the Rodriguez family living in New berto Matta, Rufino Tamayo, and Joa- TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- York City’s East Harlem in the early quin Torres-García, among others. cal theater role of his career! I Like 1970s, when music was the lifeline Christie’s, Rockefeller Center NYC. It Like That – A Musical is the story and proudest expression of El Barrio. Viewing 10 AM-5 PM. Visit www. of the Rodriguez family living in New Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 christies.com. York City’s East Harlem in the early W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. 1970s, when music was the lifeline 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more and proudest expression of El Barrio. information: www.pregonesprtt.org. Musica de Camara in partnership with Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 El Museo del Barrio presents THE W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. MUSES- MUSIC & ART. Musicians 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more Teatro La Tea presents LA JOM AT- and visual artists share the stage information: www.pregonesprtt.org. ENDA. A comic drama written by Dio- creating a unique artistic experience. Genes Abreu about an unconvention- Musical artists include Jose Luis Ro- al relationship. Set in an apartment in driguez, harp; Andrew Beall and Mari- Repertorio Español presents EL Washington Heights, the story of two ana Ramirez, persussion; and The QUIJOTE. A carnivalesque adap- unique and different personalities, Musica de Camara String Quartet. tation of Cervantes’ masterpiece. united by the thread of their existential Visual Artist Nitza Tufino, and sev- Through Don Quijote’s adventures, emptiness, one with an effusive spirit eral emerging artists. El Teatro at El the production presents the illusion and desire to live and an elderly man Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Avenue, of an utopian world with a festive overwhelmed by physical and mental New York, NY 10029 at 7:30 PM. Ad- and colorful spirit. El Quijote is a deterioration. In Spanish with Eng- mission: $10. For More information: polyphonic play in which many dif- lish Supertitles. Directed by Nelson 212-410-5612 or visit www.musi- ferent genres such as comedy, trag- Landrieu. Teatro La Tea, 107 Suffolk cadecamara25.com . edy and farce collide to form a carni- Street, Manhattan. 8 PM. Admission val-like and vibrant Don Quijote that $20/15 Seniors. For more informa- is rich in its musicality.” The play is a tion: www.teatrolatea.com. SEA, The Morán Group and Comisio- collection of 12 scenes that present nado de Cultura Dominicana presents different stories based on the origi- Film Screening Títeres en el Caribe nal text of Cervantes. The Gramercy Repertorio Español presents LA ZA- Hispano directed by Manuel Antonio Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street PATERA PRODIGIOSA by García Morán and Kristian Otero. Screening (between Lexington & Third Ave- Lorca, directed . by Andrés Zam- of Episode 2: Dominican Republic nue), NYC. 11 AM. Tickets $30. For brano. A small village is scandalized from Títeres en el Caribe Hispano, a reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or by the marriage of an old shoemaker historical journey of the origins of pup- www.repertorio.org. and a beautiful, sensual, and flirta- pet theater in the Dominican Repub- tious young woman. LA ZAPATERA lic, Cuba and Puerto Rico, and pro- PRODIGIOSA is a poetic comedy by vides a unique insight into the work THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016 Federico García Lorca where true of many prominent pioneers and pup- love triumphs. Filled with music and pet companies from these countries. SEA, The Morán Group and Comisio- performed by a talented cast, this play Comisionado de Cultura Dominicana, nado de Cultura Dominicana presents will leave audiences in awe of one of 541 West, 145 St., NYC . 7:30 PM. Film Screening Títeres en el Caribe García Lorca’s most captivating sto- Free. For more information: (212) Hispano directed by Manuel Antonio ries. Performed in Spanish with sub- 529-1545. Morán and Kristian Otero. Screening titles in English & Spanish via Simul- of Episode 1: Cuba from Títeres en text® In-Seat Captioning System. The Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE el Caribe Hispan, a historical journey Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- of the origins of puppet theater in the Street (between Lexington & Third Av- ploring the History of Salsa with the Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puer- enue), NYC. 11 AM. Tickets $30. For Award Winning Colombian Dance to Rico, and provides a unique insight reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- into the work of many prominent pio- www.repertorio.org. DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 neers and puppet companies from Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. these countries. Teatro SEA, 107 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Suffolk St., NYC. 7 PM. Free. For FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. more information: (212) 529-1545. CHRISTIE’S LATIN AMERICAN 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students PAINTINGS. Annual Auction of Latin & Seniors. For information call (718) Pregones Theater PRTT presents I American paintings. This much an- 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon ticipated fall sale features outstand- TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- ing works spanning the colonial era to Pregones Theater PRTT presents I cal theater role of his career! I Like modern and contemporary times by: 121 LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon mentals, and irresistible beats makes TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musical CHRISTIE’S LATIN AMERICAN a M.A.K.U. Soundsystem concert a theater role of his career! I Like It Like PAINTINGS. Annual Auction of Latin high-octane experience. El Teatro, El That – A Musical is the story of the Ro- American paintings. This much an- Museo del Barrio: 1230 5th Avenue @ driguez family living in New York City’s ticipated fall sale features outstand- 104th Street, NYC. 4-5 PM. No RSVP East Harlem in the early 1970s, when ing works spanning the colonial era to required. For more information: (212) music was the lifeline and proudest modern and contemporary times by: 831-7272 or visit the website www.el- expression of El Barrio. Puerto Rican Fernando Botero, Wifredo Lam, Rober- museo.org. Traveling Theater, 304 W 47th Street, to Matta, Rufino Tamayo, and Joaquin New York NY 10036. 8 PM. Tickets Torres-García, among others. Chris- Pregones Theater PRTT presents I starts at $65. For more information: tie’s, Rockefeller Center NYC. Viewing LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon www.pregonesprtt.org. 10 AM-5 PM. Visit www.christies.com. TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musical theater role of his career! I Like It Like Teatro La Tea presents LA JOM AT- THE HOSTOS CENTER FOR THE That – A Musical is the story of the Ro- ENDA. A comic drama written by Dio- ARTS and D.A.N.C.E presents THE driguez family living in New York City’s Genes Abreu about an unconventional 7TH ANNUAL SOUTH BRONX FOLK East Harlem in the early 1970s, when relationship. Set in an apartment in FESTIVAL WITH DANZA FIESTA. A music was the lifeline and proudest Washington Heights, the story of two breathtaking afternoon of bomba, ple- expression of El Barrio. Puerto Rican unique and different personalities, na and seis as Danza Fiesta: Baile y Traveling Theater, 304 W 47th Street, united by the thread of their existential Teatro Puertorriqueño , and a special New York NY 10036. 5 PM and 9 PM. emptiness, one with an effusive spirit guest, celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage Tickets starts at $65. For more informa- and desire to live and an elderly man Month. An audience favorite year after tion: www.pregonesprtt.org. overwhelmed by physical and mental year. Main Theater, 450 Grand Con- deterioration. In Spanish with Eng- course at 149th Street in the Bronx. 4 Teatro La Tea presents LA JOM AT- lish Supertitles. Directed by Nelson PM. Admission: $10/ Students $5. For ENDA. A comic drama written by Dio- Landrieu. Teatro La Tea, 107 Suffolk information call (718) 518-4455. Street, Manhattan. 8 PM. Admission Genes Abreu about an unconventional $20/15 Seniors. For more information: relationship. Set in an apartment in www.teatrolatea.com. El Museo del Barrio presents SUPER Washington Heights, the story of two SÁBADO: MÚSICA MADNESS. Clap unique and different personalities, your hands and stomp your feet! Cel- united by the thread of their existential SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2016 ebrate the world of música through art- emptiness, one with an effusive spirit making, movement workshops, story- and desire to live and an elderly man COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE AND PRIDA telling and more. El Museo del Barrio: overwhelmed by physical and mental PRESENTS COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE’S 1230 5th Avenue @ 104th Street, NYC. deterioration. In Spanish with Eng- NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN ARTI- 12-5 PM. Free Admission. For more in- lish Supertitles. Directed by Nelson SANS FAIR. In keeping with its mission formation: (212) 831-7272or visit the Landrieu. Teatro La Tea, 107 Suffolk to promote Puerto Rican culture and art website www.elmuseo.org. Street, Manhattan. 8 PM. Admission as well as to commemorate its 30th an- $20/15 Seniors. For more information: niversary, Comité Noviembre invites www.teatrolatea.com. Puerto Rican artisans from Puerto Rico Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. and the United States to participate in (SEA) presents EL ENCUENTRO DE its 11th annual Puerto Rican Artisans JUAN BOBO Y PEDRO ANIMAL/THE Repertorio Español presents EN EL Fair & Exhibit, Fifth Annual Puerto Ri- ENCOUNTER. Children participate TIEMPO DE LAS MARIPOSAS, A can Authors Book Expo, Second Annu- in this circus-style play, and in turn, play by Caridad Svich based on Julia al Puerto Rican Memorabilia Collectors see how these two charming charac- Alvarez’s novel, directed by José Za- Show and Second Annual CN/Colgate ters from the Dominican Republic and yas. “In The Time of the Butterflies” Palmolive Bright Smiles Bright Futures Puerto Rico find friendship, self-es- is the story of the courageous Mirabal Children’s Pavilion. Come, have fun, teem and confidence Teatro SEA, 107 sisters (Patria, Minerva and María Te- learn about our culture, and do your Suffolk Street, NYC. 3 PM. Admission: resa) from the Dominican Republic. holiday shopping purchasing unique $20 Adults / Children Free. For more The sisters inspired resistance cells gifts. Hostos Community College, information/tickets:www.teatrosea.org throughout the country against the dic- Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, or (212) 529-1545. tatorial regime of Gen. Rafael Leónidas 405 Grand Concourse at 149th Street, Trujillo. The ‘butterflies’, their secret Bronx, NY. 12 PM – 7 PM. Admission: code name, were brutally murdered by Free. For more information please visit El Museo del Barrio in collaboration the regime in 1960. Presented in Span- www.comitenoviembre.org or www. with Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood ish. Live English translation available. PRIDA.org. Concerts present: M.A.K.U. SOUND- Recommended for adult audiences. SYSTEM. Fiery vocals, blazing instru- The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 122 27th Street, between Lexington & Third CHRISTIE’S LATIN AMERICAN chestra (La Sonora Matancera) helps Avenues, NYC. 11 AM. Tickets begin PAINTINGS. Annual Auction of Latin them by playing many songs (Boleros at $17-$68. For reservations, call (212) American paintings. This much an- and Guarachas). The clock strikes 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. ticipated fall sale features outstand- twelve midnight and the new diva appears who is non-other than superstar Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE ing works spanning the colonial era to Celia Cruz. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- modern and contemporary times by: Street, NYC. 4 PM. Tickets $37.50 Ad- ploring the History of Salsa with the Fernando Botero, Wifredo Lam, Rober- vance/ $50 at door. For more informa- Award Winning Colombian Dance to Matta, Rufino Tamayo, and Joaquin tion/tickets:www.teatrosea.org or (212) Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUNDO. Torres-García, among others. Chris- 529-1545. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Green- tie’s, Rockefeller Center NYC. Viewing point Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8 PM. 10 AM-5 PM. Visit www.christies.com. Teatro La Tea presents LA JOM AT- Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Green- ENDA. A comic drama written by Dio- Genes Abreu about an unconventional point Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8 PM. Pregones Theater PRTT presents I relationship. Set in an apartment in Admisson: $40; $37 Students & Se- LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon Washington Heights, the story of two niors. For information call (718) 729- TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musical unique and different personalities, 3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. theater role of his career! I Like It Like united by the thread of their existential That – A Musical is the story of the Ro- emptiness, one with an effusive spirit SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016 driguez family living in New York City’s and desire to live and an elderly man East Harlem in the early 1970s, when overwhelmed by physical and mental COMITE NOVIEMBRE 21ST ANNUAL music was the lifeline and proudest deterioration. In Spanish with Eng- DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND expression of El Barrio. Puerto Rican lish Supertitles. Directed by Nelson SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. For the Traveling Theater, 304 W 47th Street, Landrieu. Teatro La Tea, 107 Suffolk past twenty years, Comité Noviem- New York NY 10036. 3 PM and 7 PM. Street, Manhattan. 4 PM. Admission bre has set aside the Sunday before Tickets starts at $65. For more informa- $20/15 Seniors. For more information: Thanksgiving as a day of community tion: www.pregonesprtt.org. www.teatrolatea.com. service and social responsibility in commemoration of November 19th, Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE traditionally known as Puerto Rican GRAND FINALE PERFORMANCE HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- discovery day or as we like to call it - “WHERE KATHAK AND BOMBA ploring the History of Salsa with the Puerto Rican “encounter” day. The pur- MEET IN ME” by Romanee and Com- Award Winning Colombian Dance pose of the day is to show the spirit of pany. ENTER THE REALM OF IN- Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUNDO. commitment and the power of action. TERCULTURAL PERFORMANCE as Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Green- CN is conducting a food drive of non- artistes go back in time and return to point Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8 PM. perishable foods to create Thanksgiv- the present in this inspiring narrative of Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Green- ing dinner baskets for the poor of New being conquered and later triumphing point Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 4 PM. York. CN is working to provide 600 through the arts. The character gives Admisson: $40; $37 Students & Se- needy families with food baskets and both a reaction and reenactment of niors. For information call (718) 729- turkeys which will be distributed by vol- plantation life, a common denominator 3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. unteers the Tuesday before Thanksgiv- in both Puerto Rico and Guyana. Listen ing. TURKEYS ARE NEEDED, as well carefully to the references to Spanish, as non-perishable foods. Several food Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. Guyanese Creole, Hindi and English as drop-off points have been determined, (SEA) presents THE GLORY, A LATIN this universal story unfolds. Angel Luis Please contact: Suleika Cabrera Dri- CABARET: DANIEL SANTOS, MYRTA Reyes, master bomba dancer and Jose nane at [email protected] SILVA Y CELIA CRUZ EN LA GLORIA L. Ortiz aka Dr. Drum/ BombaYo will and Teresa A. Santiago (914) 263- CARIBEÑA. Created & directed by perform; Brooklyn Music School, 126 6599/tascommunicationsllc@gmail. Manuel Antonio Morán and written by St. Felix Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217; com, to confirm other locations. 11AM Norge Espinosa, The Glory is a celes- 5:30PM – 9PM, $25 - $50; Contact: - 4PM. tial Caribbean Cabaret full of famous Romanee R. Kalicharran; info@roma- ghostly singers, musicians and danc- neeandcompany.com, (347) 921-1251 ers. The emcee, Arcángel Camacho, is COMITE NOVIEMBRE invites you to expecting a new performer that will de- Comité Noviembre invites you to at- attend to Mass of the Virgen de la Div- but that night at the Cabaret, however tend the Mass of La Virgen de la Divina ina Providencia, Patron of Puerto Rico he is interrupted by famous ghost Stars Providencia, Patrona de Puerto Rico/ at St. Patricks Cathedral, Fifth Avenue of that Cabaret, the great Puerto Rican Patron of Puerto Rico, St. Patrick’s between 50th and 51st Streets, NYC. singers Myrta Silva & Daniel Santos, Cathedral, Fifth Avenue between 50th 4PM. Reverend Eric P. Cruz, Regional who are complaining that they will be and 51st Streets, New York City; 4PM; Director, C.C.C.S, The Bronx, celebrant not replaced. In order to maintain their Free. Reverend Eric P. Cruz, Regional and homilist. Star positions in the cabaret, the or-

123 Director of the Rodriguez family living in New on the autobiographical tale of Nobel Catholic Charities Community Servic- York City’s East Harlem in the early Prize winning writer, Mario Vargas es, The Bronx, Celebrant & Homilist 1970s, when music was the lifeline Llosa and adapted for the stage by and proudest expression of El Barrio. OBIE award winning playwright Cari- Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 dad Svich. Performed in Spanish with MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2016 W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. subtitles in English & Spanish via Si- 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more multext® In-Seat Captioning System. CHRISTIE’S LATIN AMERICAN information: www.pregonesprtt.org. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East PAINTINGS. Annual Auction of Latin 27th Street, between Lexington & American paintings. This much an- Third Avenues, NYC. 3 PM. Tickets ticipated fall sale features outstand- $17-72. For reservations, call (212) ing works spanning the colonial era to THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2016 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. modern and contemporary times by: ¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias! – Fernando Botero, Wifredo Lam, Ro- Happy Thanksgiving! Pregones Theater PRTT presents I berto Matta, Rufino Tamayo, and Joa- LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon quin Torres-García, among others. TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- Christie’s, Rockefeller Center NYC. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016 cal theater role of his career! I Like Viewing 10 AM-5 PM. Visit www. It Like That – A Musical is the story christies.com. Pregones Theater PRTT presents I of the Rodriguez family living in New LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon York City’s East Harlem in the early TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016 1970s, when music was the lifeline cal theater role of his career! I Like and proudest expression of El Barrio. It Like That – A Musical is the story Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 CHRISTIE’S LATIN AMERICAN of the Rodriguez family living in New PAINTINGS. Annual Auction of Latin W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. York City’s East Harlem in the early 5 PM and 9 PM. Tickets starts at $65. American paintings. This much an- 1970s, when music was the lifeline ticipated fall sale features outstand- For more information: www.pregone- and proudest expression of El Barrio. sprtt.org. ing works spanning the colonial era to Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 modern and contemporary times by W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. Fernando Botero, Wifredo Lam, Ro- 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE berto Matta, Rufino Tamayo, and Joa- information: www.pregonesprtt.org. HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- quin Torres-García, among others. ploring the History of Salsa with the Christie’s, Rockefeller Center NYC. Award Winning Colombian Dance Auction begins 10 AM. Visit www. Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- christies.com. HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 ploring the History of Salsa with the Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. Award Winning Colombian Dance 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Pregones Theater PRTT presents I Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. cal theater role of his career! I Like & Seniors. For information call (718) 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. It Like That – A Musical is the story Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. of the Rodriguez family living in New 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students York City’s East Harlem in the early & Seniors. For information call (718) Repertorio Español presents EN LA 1970s, when music was the lifeline 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. USA ME QUEDÉ with stand up co- and proudest expression of El Barrio. median Saulo Garcia. A new and hi- Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 larious stand-up comedy by the same W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016 gifted comedian who made us laugh 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more uncontrollably with LA VIDA EN LOS information: www.pregonesprtt.org. Repertorio Español presents LA TÍA ESCLAVOS UNIDOS and EL INSOM- JULIA Y EL ESCRIBIDOR (AUNT NIO AMERICANO. EN LA USA ME JULIA AND THE SCRIPTWRITER). QUEDÉ is a non-stop over the top WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2016 When 18-year-old aspiring writer Ma- comedy about the life of immigrants rio falls in love with his aunt-in-law, he who decide to stay in the USA search- Pregones Theater PRTT presents I dives head-first into a world of wild ing for the American Dream which will LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon passion and forbidden love that will ultimately come true for their children. TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- scandalize and entertain the “novela” Performed in Spanish only. No English cal theater role of his career! I Like and Radio Soap Operas obsessed translation available. The Gramercy It Like That – A Musical is the story world of 1950s Lima, Peru. Based Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street 124 (between Lexington & Third Avenue), MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016 NYC. 8 PM. Tickets begin $17-$72. For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 COMITE NOVIEMBRE TWENTY- Pregones Theater PRTT presents I or www.repertorio.org. FIRST ANNUAL BENEFIT CEL- LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon EBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE cal theater role of his career! I Like SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2016 MONTH. Black Tie. Reception 6 PM It Like That – A Musical is the story followed by Dinner 7 PM. New York of the Rodriguez family living in New Pregones Theater PRTT presents I Hilton, 1335 Avenue of the Americas York City’s East Harlem in the early LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon (between W 53rd Street and W 54th 1970s, when music was the lifeline TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- Street), NYC. For more information and proudest expression of El Barrio. cal theater role of his career! I Like or tickets contact Teresa Santiago at Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 It Like That – A Musical is the story (914)263-6599. W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. of the Rodriguez family living in New 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more York City’s East Harlem in the early information: www.pregonesprtt.org. 1970s, when music was the lifeline Carnegie Hall presents AMAZONAS and proudest expression of El Barrio. 2016. Nilko Andreas will be perform- Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 ing with The Baja California Musical Repertorio Español presents EL QUI- W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. Initiative celebrating the Amazonas JOTE. A carnivalesque adaptation 3 PM and 7 PM. Tickets starts at $65. Concert series. Weill Hall at Carnegie of Cervantes’ masterpiece. Through For more information: www.pregone- Hall, 57th St at 7th Ave, NYC. 8 PM. Don Quijote’s adventures, the pro- sprtt.org. Admission $20. For more informa- duction presents the illusion of an uto- tion: www.carnegiehall.org and www. pian world with a festive and colorful nilkoandreas.com . spirit. El Quijote is a polyphonic play Repertorio Español presents EN LA in which many different genres such USA ME QUEDÉ with stand up co- as comedy, tragedy and farce collide median Saulo Garcia. A new and hi- TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016 to form a carnival-like and vibrant Don larious stand-up comedy by the same Quijote that is rich in its musicality.” gifted comedian who made us laugh Repertorio Español presents LA The play is a collection of 12 scenes uncontrollably with LA VIDA EN LOS GRINGA, by Carmen Rivera and di- that present different stories based ESCLAVOS UNIDOS and EL INSOM- rected by Rene Buch. María arrives on the original text of Cervantes. The NIO AMERICANO. EN LA USA ME in Puerto Rico and is very excited Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th QUEDÉ is a non-stop over the top about seeing “her homeland.” As she Street (between Lexington & Third Av- comedy about the life of immigrants visits her uncle in Puerto Rico she is enue), NYC. 11 AM. Tickets $30. For who decide to stay in the USA search- faced with many questions about be- reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or ing for the American Dream which ing Puerto Rican. La Gringa is a story www.repertorio.org. will ultimately come true for their about cultural identity and family. The children. Performed in Spanish only. Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th No English translation available. The Street (between Lexington & Third Av- THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016 Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th enue), NYC. 11 AM. Tickets $30. For Street (between Lexington & Third Av- reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or Repertorio Español presents Nobel enue), NYC. 2:30 PM. Tickets begin www.repertorio.org. Prize Winner Gabriel García Márquez’ $17-$72. For reservations, call (212) CRONICA DE UNA MUERTE ANUN- 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. CIADA (CHRONICLE OF A DEATH Pregones Theater PRTT presents I FORETOLD). Directed by Jorge Alí LIKE IT LIKE THAT. Salsa music icon Triana.A spectacular wedding, a sav- Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE TITO NIEVES stars in the 1st musi- age scandal, and a murder to which HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- cal theater role of his career! I Like an entire Latin American town ap- ploring the History of Salsa with the It Like That – A Musical is the story pears to be an accessory to the fact. Award Winning Colombian Dance of the Rodriguez family living in New The Gramercy Art Theatre, 138 East Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- York City’s East Harlem in the early 27th Street (between Lexington & DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 1970s, when music was the lifeline Third Avenue), NYC. 11 AM. Admis- Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. and proudest expression of El Barrio. sion: $30. For reservations, call (212) 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, 304 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. W 47th Street, New York NY 10036. 4 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students 8 PM. Tickets starts at $65. For more & Seniors. For information call (718) information: www.pregonesprtt.org. 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org.

125 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016 spirit. El Quijote is a polyphonic play Avenue), NYC. 8 PM. $17 - $72. For in which many different genres such reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or The East Harlem Tree Lighting Com- as comedy, tragedy and farce collide www.repertorio.org. mittee presents THE 13TH ANNUAL to form a carnival-like and vibrant Don EAST HARLEM CHRISTMAS TREE Quijote that is rich in its musicality.” SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 LIGHTING CEREMONY, The theme The play is a collection of 12 scenes for the 13th Annual East Harlem Holi- that present different stories based day Tree is Celebrating Our Seniors/ on the original text of Cervantes. The Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE Celebrando Nuestros Mayores. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- tree will remain in place through Oc- Street (between Lexington & Third Av- ploring the History of Salsa with the tavitas, January 23, 2017.Franklin enue), NYC. 8 PM. Tickets $17-$68. Award Winning Colombian Dance Square Plaza at 106th Street and 3rd For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- Avenue, New York, New York, 10029. or www.repertorio.org. DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 6:30 PM. Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. Repertorio Español presents EN EL 4 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students TIEMPO DE LAS MARIPOSAS, A CENTRO: Center for Puerto Rican & Seniors. For information call (718) play by Caridad Svich based on Julia Studies presents CONFERENCE- 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. Alvarez’s novel, directed by José Za- -PUERTO RICO, PUERTO RICANS yas. “In The Time of the Butterflies” PARADES AND FESTIVALS. Puerto MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016 is the story of the courageous Mira- Rico, Puerto Ricans Parades and bal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María Festivals will bring together key mem- Teresa) from the Dominican Repub- bers of organizations in the United INSTITUTO CERVANTES presents lic. The sisters inspired resistance States that organize Puerto Rican film screening ESCUELA DE FLA- cells throughout the country against parades and festivals to examine and MENCOS /FLAMENCO SCHOOL. the dictatorial regime of Gen. Rafael gain a broader understanding of how Na Korean Em met his fate. Al On- Leónidas Trujillo. The ‘butterflies’, they promote Puerto Rican culture ubense, Jerome Segura changed his their secret code name, were bru- and heritage and how they can work life. Aniela Mikucka Aniela, Poland, tally murdered by the regime in 1960. together towards this goal. Silberman regained faith that they can. Carmen Presented in Spanish. Live English School of Social Work, Auditorium Young left his native Mexico to find translation available. Recommended and Room 115AB, 2180 Third Avenue herself. Rocío Márquez got his long- for adult audiences. The Gramercy (119th Street), NYC. 9:30 AM- 5:30 awaited freedom. Young people from Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, PM. Free with RSVP: centropr.nation- all backgrounds come to Sevilla chas- between Lexington & Third Avenues, builder.com/prparades. ing a dream: to dance flamenco. The NYC. 11 AM. Tickets: $30. For reser- tenderly modest and absolutely real vations, call (212) 225-9999 or www. film covers 20 years of existence of repertorio.org. Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a pi- HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- oneer in teaching flamenco. Director: ploring the History of Salsa with the Javier Vila. In Spanish with English Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE Award Winning Colombian Dance Subtitles. Instituto Cervantes Audito- HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- rium, 211-215 E. 49th Street, Manhat- ploring the History of Salsa with the DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 tan. 7 PM. Free admission. Informa- Award Winning Colombian Dance Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. tion: www.newyork.cervantes.org. Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 & Seniors. For information call (718) Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. Repertorio Español presents EL QUI- 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students JOTE. A carnivalesque adaptation & Seniors. For information call (718) of Cervantes’ masterpiece. Through 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. Repertorio Español presents DOÑA Don Quijote’s adventures, the pro- FLOR Y SUS DOS MARIDOS. Doña duction presents the illusion of an uto- Flor misses her late husband’s pas- pian world with a festive and colorful Repertorio Español presents EL QUI- sionate intimacy. She re-marries and spirit. El Quijote is a polyphonic play JOTE. A carnivalesque adaptation magical realism allows her to live (and in which many different genres such of Cervantes’ masterpiece. Through sleep) with her two husbands. The as comedy, tragedy and farce collide Don Quijote’s adventures, the pro- Gramercy Art Theatre, 138 East 27th to form a carnival-like and vibrant Don duction presents the illusion of an uto- Street (between Lexington & Third Quijote that is rich in its musicality.” pian world with a festive and colorful 126 The play is a collection of 12 scenes West Building, 3rd Floor, Hunter Col- Spanish-speaking world, from Argen- that present different stories based lege, 68th and Lexington, NYC. 6-8 tina and Mexico to Colombia, Cuba on the original text of Cervantes. The PM. Free with RSVP at: centropr.na- and Puerto Rico. Flamenco Vivo Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th tionbuilder.com/author2016. highlights the diversity of national tra- Street (between Lexington & Third Av- ditions of music, carols, and dance, enue), NYC. 11 AM. Tickets $30. For while also reflecting the broad influ- reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or Repertorio Español presents LA ZA- ence of Spanish culture throughout www.repertorio.org. PATERA PRODIGIOSA by García the Americas. New York Public Li- Lorca, directed . by Andrés Zam- brary for the Performing Arts, Dorothy brano. A small village is scandalized and Lewis B. Cullman Center, Bruno Repertorio Español presents DOÑA by the marriage of an old shoemaker Walter Auditorium, Lincoln Center FLOR Y SUS DOS MARIDOS. Doña and a beautiful, sensual, and flirta- (W. 64th), NYC. 6 PM. Free but first Flor misses her late husband’s pas- tious young woman. LA ZAPATERA come, first served. Admission lines sionate intimacy. She re-marries and PRODIGIOSA is a poetic comedy by form one hour before show. For more magical realism allows her to live (and Federico García Lorca where true information, visit www.nypl.org. sleep) with her two husbands. The love triumphs. Filled with music and Gramercy Art Theatre, 138 East 27th performed by a talented cast, this play Street (between Lexington & Third Av- will leave audiences in awe of one of FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016 enue), NYC. 2:30 PM. $17 - $72. For García Lorca’s most captivating sto- reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or ries. Performed in Spanish with sub- Repertorio Español presents EL www.repertorio.org. titles in English & Spanish via Simul- AMOR EN LOS TIEMPOS DEL text® In-Seat Captioning System. The CÓLERA. Based on Gabriel García Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Márquez’s Nobel Prize Winning novel, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016 Street (between Lexington & Third Av- this lyrical, imagistic play focuses on enue), NYC. 11 AM. Tickets $30. For an extraordinary love story between El Museo del Barrio presents: COQUI reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or a poetically-inclined man named Flo- CLUB: TAINO TALES. Learn, play, www.repertorio.org. rentino Ariza and a sensual, practical explore, and grow at El Museo’s bi- yet somewhat elusive woman named lingual program for our tiniest visitors. Fermina Daza. Spanning fifty years of Recommended for children ages 1-4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016 time, the story plays out in a series of and their caregivers. Las Galerias, El short scenic episodes filled with po- Museo del Barrio: 1230 5th Avenue Repertorio Español presents EN EL etry, song, movement and heightened @ 104th Street, NYC. FIRST SES- TIEMPO DE LAS MARIPOSAS, a moments of theatricality. A daring SION: 9:30am-10:30am; SECOND play by Caridad Svich based on Julia four-actor tour-de-force piece for the SESSION: 11:00am-12:00pm. Free Alvarez’s novel, directed by José Za- theatre. Presented in Spanish with Event. For more information: (212) yas. “In The Time of the Butterflies” English and Spanish subtitles. Rec- 831-7272 or visit the website www.el- is the story of the courageous Mira- ommended for adult audiences.The museo.org. No RSVP required. bal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Teresa) from the Dominican Repub- Street, between Lexington & Third Av- lic. The sisters inspired resistance enues, NYC. 11 AM. Tickets $17-$68. CENTRO: Center for Puerto Rican cells throughout the country against For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 Studies presents Meet the Author the dictatorial regime of Gen. Rafael or www.repertorio.org. Olga Jiménez de Wagenheim: Na- Leónidas Trujillo. The ‘butterflies’, tionalist Heroines: Puerto Rican their secret code name, were bru- Women History Forgot 1930s-1950s. tally murdered by the regime in 1960. Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE In Nationalist Heroines, Olga Wagen- Presented in Spanish. Live English HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- heim pays tribute to sixteen women, translation available. Recommended ploring the History of Salsa with the fifteen of which were persecuted and for adult audiences. The Gramercy Award Winning Colombian Dance incarcerated for having participated Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- or just seemed to have participated in between Lexington & Third Avenues, DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 the Nationalist Party of Puerto Rico’s NYC. 11 AM. Tickets: $30. For reser- Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 1950s armed struggle, plus one who vations, call (212) 225-9999 or www. 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 heroically survived the 1935 Ponce repertorio.org. Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. Massacre. Nationalist Heroines seeks 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students to rescue the stories of the women & Seniors. For information call (718) who gave up their freedom in search NY PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR THE 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. of freeing their homeland. Commen- PERFORMING ARTS presents NAVI- tators are Katherine T. McCaffrey, DAD FLAMENCA. Flamenco Vivo Montclair University and Jason Cor- Carlota Santana II thrills audiences Repertorio Español presents LA ZA- tes, Rutgers-Newark. Glass Café, with the rich holiday customs of the PATERA PRODIGIOSA by García

127 Lorca, directed by Andrés Zambrano. Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE A small village is scandalized by the 8 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- marriage of an old shoemaker and & Seniors. For information call (718) ploring the History of Salsa with the a beautiful, sensual, and flirtatious 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. Award Winning Colombian Dance young woman. LA ZAPATERA PRO- Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- DIGIOSA is a poetic comedy by Fed- Repertorio Español presents LA TÍA DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 erico García Lorca where true love JULIA Y EL ESCRIBIDOR (AUNT Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. triumphs. Filled with music and per- JULIA AND THE SCRIPTWRITER). 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 formed by a talented cast, this play When 18-year-old aspiring writer Ma- Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. will leave audiences in awe of one of rio falls in love with his aunt-in-law, he 4 PM. Admisson: $40; $37 Students García Lorca’s most captivating sto- dives head-first into a world of wild & Seniors. For information call (718) ries. Performed in Spanish with sub- passion and forbidden love that will 729-3880 or www.thaliatheatre.org. titles in English & Spanish via Simul- scandalize and entertain the “novela” text® In-Seat Captioning System. The and Radio Soap Operas obsessed WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th world of 1950s Lima, Peru. Based Street (between Lexington & Third Av- on the autobiographical tale of No- Repertorio Español presents LA enue), NYC. 8 PM. Ticket from $17- bel Prize winning writer, Mario Var- GRINGA, by Carmen Rivera and di- 68. For reservations, call (212) 225- gas Llosa and adapted for the stage rected by Rene Buch. María arrives 9999 or www.repertorio.org. by OBIE award winning playwright in Puerto Rico and is very excited SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016 Caridad Svich. Performed in Spanish about seeing “her homeland.” As she with subtitles in English & Spanish via visits her uncle in Puerto Rico she Simultext® In-Seat Captioning Sys- Lehman Center for the Performing is faced with many questions about tem. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 Arts presents ASALTO NAVIDEÑO being Puerto Rican. La Gringa is a East 27th Street, between Lexington WITH WILLIE COLON. With 50 years story about cultural identity and fam- & Third Avenues, NYC. 8 PM. Tickets of experience, composer , musician ily. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 $17-72. For reservations, call (212) and singer – trombonist The Son of East 27th Street (between Lexington 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. the Bronx, WILLIE COLON returns to & Third Avenue), NYC. 11 AM. Tickets LA Casa De La Salsa to present a spe- $30. For reservations, call (212) 225- cial Christmas concert celebration. A 9999 or www.repertorio.org. celebration with songs that adorn ev- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2016 ery moment of the holidays. “Canto a Repertorio Español presents LA CAN- Borinquen” “La Murga Panameña”, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016 “Traigo La Salsa”, “Arbolito” are some CIÓN, THE MUSICAL with Original Songs by VICO C. Written by Cán- of the great songs that will be part of Repertorio Español presents EL dido Tirado and directed by Edward this great celebration . The acclaimed AMOR EN LOS TIEMPOS DEL Torres. “La canción” is the humorous hits salsa fanatics cannot miss “Idilio”, CÓLERA. Based on Gabriel García and refreshing story of Rafa, a young “Gitana”, “ Oh Que Sera” , El Gran Va- Márquez’s Nobel Prize Winning novel, man from The Bronx with a passion ron ,” “Sin Poderte Hablar” and many this lyrical, imagistic play focuses on for music. One night, Rafa dreams more will be delighting everyone pres- an extraordinary love story between of a song he has never heard before ent. Do not miss one more night to a a poetically-inclined man named Flo- and when he awakens he inexplicably full house with Willie Colon and His rentino Ariza and a sensual, practical knows the lyrics to the song. Capti- Orchestra. Lehman Center for the yet somewhat elusive woman named vated by the song and with the desire Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Fermina Daza. Spanning fifty years of to adapt it to urban music, Rafa em- Boulevard West, Bronx, New York time, the story plays out in a series of barks on a quest to find its author, but 10468. 8 PM. Tickets: $100 VIP, $60, short scenic episodes filled with po- in his search unexpectedly discovers $50, $40. For more information or to etry, song, movement and heightened the truth about his origins. In this new purchase tickets, visit www.lehman- moments of theatricality. A daring musical, Rafa tells his story through center.org. four-actor tour-de-force piece for the an amalgam of musical genres from theatre. Presented in Spanish with Rap to tropical tunes like Salsa, Me- English and Spanish subtitles. Rec- Thalia Spanish Theatre presents THE rengue and Bachata.Performed in ommended for adult audiences.The HISTORY OF SALSA A musical ex- Spanish with English subtitles via Si- Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th ploring the History of Salsa with the multext® In-Seat Captioning System. Street, between Lexington & Third Av- Award Winning Colombian Dance The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East enues, NYC. 8 PM. Tickets $17-$68. Company CALI SALSA PAL’ MUN- 27th Street (between Lexington & For reservations, call(212) 225-9999 DO. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Third Avenue), NYC. 2:30 PM. Tick- or www.repertorio.org. Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. ets begin $17-$72. For reservations, 8 PM. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 call (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org.

128 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016 to children around the world. The next day, friends and families gather SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2016 Repertorio Español presents LA CAN- to celebrate the arrival of the Three CIÓN, THE MUSICAL with Original ¡FELIZ NAVIDAD! Kings. The Brooklyn Three Kings Songs by VICO C. Written by Cán- Day Parade continues this tradition dido Tirado and directed by Edward by holding a fun and colorful parade SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 Torres. “La canción” is the humorous with celebrity appearances, musical and refreshing story of Rafa, a young ¡FELIZ AÑO NUEVO! and cultural performances, and spe- man from The Bronx with a passion cial guests. Join the fun by meeting for music. One night, Rafa dreams us on Graham Avenue on January 8th FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017 of a song he has never heard before where the Brooklyn Three Kings Day and when he awakens he inexplicably Parade will travel down Graham Av- knows the lyrics to the song. Capti- FELIZ DIA DE LOS TRES REYES! enue, in Williamsburg, to the sound of vated by the song and with the desire Caribbean and Latin American beats. to adapt it to urban music, Rafa em- El Museo del Barrio Presents EL Local school children dressed as barks on a quest to find its author, but MUSEO’S 40TH ANNUAL 3 KINGS kings and angels will lead the Three in his search unexpectedly discovers DAY PARADE. Our favorite time of Kings, their camels, and other ani- the truth about his origins. In this new the year is upon us! Enjoy live cam- mals, to a performance stage on Gra- musical, Rafa tells his story through els, colorful puppets, parrandas, mu- ham Avenue and Broadway. Immedi- an amalgam of musical genres from sic, and dancing on this magical day. ately after the parade, the Kings will Rap to tropical tunes like Salsa, Me- Step-Off at 106th Street and Lexing- distribute gifts to children participating rengue and Bachata.Performed in ton Avenue, NYC. 11:00am. For more in the day’s events. There is no fee for Spanish with English subtitles via Si- information: (212) 831-7272 or email participating in the parade. 3 PM. For multext® In-Seat Captioning System. [email protected] . more information, or to register to par- The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East . ticipate, visit: www.reyesmagosde- 27th Street (between Lexington & brooklyn.com, email: bk3kingsrsvp@ The Society of the Educational Arts/ Third Avenue), NYC. 8 PM. Tickets gmail.com La Sociedad Educativa de las Artes, begin $17-$72. For reservations, call (SEA) presents LOS TRES REYES or call (516) 244-8431. (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio. MAGOS/THE THREE KINGS. On org. January 6th, the light from a star will JANUARY 2017 lead the Three Kings to Teatro SEA to SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2016 celebrate one of the most important Latin American Holidays for children, El Puente presents its ANNUAL THREE KINGS CELEBRATION. El Repertorio Español presents BU- El Día de Los Tres Reyes Magos/ Three Kings Day. On this day, the Puente celebrates with food, music RUNDANGA, a new comedy by Jordi and a stage performance retelling Galcerán and directed by José Zayas. first thousand kids to arrive at Teatro SEA will personally meet The Three the story of the Three Kings, teaching Sylvia and Berta are desperate to dis- our children the values of sharing and cover the true character of Berta’s Kings as well as receive a free gift/ toy. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street caring in our community and preserv- boyfriend, Manel. But when they drug ing our cultural traditions. Every child him with Burundanga – a truth serum (between Rivington Street and Delan- cy Street) NYC. 3 PM – 5 PM. Free. leaves with an age appropriate gift. where the consumer can’t lie or re- 850 Grand Street Campus at Bush- member the conversation – they find For more information visit teatrosea. org or call (212) 529 – 1545. wick Ave, Bklyn. 11211. Admission: a much darker secret that sets them Free. For more information call (718) off on a hilarious, over the top mis- 387-0404. Date TBD sion. A hysterical adventure, Burun- SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2017 danga is a fun yet dark comedy that will have you laughing until the curtain BROOKLYN THREE KINGS DAY PA- closes. Recommended for adult au- RADE, INC. presents 20TH AN- diences. Performed in Spanish with NIVERSARY BROOKLYN THREE subtitles in English & Spanish via Si- KINGS DAY PARADE. The Brooklyn multext® In-Seat Captioning System. Three Kings Day Parade is a year- The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East ly cultural and traditional celebra- 27th Street (between Lexington & tion in Williamsburg. Every January Third Avenue), NYC. 2:30 PM. Ticket 5th before going to sleep, children from $17-72. For reservations, call leave grass or hay under their beds (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio. for the camels that carry the Three org. Kings on their travels to deliver gifts

129 130 The City University of New York congratulates COMITE NOVIEMBRE ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CHAIRWOMAN TERESA A. SANTIAGO

On the occasion of the 3OTH ANNIVERSARY OF PRESERVING, PROMOTING, EDUCATING AND PROTECTING PUERTO RICAN CULTURE AND HISTORY October 27, 2016

William C. Thompson Jr. James B. Milliken CHAIRPERSON, BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHANCELLOR

1-800-CUNY-YES CUNY.EDU CUNY TV-Channel 75131 132