FREE/GRATIS Dec/DIC 2020 jan/enero 2021 Vol. 17 N• 5-6 EL BARRIO CALL TO ACTION • Support Nydia Velázquez and @PRCC. @prcc-chgo @jacprcc [email protected] Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Puerto Rico Self-Determina- tion Bill 773-394-4935 @prccchgoOrgYT Flickr • OPEN LETTER: US Statehood lavozdelpaseoboricua.org for Puerto Rico not Progressive PG7 Humboldt Park’s Very Own

IRIS MARTÍNEZ NMPRAC Raíces Gala: “Las Navidades” Wins Big In Puerto Rico with 1.2 Million Votes -- 72% of Votes Cast José Feliciano PG14 Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Exclusive Interview on Page 3 Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas

Poised to Become PRCC’s Business Development Center Opens WEPA State Senator PG14 Story on Page 3 Mercado del Pueblo Celebra con Sabor Boricua Virtualmente: Parranda Navideña dia de los tres SAB.en DIC paseo 19, 4pm pg.20 boricua MIER.SANTOS 6 de enero Reyes 3PM pg.20 Magos 2 diciembre 2020 /enero 2021 ABOUT LA VOZ: COMMUNITY AS A CAMPUS / PRCC DISTRIBUTE The most recent manifestation FOOD AND TURKEY AT AREA SCHOOLS of Puerto Rican journalism in by Marvin Garcia Chicago, La Voz del Paseo Boric- ua proudly continues in the leg- acy of our community’s previous newspapers. Founded in 2004, La Voz del Paseo Boricua, or simply ‘La Voz’ as it is affectionately called by our readers, is a grassroots bilingual periodical published by the Juan Antonio Corretjer Puerto Rican Cultural Center. We report on stories relevant to our community on a monthly basis, dissemina–ting news about local events, programs, resources, and develop- ments. As an alternative source of media, we seek to acknowl- edge the achievements of the Puerto Rican community at large and to advocate for the preservation of the heart of our barrio At Richard Yates Elementary, 11-21-2020 At Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos H.S., 10-1- 2020 in Humboldt Park - our “pedacito de patria” in Chicago.

SOBRE LA VOZ: La más reciente manifestación del periodismo puertor- Tribune photo by Terence Antonio James riqueño en Chicago, La Voz del Paseo Boricua continúa or- gullosamente el legado de nuestros primeros periódicos. Fun- dado en 2004, La Voz del Paseo Boricua, o ‘La Voz’ según se le conoce cariñosamente por nuestros lectores, es un periódico de pueblo, publicado de manera bilingüe por El Centro Cul- tural Puertorriqueño Juan Antonio Corretjer. Mensualmente, divulga historias relevantes de nuestra comunidad, diseminan- Erie House Charter Parent Coordinator West Park Academy Parent receiving a turkey do noticias sobre acontecimientos, programas, recursos, y pro- preparing to make deliveries. and produce. gresos locales. Como fuente alternativa de medios, intentamos reconocer los logros de la comunidad puertorriqueña al igual ALDERMAN LASPATA AND COMMUNITY AS A que abogar por la preservación del corazón de nuestro barrio Humboldt Park – nuestro “pedacito de patria” en Chicago. CAMPUS CO-SPONSOR FREE MEET OUR PRODUCTION TEAM COVID TESTING AND FLU SHOTS In conjunction with the 1st Ward Alderman LaSpata’s Xiomara Rodríguez office, the Illinois Department of Public Health, Walgreens DIRECTOR, Pharmacy, and the Yates Sustainable Community Schools DIGITAL MEDIA xiomara.rodriguez initiative, the Community as a Campus/ PRCC participated @prcc-chgo.org in a free COVID testing and flu shot event on Friday, No- Roberto Sanabria vember 6, 2020, which drew 372 people for COVID testing and 131 flu shots. EDITOR IN CHIEF Xavier Claudio [email protected] PHOTOGRAPHER [email protected] The event was held at the Ricard Yates Elementary School with the participation of many volunteers who directed traf- Luis Alejandro Molina fic and distributed PPE’s. Thanks to all who provided food SENIOR ADVISOR [email protected] to the volunteers and families that participated in the event.

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org December 2020/january 2021 3 Humboldt Park’s DR. PACIONE-ZAYAS Very Own POISED TO BECOME STATE SENATOR Iris Martínez Wins Big! by Jessie Fuentes, Co-Chair, Puerto Rican Agenda of Votes -- of Votes Cast Chicago 1.2 Million 72% Next week history will Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County be made as Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas is slotted EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW it’s important to bring customer to be selected by the After her record-setting victo- service to the Clerk’s Office. Committeemen of the ry in the General Election, Iris When people come in with seri- 20th District to serve as Martínez talks with La Voz Del ous needs like an order of pro- that district’s State Senator, thereby replacing our Paseo Boricua’s Editor in Chief, tection, our customer workforce trail blazing leader - Iris Martínez. For the first Roberto Sanabria. needs to be friendly. When time in the Senate, there will be a seamless, organ- On December 1, 2020, Appel- people come in with problems, ic transition between two generations of powerful late Court Justice Jesse G.Reyes, our frontline staff needs to Boricua women. I am honored to watch a friend, swore in Iris Martínez as the be empathetic. They need to colleague, and mentor take a seat in the Illinois first Latina to assume the role authentically want to dig in and Senate. of Clerk of the Circuit Court of help them find solutions. That Cook County. Ms. Martínez sat means retraining that work- Dr. Pacione-Zayas and I have served five years down for a socially distanced seeing those numbers coming force. The leadership up to now together as Co-Chairs of the Puerto Rican Agenda. interview midway between in on Election Night. I was fol- has not been invested in this. During our tenure, the Puerto Rican Agenda has her landslide victory and her lowing the Biden numbers, too, We need to lift the cloud of cor- become a political force in the Latino community assumption of this new and because of how important that ruption and patronage. My goal of Chicago and throughout the Puerto Rican Dias- critical role. election was to all of us, and is to remake the office. It is the pora. It has been with Dr. Pacione-Zayas’s leader- in some places I got a higher second largest county clerk’s ship that the Puerto Rican Agenda launched the RS. You received about 1.2 percentage than he did. I said, office in the nation. We have 3 R’s (Rescue, Relief, and Rebuild) Campaign that million votes, which makes Wow! There are a lot of expec- to remake it into a professional provided aid to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Irma you the highest vote getter of tations, but I am honored and I operation. and Maria and then earthquakes devastated our all , everywhere am ready for the challenge. island. The deep solidarity of the Puerto Rican Di- in 2020. In fact, you received RS. In your opinion, what aspora was on full display when the Puerto Rican 30,00 more votes than the top RS. What do you plan to take does the Democratic Party need Agenda landed its first plane in San Juan, Puerto four candidates in the election on during your first term? Pri- to do to reach out more effec- Rico with $100,000 worth of supplies and re- for Governor of Puerto Rico. orities? Your wish list? tively to Latino voters? turned to Chicago with 300 stranded passengers. There is no doubt you are one From that moment the Puerto Rican Agenda has of the most widely known and IM. First and foremost, as I IM. Until you have Latinos been at the forefront of relief and policy efforts influential Puerto Rican offi- campaigned I continually field- in decision making positions to rebuild a new Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican cials today. Does that surprise ed complaints about the un- in the Democratic Party, you Agenda is indebted to Dr. Pacione Zayas for her you? What do you say to that? professionalism of the Clerk’s will not be effective. Our Latino dedication and inspired leadership through these IM. No, I didn’t know that. Office. This was something that residents want to hear from us tumultuous events. I’m excited. I was shocked was said over and over. To me about issues important to them. (Continued on page 8) (Continued on page 5)

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org 4 diciembre 2020 /enero 2021 OVER THE COURSE OF 4 DAYS, PRCC DISTRIBUTES TURKEYS, FOOD STAPLES, AND PREPARED MEALS TO MORE THAN 400 FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY

by La Voz Staff On Saturday November 21, PRCC’s Community as a Campus initiative joined Yates Elementary School in distributing turkeys and food to 85 of its students’ families. On Monday, November 23, the PRCC, Ald. Maldonado, Municipal Food Market and the sponsoring Committee of the Palestinian Scholarship Student Fund distributed turkeys and food to 100 families at the PRCC’s newest econom- ic development initiative, el Mercado del Pueblo, next to Municipal. On Tuesday, Nov. 24, the PRCC, Ald. Maldonado and the Municipal Market, gave away 100-125 turkeys and foodstuff boxes at the above location to families for Thanksgiving dinner.

COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND FRANCISCA LINO

by La Voz Staff ing for her. She insisted she was not a fugitive, but a parking ticket. Pastor Lozano told those who Francisca Lino has lived in the sanctuary of an asylum seeker. Through her attorney, ICE was gathered that a deranged racist can murder scores Adalberto Church for 38 months. This of Mexicans in a Texas Walmart at the border church is in the heart of the Paseo Boricua, while Trump does nothing, but this law-abid- and is regularly attended by Mexican and ing mother and wife somehow attracts his Puerto Rican worshipers. Yesterday, Tuesday, attention. Puerto Rican Cultural Center Oct. 27, just one week before the presidential Executive Director, José E. López questioned, election, an ICE agent called Pastor Emma “why now?” Then he answered — this is what Lozano, who is a longtime friend and spiri- Trump’s base desires. López argued that tual advisor of Francisca Lino, and demand- Trump’s base supporters are a racist group ed to know her whereabouts. By 5:00, Pastor inspired by a racist ideology. He decried any Lozano had organized a press conference in Latino who would vote for Trump. front of Adalberto Church. All who spoke urged the crowd to vote. With her 3 children and husband behind They agreed that the current harassment was her (all US citizens), and a row of Mexican kept up to date on her location. Francisca Lino a politically motivated ploy, a last-minute desper- and Puerto Rican flags to her side, Francisca Lino described how her application for citizenship was ate attempt by the President to get his followers addressed the crowd and media gathered. She rejected because of a simple error written on the excited and to the polls. Francisca Lino proudly explained that it was important that she remind form. Her attorney spoke to the press and con- pointed to her children and to her husband, and ICE where she was. She did want federal agents to firmed that. Moreover, we learned that his client let everyone know that her family is voting in this harass and detain others while supposedly search- had never run afoul of the law — not so much as election.

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org December 2020/january 2021 5 MAYOR LIGHTFOOT SUPPORTS CITY COUNCIL FUNDING FOR NANCY FRANCO MALDONADO PASEO BORICUA ARTS BUILDING TO BREAK GROUND IN EARLY 2021

By Eduardo Arocho, Contributing writer LLC, look The long anticipated Paseo Boricua Arts Build- to initiate ing project has taken a major step forward toward the ground- groundbreaking. In a press release issued Novem- breaking by ber 16, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Office voiced its early 2021. support for a Bond Ordinance to fund the Paseo The Boricua Arts Building. The Bond Ordinance would five-story authorize the City to amend an existing ordinance building is and issue an additional $6 Million in bonds for a designed total not to exceed $12 Million in tax-exempt hous- by Urban- ing revenue bonds to Paseo Boricua Arts, LLC. The Works Ar- Finance Committee approved the ordinance the chitects and following day. A follow-up hearing of the Finance will feature Committee will be held on December 14th. Once a spacious Credit for the image provided by UrbanWorks, Ltd. UrbanWorks, by the image provided for Credit approved, this ordinance will go to the full City common Council for final approval on December 16th. area and The Paseo Boricua Arts Building has been a office for major project of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center building with incomes at 30% to 60% of the area median since it purchased the properties of the former operations on the first floor, as well as two com- income. Ashland Sausage Company in 2013. The project mercial retail spaces including a black box perfor- The Project was renamed The Nancy Franco suffered delays due to rising costs of building mance theater that will be leased by The UrbanT- Maldonado Paseo Boricua Arts Building, in honor construction, which quickly surpassed the original heater Company. The 2nd through 5th floors will of 26th Ward Alderman Roberto Maldonado’s late construction budget. Now with the new financial include 24 affordable, Live/ Work units for artists wife Nancy, who was an ardent supporter of the commitment from the City of Chicago, The Puerto and their families and will be a mix of studios, project before her untimely death due to cancer in Rican Cultural Center and its partner Brinshore, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units for tenants 2016.

(Interview continued from page 3) COVID is one of the biggest problems they see alleging corruption, and we failed to respond ef- now. Also problems with education. The Demo- fectively. We need to start a conversation. We need cratic Party is standing at the forefront. It needs new progressive leadership. A leadership where all to look for ways to support more Latino can- ethnicities, Black, Latino, everyone is represented didates. In Illinois they don’t. The Chairman in the decision making. When that happens, Lati- needs to step down. Our Supreme Court Justice nos will feel more at home in the Democratic Party; was not retained. They ran attack ads against their support will soar. him tying him to the Speaker of the House,

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org 6 diciembre 2020 /enero 2021 NEW BUSINESS OPENS ON PRCC CONGRATULATES PASEO BORICUA THE CLEMENTE COMMUNITY AND STU- DENTS FIRST LSC SLATE ON WINNING Alkaline Healing Herbs THE LSC ELECTIONS opened its second store in Chica- go at 2455 W. Division St. The entire slate of the Clemente Community and Owner Coralee Montes offers Students First LSC won the recent elections in that a variety of products for detox, school, which included the three parent representatives, revitalizing and nutrition in- Judy Vázquez, Miguel Vázquez, Myriam Manzo, and spired by Dr. Sebi. Other prod- the two community representatives, Glenda Guzmán, ucts include fresh teas, juices, and LeShonne Segura. The purpose of the slate was and natural skin products among to ensure that the educational practice at Clemente is others. Visit their Instagram guided by the goals and objectives of the Community page @ alkalinehealingherbsllc as a Campus initiative. The Community as a Campus or website alkalinehealingherbs. initiative was founded more than a decade ago to ensure that we can harness the com for more information. social capital of our community around our educational institutions. Presently the Community as a Campus initiative engages in work in 17 of the area schools.

HAUNTED PASEO BORICUA 2020

by PRCC staff gourds and carry away with them (with the help of 1,500 children plus their moms and dads safe- a parent) a box of food, which was donated for this ly celebrated Haunted Paseo this year. Thanks to purpose. smart precautions and good weather, The Puerto Guzmán reported that overall the event was a Rican Cultural Center provided a COVID free and great success. She touted the community’s great inviting alternative to traditional trick or treating capacity and resourcefulness to organize and during this year of pandemic – even surpassing execute culturally appropriate fun for the commu- last year’s turn out. Along the Paseo Boricua, 20 nity’s youth. She added, “I hope that next year the stations stretching from West Town Bikes at Di- situation improves and that we can bring more joy vision & Campbell to the Lisa Isadora Cruz Trans to our community and to our youth.” Health Center on Division & California, offered

socially distanced tricks and treats to the commu- nity youth. Glenda Guzmán, who co-organized this year’s Haunted Paseo, said the best station was hers – situated at the Casita de Don Pedro, where blind- folded and socially distanced children took turns at whacking candy filled piñatas while screaming for joy. Melissa Lewis, Principal of Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos H.S., organized a pumpkin painting station where children were invited to paint the

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org December 2020/january 2021 7 OPEN LETTER FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUERTO RICAN DIASPORA: U.S. STATEHOOD FOR PUERTO RICO IS NOT A PROGRESSIVE POSITION Editor’s Note: Before the November 2020 elec- Congress grants. though separated by space, the connection between tion, the National Boricua Human Rights Network For 122 years, equivalent to five generations, the diaspora and the island remains strong, as seen issued an open letter on the status of Puerto Rico. this island-nation has been a colonial possession. in its mobilization of aid after the ravages of Hur- Signed by hundreds of individuals across the Puer- Its land, labor, resources, and bodies have been ricane Maria and the willful neglect of the Trump to Rican diaspora, the letter challenges the idea administration. that the U.S. should make Puerto Rico a state. The imposition of statehood is not, contrary to some DEMANDS FOR PUERTO RICAN Today, many of us in the Puerto Rican diaspora positions, a progressive political position; it is a SELF-DETERMINATION are troubled by growing expressions of support colonial one. Proponents of statehood continue to GROW IN THE DIASPORA for Puerto Rico becoming the 51st state of the U.S. spin the results of the recent plebiscite, claiming among liberals and progressives. Statehood does without evidentiary proof that the majority of the • In Delaware, Puerto Ricans demand not have overwhelming support among Puerto Ri- Puerto Rican people support annexation. Instead, Biden support self-determination. cans. Although figures from the most recent plebi- progressives and allies of the Puerto Rican people scite in 2017 are widely touted by statehood propo- should support the Puerto Rico Self-Determination • In Pennsylvania, Councilwoman nents, 77% of the island’s electorate boycotted the Act, introduced by Congressional Representatives María Quiñones introduces resolu- vote. It is clear to us that many U.S. progressives Nydia Velázquez and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. tion to Philadelphia City Council do not know that the Puerto Rican Statehood Party The bill recognizes that the future of Puerto Rico calling for support of HR 8113 (PNP) is among the most socially conservative par- should be decided, above all, by the Puerto Rican ties on the island, boasts Republican leaders, has a people through a transparent, honest, and funda- • In Massachusetts, Springfield City long history of corruption, and has spent millions mentally democratic process. In the coming weeks Council adopts resolution present- to woo congressional officials. and months, La Voz will further explore why Puer- ed by Councilman Adam Gómez to Rico needs a genuine path to self-determination supporting self-determination for Statehood is not a progressive position for Puerto and an end to colonialism. Puerto Rico bill. Rico. Puerto Rico is not Washington, D.C. Puerto Rico is a nation. It has its own identity, history, Puerto Rico is a U.S. colony. It became so, as and aspirations. Under international law, Puerto illegal war booty of the Spanish-American war in • In Illinois, Puerto Rican Agenda is Rico’s colonial status cannot be resolved through 1898. Contrary to pronouncements after the 1952 organizing efforts for resolutions to the imposition of statehood. Under conditions of establishment of “Estado Libre Asociado,” known be adopted in The City of Chicago colonialism and increased demographic substitu- in English as Commonwealth, Puerto Rico’s politi- and State legislatures to support tion, this will only lead to the intensification of cal status has never ceased to be colonial. In 2016, Nydia Velázquez and Alexandria domination. For this reason, we consider legislation the U.S. Supreme Court acknowledged this fact. Ocasio Cortez bill. proposed by NY Representatives, Nydia Velázquez One hundred years after it had designated Puerto and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a promising step. Rico as “foreign in a domestic sense” and inhabited It recognizes that Puerto Rico’s future can only by “alien races” unfit for self-government, it con- exploited and its clamors for self-determination be decided by Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican cluded that “the ‘ultimate’ source of prosecutorial and independence repressed. As a result of this diaspora. In short, our decolonization rests on the power remains the U.S. Congress.” In other words, long and tormented history, the majority of Puerto human right to self-determination. Puerto Rico has no sovereignty, other than what Ricans today reside outside of the island. Yet, al-

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org 8 diciembre 2020 /enero 2021 COMENTARIO ADAM GÓMEZ BECOMES ¡LA ANEXIÓN SALIÓ TRASQUILADA! MASSACHUSETTS’ FIRST AFRO-PUERTO RICAN STATE SEN. A pesar de campañas financiadas con dinero ex- los pueblos originarios, a los negros, a los latinos, a los ISSUES SPECIAL THANKS TO PRCC tranjero, la estadidad pierde terreno. El PNP llega a su puertorriqueños y a tantos otros más. punto más bajo de la década. La reducción de apoyo a la anexión y las casi 40 mil State Senator-Elect sends a special thanks papeletas echadas en blanco, son un rechazo también, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 4 de noviembre de 2020- El al chanchullo y a la pretensión de imponer la corrup- to Puerto Rican community for its support apoyo a la estadidad ha llegado a su nivel más bajo en ción en la solución responsable del estatus colonial de in his historic win. esta década. Los nuestra Patria. SPRINGFIELD – On November 3rd Adam datos son claros e Mediante el Gómez won the election for the Hampden irrefutables: De un voto por el NO District State Senate seat, becoming both the 61.16% que obtuvo nuestra gente se first Puerto Rican and Afro-Latino member en el 2012 y un ale- ha expresado y in the body’s history. At a socially-distanced gado 97% en 2017, ha dicho, basta election night celebration attended by close ahora se reduce ya de consultas supporters, the campaign committee, Rep. a 50.5%cuando y plebiscitos que se consideran las nada han resuel- papeletas echadas to. en blanco. Esto, a En este plebi- pesar de contar a scito la estadidad su favor con una ley de “plebiscito” claramente diseña- ha salido trasquilada lo que hace ineludible la convo- da para favorecer el voto por la anexión y de lanzar, catoria a una Asamblea Constitucional de Estatus. La además, una campaña de miedo financiada con mil- realidad no se puede esconder. En el plebiscito del lones de dólares de dudosa procedencia. El liderato del 2012 el actual estatus territorial fue rechazado por el Adam Gómez at Jan. 11 , 2017 rally and march to White Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) escogió el terreno de 54% de los y ahora la estadidad obtiene una cantidad House demanding freedom for Oscar López Rivera. juego e impuso las reglas para torcer los resultados y de votos menor a las pasadas consultas. Ni el ELA (la Carlos González, Rep. Elect Orlando Ramos, NO lo logró. colonia), ni la anexión son opciones viables, nunca lo and members of the press, current Spring- Los puertorriqueños y puertorriqueñas hemos fueron, pero ahora han recibido el rechazo del pueblo field City Councilor Adam Gómez outlined hecho una nueva expresión de reafirmación nacional, puertorriqueño. Las únicas opciones posibles y dignas his vision for his first term. Later that day, he de orgullo de nuestra identidad cultural, caribeña y son las que se sostengan en la soberanía de los puertor- had a “shout-out’ for the Chicago communi- latinoamericana. Queremos ser un pueblo con proyec- riqueños. Esa es la ruta viable, que no debe postergarse ty: ción en el mundo y NO diluido y disperso en un país más. “I am incredibly thankful for the love cuyo sistema de gobierno NO respeta a las minorías, a and support that the Puerto Rican Cultural Center of Chicago, Puerto Rican Agenda, (PACIONE-ZAYAS continued from page 3) and the entire diaspora of Puerto Rico has Dr. Pacione-Zayas has become the only Puerto Rican political shown for me. This community got me commentator on WGN. She has advocated, organized, mobi- across the finish line.” said Gómez. “I am lized, and inspired people to fight for what is right. She has been especially thankful to my mentor José E. a powerful voice in her role as a member of The Illinois State López, Juan Calderón, Jessie Fuentes, Luis Board of Education, and as the Associate Vice President of Policy Alejandro Molina, and lastly the Puerto at the Erikson Institute. It is Dr. Pacione-Zayas’s tenacity and Rican community of Humboldt Park. Mak- commitment to a more just world that ensures us that she is the ing sure that Bandera a Bandera doesn’t most qualified candidate for the position. just begin and end on W , but rather extends across this country. ¡Que Viva Cristina, it is with great joy to watch you transition into the . Thank you for your work, your Puerto Rico! ¡Sí si Puede y Sí Se Pudo!” commitment, your friendship and your mentorship. It has been an absolute honor to serve with you. You will always have an organizer in me.

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org December 2020/january 2021 9 PUERTO RICAN CHICAGO MOURNS PASSING OF ICONIC, GROUNDBREAKING LEADER MARÍA CERDA REMEMBERED By Aida Giachello The Puerto Rican Maria Cerda’s accolades include: • María was one of the community mourns • First Latino/a appointed to the Chicago Board of first leaders to support the loss of an iconic Education by the late Chicago Mayor, Richard the candidacy of the leader with national M. Daley. There she initiated, then expanded late Harold Washing- name recognition, bilingual education programs and ensured ton, the first African María Cerda, who that sufficient funding was allocated to those American to run for passed at the age of programs. She persuaded Board members to Mayor for the City of 89. María was mar- visit Puerto Rico and Mexico to recruit bilin- Chicago during the ried for 60 years to gual teachers for the Chicago Public Schools. Democratic primaries. Judge David Cerda She later served on the who is now 93 years • Always passionate for the education of children, Transition Team for of age. María was the mother and the role model of María was one of the founders of Aspira, Inc. the Mayor and was ap- another great community leader, Marta Cerda, who • A strong advocate for Latina women’s rights, pointed to the Mayor’s Office of Employment is currently the CEO of ASI Home Health Care, María was part of the Latina Feminist move- and Training. as well as David Cerda, Jr., who is a distinguished ment of the 70s, and became one of the first • María was instrumental for the City of Chicago attorney. María died Sunday, November 8, 2020 at members of the National Conference of Puerto to become a sanctuary city for immigrants as Northwestern Memorial Hospital from COVID-19 Rican Women, with Miriam Cruz, and other a result of a negative encounter with the feder- related complications. great Puerto Rican women. al Immigration officers in the entrance of City • María was interviewed on many local and Hall where they were asking her and others With steely determination, María struggled national radio and TV stations. Among them for their Green Cards without being aware through the years for Latinos to receive quality was an interview with Studs Terkel on WFMT that she was a U.S. citizen by birth. As a result education, better housing, dignified employment, where she argued that our youth need to of those incidents, Mayor Harold Washington and in the defense of our beautiful cultural her- know their culture and to develop a sense of declared Chicago a Sanctuary City. itage. She was born in Lares, Puerto Rico, into a pride in their heritage. huge family-- 20 brothers and sisters. She gradu- • María was a member of the national Board of María was blessed with great wisdom and was ated from the University of Puerto Rico where she driven by her profound love for justice. She had earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, then Children’s Television of the Public Television Network where immeasurable courage to take on fights when nec- moved to Chicago to earn a master’s degree at the essary, but through hard work she created other University of Chicago’s School of Social Services • She provided advice on Sesame Street and The solutions for complex community problems when Administration. María became deeply aware of Electric Company. that was an option. In all the sense of the word, she the social and economic injustices that plagued • María marched for civil rights with Martin Lu- was a great lady, who dressed elegantly and im- the poor and the racial and ethnic minorities. She ther King when he came to Chicago. pressed everyone who met her. Many of us wanted tirelessly promoted an agenda for social action • María marched with Cesar Chávez when he to be like Maria. She was a great inspiration and while working for diverse social services organi- visited the Pilsen community. she showed us the way. María, my good friend, we zations. While working in a program for Juvenile are going to miss you. Rest in Peace! Delinquency Prevention, María met the man who • In 1974, she helped create the Latino Insti- would become her husband, Judge Cerda, the first tute, the powerful resource that continues to by Aida L Maisonet viuda de Giachello/Aida L Giachello Mexican American Judge in the Circuit Court of engage in advocacy, research, and policy on Appellations of Illinois. behalf of Latinos.

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org 10 diciembre 2020 /enero 2021 Centerfold

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lavozdelpaseoboricua.org 12 diciembre 2020 /enero 2021 PUERTO RICO’S REFERENDUM NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A SELF-DETERMINATION PROCESS

by Fmr. Rep. Luis Gutiérrez status, when this is another non-binding straw poll. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Alexandria Oca- On Tuesday, a “yes or no” referendum will take In fact, last summer, during the leak of scandalous sio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) recognizes the inherent, human place in Puerto Rico asking voters whether they chats between Rosselló and his cabinet members, right of the people of Puerto Rico to call a Status wish to join the union as a state. Whatever the whose circle of associates remain in control, the Convention or Constitutional Assembly to directly outcome, the referendum is by no means a process ex-governor said, “we even play our own for fools.” elect delegates who would negotiate with an offi- to resolve the island’s commonwealth status, which cial Congressional commission. many Puerto Ricans liken to colonial status. If this disdain of the island’s elite wasn’t clear to Contrary to past proposals, this commission This latest referendum will be the sixth to take the Puerto Rican people, we wouldn’t be seeing the would ensure that voters on the island are aware place over decades in the island. As with the most emergence of new political parties and movements of the implications of their status vote, including recent one in 2017, it is mired in controversy be- on the island that cross status lines and are focused transition plans and policies affecting reparations, cause it fails to include all of the status options that on principles of good government. Existing parties citizenship, federal funding, language, interna- diverse Puerto Rican voices have rallied for — not have been forced to scramble and there is a realign- tional representation and other vexing issues that just statehood but also, for more have not been addressed in past island than a century, independence; a referendums. These are all critical ques- free association, similar to the ar- tions that must be thoroughly discussed rangement the United States has and answered if we truly want to have a with Palau; and a modification of democratic process. the current commonwealth status. The bill respects Puerto Rico’s right to To argue that Puerto Ricans are self-determination and is set up in such being denied their full rights, as a way that the people’s democratically the island’s pro-statehood party elected assembly and the congressional does, but then make the range of commission cannot be dissolved until options of all of their compatriots a status option is chosen by the people invisible is the worst form of hy- and ratified by Congress. pocrisy. It does nothing to repair When Puerto Ricans en masse took to the image of the political party the streets in the summer of 2019, it was that has been in power for the a clear statement that our people were last four years — the New “Pro- done with conniving, corrupt leadership gressive” Party (PNP in Spanish) on the island and in Washington. Puerto — the same party of ousted Gov. Ricans are fed up with a U.S.-imposed Ricardo Rosselló. unelected fiscal control board. More But don’t take this blatant ex- intrusion by self-interested political par- clusion from just me — take it from the Department ment in the works, according to most observers. ties and players, both here or there, is simply not of Justice (DOJ). Citing Obama-era White House As with the previous tainted referendums, this welcomed. No matter how well-disguised, Puerto reports, the DOJ minced no words when it said that latest one also won’t trigger any action on the part Ricans will see it from a mile away. any referendum that excludes other options op- of Congress. Instead, Puerto Rico needs a transpar- The way to express support of the island’s people posed to statehood would not be legitimate. ent, fair and inclusive process that would bind Con- is by backing the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Treating the island’s status as if it were a Twitter gress to what Puerto Ricans — no one else — choose Act of 2020. Puerto Ricans can lead for themselves. survey is an insult to the Puerto Rican people. It’s a as their future. It’s time to respect that. grotesque mask for the island’s political parties to There is a concrete path to this process. The Luis Gutiérrez is a former Democratic congressman who represented Illinois’s fourth district. This article was previoulsy marshal voters to keep them in power by tricking Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act of 2020 published in The Hill, and, the views expressed by contributors them into believing they will resolve the island’s introduced by my former colleague Rep. Nydia are their own and not the view of The Hill

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org December 2020/january 2021 13

Benito Reinosa Burgos In Memorium • HECTOR FRANCO, ACCLAIMED COMMUNITY LEADER AND ALD. MALDONADO’S FATHER-IN-LAW Hay vibración de tambores The Puerto Rican Cultural Center Mourns the physical loss of a pillar of our community, and father-in-law que nacieron africanos of Alderman Roberto Maldonado, Hector Franco. Hector Franco became a highly respected and admired y hoy resuenan en las manos leader in Chicago’s Puerto Rican and Latino community. Following his training as a community organizer, de un mundo de mil colores; he would create a very effective multicultural multiracial advocacy group. Allies for a Better Community— Llantos, rezos y dolores ABC. He was an effective leader in addressing many issues relating to the quality of life in our marginal- ized communities. de una Patria agradecida mientras pasó a mejor vida The PRCC joins The Franco and Maldonado families in their bereavement on the loss of another family member during the holidays. Nearly 5 years ago, they confronted the unexpected and untimely death of un boricua hasta en la luna Nancy Franco Maldonado, Hector Franco’s dear daughter, and Roberto Maldonado’s beloved wife. y su Atabal entró en una • JAMES CORTÉS, BELOVED BROTHER OF OUR PATRIOT EDWIN CORTÉS dimensión desconocida. We, at The Puerto Rican Cultural Center, are deeply saddened by the passing away of James Cortés. James, beloved brother of our Patriot Edwin Cortés, a valued member of a distin- No hay tribunal ni prisión guished family that has made many contributions to our Collective work. The family will ni marina todavía receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 on que tengan la valentía Sunday, November 22, 2020, from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 2:00 PM. de Carlos “Tasó” Zenón hoy que él trasciende, • JAIME CRUZ, LONG TIME BUSINESS OWNER su acción y su yola de pescar Jaime Cruz, long time restaurateur and President of the Cocineros Unidos se van inmortalizar de Humboldt Park, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 8th. For 20 en la Patria, en la Isla Nena, years Jaime was the owner of Latin American Restaurant on Paseo Boricua en cada grano de arena and for many years was a member of the Division Street Business Develop- ment Association. He owned several popular food trucks in Humboldt Park, y en la inmensidad del mar. and he gave back through his generous support of many activities in the Puerto Rican Community. La Voz del Paseo Boricua expresses its deepest A Carlos Taso Zenon condolences to Jaime’s wife Yolanda, his children, grandchildren as well as -Eduardo Villanueva Serrano. the entire Cruz family. He will be sorely missed.

A Héctor (Atabal) Rodríguez Medina de Eduardo Villanueva Serrano. ELEGIA A BENITO REINOSA BURGOS Por Eduardo Villanueva Serrano Pienso que nuestros espir- que iluminan la larga noche oscura, aveces de lo itus son desprendimientos que son injusticias constantes. Los soles que pintan “Umbrio por la pena, casi bruno, porque la pena del espiritu Supremo, que le el amanecer y la esperanza del fin de la opresión tizna cuando estalla, donde yo no me hallo, no se llamamos Dios. Esa energia y de la esclavitud, son seres de luz, de verdad, son halla, hombre mas apenado que ninguno”” Miguel es infinita y de ahí salimos los que nos alumbran en la lucha. Son los que a Hernandez en soplo, a habitar un cuer- veces nos produce una verguenza íntima, por no Queridos compas: Nadie se atreva a llorar, dejen po y una mente, que luego alcanzarlos o apreciarlos en su grandeza. Es un im- que ria en silencio. No se fue Benito, siempre se entrena, se socializa para ser y para vivir en perativo ético quererlos y respetarlos. Eso se ganó digo que se transformó, eso ocurre con el espiri- sociedad. Los que como Benito, se doctoran en dar Benito y desde allá y acá nos enseña y nos lega su tu cuando abandona la capsula que es el cuerpo. amor y no piden nada materia para ellos, son los ejemplo...

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org 14 diciembre 2020 /enero 2021 RAICES GALA CELEBRATES “LAS NAVIDADES” IN PUERTO RICO The Annual Raíces Gala at The National Muse- ments and contributions. This year, the awards to be present as this year’s honorees receive their um of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC) went to the museum’s longtime collaborator, awards, the gala video transports viewers to the Isla in 2020 was an extraordinary occasion from start theater company Y No Había Luz; to the nation- Del Encanto, welcoming them with a performance to finish: The museum celebrated 20 years since al organization, Hispanic Federation, for their by Y No Había Luz, interspersed with tributes to its founding, and the Humboldt Park community contributions to help the arts of Puerto Rico and the culture of the pueblo of Loíza, and ending with celebrated 25 years since the public art project a musical performance attended by none other of the steel Puerto Rican flags on Paseo Boricua, than the Three Kings. known as “Banderas,” was installed. Moreover, The Raíces Gala helps to raise the funds the celebration was distinctive for yet another required for NMPRAC to continue to thrive as reason. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this a cultural anchor in the City of Chicago as well year’s gala was celebrated virtually, and, for the as become the preferred destination for all those first time, it took place in Puerto Rico. Notably, wanting to learn about the rich history, art, and the 2020 Raíces Gala was moved to December so culture of Puerto Rico. As the only self-standing as to kick off the holiday season in Puerto Rico, Puerto Rican museum in the United States, the known as “Las Navidades.” NMPRAC’s vision is to collaborate with other Each year as part of the gala, NMPRAC selects the Diaspora; to José Feliciano, who celebrates 50 institutions to harness the necessary resources in major artists to receive the prestigious Ceiba years of the classic song “Feliz Navidad”; and to order to expand programming, exhibits, and visitor Award, the only national award granted to Puerto Lucecita Benítez, who is considered “The National experience. Ricans for their artistic and cultural accomplish- Voice of Puerto Rico.” Aside from allowing viewers

¡WEPA! MERCADO DEL PUEBLO: A PATH TO COMMUNITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT By Nadya Henriquez, PRCC’s Economic Development products in an indoor space during the weekends. Administrator The third stage will be to support our Weperos to On Saturday, December 5, 2020, The Puerto transition, after they are prepared, into a store front Rican Cultural Center’s (PRCC) Business Devel- or co-working space. opment program opened the doors of the new ¡WEPA! Mercado del Pueblo initiative and incuba- The ¡WEPA! Mercado del Pueblo is located at tor. This innovative platform provides an indoor 2559 W. Division St., next door to La Municipal space to the Paseo Boricua ¡WEPA! Community Pop Supermarket. With the help of La Municipal and (SBDC) of the PRCC. These aspiring small busi- Up vendors during the winter season. The Pop- the City of Chicago’s Small Business Investment ness owners will go through a training program to up and the market are the first two stages of The Fund (SBIF) award to La Municipal, the space was formalize their business structure, and learn how PRCC Community Business Development Model. completely remodeled to house our market, which to manage business finances, marketing and pro- This model has three stages: the first is our Pop- has turned into the “go to place” for shopping on motion, among other essential business concepts. Up, where startups and businesses in their em- Paseo Boricua. We invite you to come to our new ¡WEPA! Merca- bryonic stage can get a sense of the market, start The ¡WEPA! Mercado del Pueblo showcased 12 do del Pueblo, and meet our WEPA vendors (Wep- earning money, and reinvest that money into their local entrepreneurs that are part of the incubator eros) who have unique and affordable gifts for your businesses. The second stage is our new project project, which is supported by the Neighborhood holiday shopping. Support our local entrepreneurs ¡WEPA! Mercado del Pueblo, where business own- Business Development Center (NBDC) and through and our community! ers that demonstrate commitment, growth, and the the business, advising, and training they receive The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays desire to formalize their businesses, can sell their from the Small Business Development Center from 10:30 am to 6 pm.

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org December 2020/january 2021 15 CRISTIAN ROLDÁN: LA PINTURA MURAL COMO INTERVENCIÓN POLÍTICA Nacido en Puerto Rico, Cristian J. Roldán reside en Chicago desde el 2014. Cursó su maestría en educación del arte en The School of the Arts Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Su trabajo está influenciado por el uso de los espacios públicos para la preservación de la memoria colectiva, el dialogo y la representación cultural de la diáspora puertorriqueña y latinoamericana en los Estados Unidos.una verdadera alternativa de descolonización para el país.

Xochipilli Magazine presenta el trabajo del construcción social. Las ideas comienzan a nacer pasarían por desapercibidas. El arte sirve para con- artista Cristian Roldán, en donde nos propone desde esa incomodidad, es ahí cuando nace la nar- cientizar a las masas y crear diálogos sobre asuntos la aspiración de lograr fundar una conciencia rativa, la crítica y el proceso explorativo. sociales que de otra manera pasarían desaperci- social y política a partir de la pintura. Una vez llega la idea, la creación se convierte en bidos. Ejemplos del uso del arte como una fuerza A continuación compartimos una breve en- un problema en evolución constante con cada trazo social son el movimiento de muralismo mexicano trevista, en donde nos comparte su visión y una o con cada pincelada, con cada capa de pintura en los años 30. muestra de su mas reciente obra. sobre capa. Las imágenes van mutando como las ¿Como consideras el panorama del arte latino en ideas. Primero es una superficie en blanco, luego Chicago? González ¿Cómo nace tu proyecto es emburujo o garabato, cuando vienes a ver todo Hace seis años, cuando llegue a Chicago, observe artístico y por qué elegiste la va tomando forma de a poco a poco es entonces que el arte público latino ha sido muy influenciado expresión mural? por las condiciones que se vive como inmi- Me involucré en el grante. No obstante, pienso que hoy en día se muralismo por pura está profundizando más en las raíces socia- casualidad. Cuando les y causas globales que han llevado tanto me establecí en Chica- a la migración como a la marginalización go, comencé a trabajar de los inmigrantes. El racismo ya no es un con el Centro Cultural asunto que se pueda ignorar, la migración Puertorriqueño, en ha sido tema central de campañas políticas y Humboldt Park, les pedí que me proveyer- la desigualdad social se discute hoy más que an una pared para pintar un pequeño mu- nunca. Dichos problemas sociales surgen a ral. Así comenzó todo. Un mural me llevó raíz de una colonización tanto interna como al próximo y del próximo al otro. Cuando externa, en el caso de Puerto Rico. En el arte llegue a Chicago me dí cuenta que muchos se vuelve cada vez más resonante el asunto de los problemas sociales que veía en la del colonialismo como causa principal de isla, se repetían en la diáspora Puertor- un desorden social que históricamente ha riqueña en Chicago. Fue entonces cuando beneficiado al eurocentrismo nutriéndose decidí crear conceptos con temas sociales. Más cuando lo dejo todo y lo retomo al otro día. de la marginalización de los grupos marginados. que para llevar una narrativa, el mural se convirtió ¿Crees que la creatividad en cualquiera de sus Producto de ello, ha surgido un discurso que aboga en el medio más accesible con el cual preservar la manifestaciones artísticas provoque un cambio por la descolonización de las instituciones de arte. memoria colectiva en la diáspora Puertorriqueña. social? Hoy en día se reclama de una manera más abierta ¿Cómo es que surge tu proceso creativo, es decir, Absolutamente. Habrá quien argumente que la y directa a través de, y para el arte, la descolo- el paso de una idea a plasmarla en la obra? acción creativa no ejerce una fuerza directa sobre nización institucional y la creación de espacios El génesis de todo proceso creativo es la incomo- las estructuras sociales. Sin embargo, las mani- inclusivos donde las realidades de los latinos y de didad. Si hubiese sido una persona conforme con festaciones creativas estimulan la imaginación, un los inmigrantes sean visibles tanto en el mundo la sociedad jamás hubiese creado algo artístico. La paso esencial para el pensamiento crítico, y de ahí artístico como en la esfera social. inspiración surge al querer imaginar una realidad partir hacia la acción. A través del cultivo de la La siguiente pieza narra las múltiples olas migra- alterna, del deseo de querer ordenar y reconstru- imaginación se llega a la empatía con el prójimo, a torias de Puerto Rico hacia Estados Unidos después ir tanto el interior como el exterior, o al querer la búsqueda de alternativas a los problemas sociales que la isla fuera transferida a Estados Unidos en denunciar los entornos como productos de una y a la exposición de narrativas que de otra manera (Veáse la próxima pagina)

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org 16 diciembre 2020 /enero 2021 HPYEEP USHERS IN YOUTH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The Humboldt Park Youth Employment and vices to all youth on a weekly basis. Participants Empowerment Program is a 12-week workforce will meet regularly with their case managers development initiative that supports youth ages and build strong connections with them as 16-24 from the Humboldt Park community. This they move forward through the program. Case program provides youth with meaningful work ex- managers will assist the youth with college or periences, supplemented by work-readiness class- job applications, help them apply for public aid es, to prepare them for entry into the professional service like SNAP or Medicare, and answer any world. If you have no prior work experience, or questions they may have about the program or need some help developing skills, then you might their worksite. Case managers can also refer just be the ideal candidate. youth to additional services that they may need Through our partnerships with various local for themselves or for members of their house- organizations, we introduce the youth to diverse hold. fields of work, including customer service, retail, It is the Humboldt Park Youth Employment agriculture, and mechanics. Working within this Empowerment Program’s goal to provide youth environment, they will build connections with with permanent places of employment, re-en- places of employment along Paseo Boricua, gain gagement with their academic pursuits, or valuable work experience, and develop or refine enrollment in college or technical programs. transferable skills, all while earning a livable We are excited to work with youth and to help wage. This work experience is supplemented by a unlock their full potential. These young com- 12-week work readiness class to teach youth about munity participants are our future community various aspects of the professional world, includ- leaders. ing resume building, interview tips, and budgeting For more information, please contact Sa- workshops. mantha Toledo: [email protected] or 872=829-2662. The program also offers case management ser-

(Viene de la página 13) 1898. Inmediatamente Puerto Rico fue etiquetada tidad que lucha por encontrar y definir un lugar Las imágenes, en este mural, representan las olas como una colonia, que pertenece pero no es parte en los nuevos espacios, sin perder la esencia y el migratorias de Puerto Rico a los Estados Unidos, de los Estados Unidos. por mas de un centenario, El cambio impidió el buscando crear conciencia desarrollo económico y sobre el impacto negativo financiero del territorio de a pérdida de población colonizado, al convertir- en la isla. Cada imagen le en un territorio que en el mural representa un produce lo que no con- contexto histórico que ha sume y consume lo que fomentado a la identidad no produce, creando así puertorriqueña a conver- un proceso de contante tirse en una nación nómada desconcentración espacial o como Jorge Duany diría de los puertorriqueños. El “Una nación en vaivén”. desplazamiento constante ha creado un espectro de mutaciones de una iden- deseo de autodeterminación. Publicado el noviembre 16, 2020 por Xochipilli Magazine

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org December 2020/january 2021 17 EN TRIBUTO A CARLOS ZENÓN TASO VIVE. ¡QUE VIVA TASO! por Ramon Figueroa Sorrentini en Vieques tanto en la Isla Nena como en la Carlos “Taso” Zenón fue uno de los grandes de Isla Grande. esta Patria. Triunfador en muchas batallas contra Cuando la tierra de Vieques reciba sus la marina de guerra de los Estados Unidos que cenizas, ni pandemias, ni atrasos de lanchas, dominaba y abusaba de la isla querida, Vieques. que para ese día podrían ser atrasadas a Guerrero incansable batallaba en mar y tierra. Or- propósito, impedirán que lleguemos a la Isla ganizó la Asociación de Pescadores Viequenses, Nena. Allí de pie, como siempre estuvo, y y junto a un grupo de sus miembros se tiraba a la nos ensenó a estar Taso, rendiremos tributo mar cada vez que los barcos de guerra venían a al “pescador y guerrero legendario”. Confi- bombardear su tierra. Muchos bombardeos fueron amos en que un pueblo agradecido se una, parados por aquellos intrépidos guerreros, que en la forma que permita la situación actual, liderados por su Comandante Taso, se ponían al recordar a quien nunca dudó en arriesgar frente y a los costados de esos barcos y a pedra- vida y hacienda por su Vieques amado. das lanzadas con hondas o con sus manos hacían imposible muchas veces, y Nuestras condolencias y fuerte abrazo a Leidi, a Pedro, Cacimar y Yabureibo, cuando menos dilataban, los bombardeos, permitiendo así a los y las viequen- (nada extraño que un guerrero diera nombres de guerreros a sus hijos), a sus ses en tierra buscar protección. hijos mayores, a los nietos y nietas de Taso y Leidi, a otros familiares y a la Conocimos a Taso en 1999 durante la etapa de lucha que culminó en la pléyade de sus compañeros y compañeras de lucha. salida de la marina de E.U. de Vieques el 1 ro.de mayo de 2003. Fundó el Taso entró al paraíso de los inmortales. Rindamos tributo a ese guerrero que campamento Monte David, cuna de los campamentos de resistencia que luego nunca permitió que nada ni nadie le impidiera luchar y combatir, por todos proliferaron en los terrenos restringidos. El Comité de Trabajo en Apoyo a los medios a su alcance, por la libertad y el disfrute de su Vieques amado. Vieques, que poco antes se había fundado en Mayagüez, se dedicó a colaborar Originalmente publicado en Biekesí, revista de el Festival de Reyes Magos en Vieques, edición especial diciembre 2020. con Taso y su tropa, además de apoyar los esfuerzos que se hacían por la paz

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org 18 diciembre 2020 /enero 2021 CONG. “CHUY” GARCÍA SPONSORS THE LONG-AWAITED “COMMUNITY DRIVEN RECOVERY FOR PUERTO RICO ACT.” U.S. Represen- siliency. This report named the central government The Bill seeks to empower the civic sector by tative for Illinois’s as a slow-moving and ineffective management creating an Office for Equitable, Transparent, and 4th District Jesús G. structure. Meanwhile, the recovery scenario often Accountable Puerto Rico Reconstruction, which “Chuy” García will be is characterized by a “time-compression” where de- will establish a Puerto Rico Civil Society Task introducing a bill “To centralization has the flexibility needed to respond Force to oversee federal funds’ spending to ensure establish the Office to a rapid change and a fast-paced decision-making accountability. The Task would be composed of for the Equitable, environment. 13 members with representation from community Transparent, and Ac- Disaster recovery research has demonstrated leaders, including low-income individuals and non- countable Puerto Rico time and time again that grassroots organizations profit organizations, to mention a few. Reconstruction, and and nonprofits (e.g. the civic sector) are much Adi Martínez-Román, Senior Policy Analyst – for other purposes” or more flexible, agile, and responsive to the needs Puerto Rico Oxfam America who partnered with the “‘Community Driven Recovery for Puerto Rico of communities. Evidence from across disasters The Puerto Rican Cultural Center to push forward Act.” worldwide also shows that local organizations are this endeavor about a year ago, said, “Rep. Chuy In 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated better able to serve vulnerable populations. They García’s staff and the T&I Committee have done a the island of Puerto Rico. The federal govern- are often characterized by high housing informali- great job at incorporating the concerns expressed. ment allocated 18.5 billion dollars in Community ty levels, lower-incomes, a high percentage of older The Bill will be presented in Congress in the next Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery for adults, people with limited English proficiency, few days” recovery purposes. But the Governor’s Plan titled and people with disabilities. The local knowledge To endorse the Bill, contact Adi at adi.martinez- “Transformation and Innovation in the Wake of that these organizations, their cultural competency, [email protected]. Support our efforts for a more Devastation,” which was required to obtain federal commitment to equitable development, and abil- transparent, equitable, and efficient recovery for funds showed that the lack of government account- ity to conduct authentic community engagement Puerto Rico. ability and transparency was one of the biggest could not match outside “helicopter” organizations. challenges to Puerto Rico’s recovery and future re-

(Continued from page 10) The PRCC has also expanded the geography as a family-owned business—the Farhan family is tions of social distancing and other measures. We of its services beyond Humboldt Park to Bel- Palestinian with deep roots in Puerto Rico. are planning to conduct our Parranda Navideña mont-Cragin, Avondale, Hermosa, and Logan In terms of our housing development efforts, we and our Three Kings Day virtually and perhaps Square opening a welcoming center for immi- plan to break ground on the Nancy Franco Mal- otherwise. We are definitely looking forward to grants—El Centro de la Raza—at 6009 W. Diversey donado Paseo Boricua Arts building, which just 2021 as we begin preparations to usher in a new to provide direct services to our immigrant and secured its final funding from the City Council phase of our work by preparing for 2022 when we refugee communities. of Chicago with the support of Mayor Lightfoot. will mark the 50th anniversary of the launching For the first time, The PRCC provided direct Through the bleakness of this pandemic, The of our first initiative, the founding of what is today services to community small businesses through PRCC kept true to its commitment to maintain the Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High our SBDC initiative. This included the develop- and perpetuate our culture -- as is evidenced by School. ment of a series of pop-ups and incubators as well the success of our two acclaimed and large-scale May the New Year bring the best to you and as our latest addition, ¡WEPA!, El Mercado del cultural events, which this year were held virtually your loved ones, and may our Santos Reyes Magos Pueblo, located next to Municipal Supermarket on - the 42nd Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade and make real our Promesas by ending the imperial Division Street. It is important to note that as we the 27th Fiesta Boricua. These occurred with the rule of PROMESA in Puerto Rico. I hope that we initiate this small business development incubator, support and co-sponsorship of HITN and our Al- can continue to count on your enduring generos- we rejoice at the fact that Supermercado Municipal derman Roberto Maldonado. We also held our tra- ity and solidarity.¡Feliz Navidad, Prospero Año, y celebrates 40 years of service to our community ditional Haunted Paseo Boricua within the limita- Felicidad!

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org December 2020/january 2021 19 PRCC INITIATIVE TO BE HEADED BY XIOMARA RODRÍGUEZ

The Puerto Rican Her family has been active in this community for lectures, and online skill-sharing, for continuous Cultural Center is generations, and her mother is on the Board of critical discussion about the issues we confront excited to announce Directors for the Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High as a community. I also am a firm believer in the the newest addition to School. Xiomara explains her vision for the Digi- power of collective imagining and organizing, our team. Humboldt tal Presence initiative so my intention is for each aspect of our digital Park native, Xiomara I am a proud Puerto Rican and lifelong Hum- presence to also be a generative tool for imagin- Rodríguez, is now the boldt Park resident, which is why I am so excited ing collectively what we want for the future of our Director of our Infor- to work with The Puerto Rican Cultural Center! community. However, what is most important to matics division. Rodríguez has dubbed this new I resonate deeply with our vision to encourage me in my position is to honor and promote all of area “The PRCC Digital Presence Initiative”, participants to think critically about their reality the work that The Puerto Rican Cultural Center which includes our website, social media, digital and promote an ethics of self-reliance based on has been doing for decades on our mission to to print, as well as our digital archive. social responsibility. I have always been pas- self-determination, self-actualization, and self-re- Xiomara melds a highly defined set of skills in sionate about using social media as a tool for liance. I believe our history must always inform the realm of informatics with an equal zeal for building community, especially when we cannot the work of online community building with the social justice informed by a decolonizing mission. share physical space. In my work with our digital digital presence initiative, so I look forward to Xiomara received her bachelor’s degree from presence initiative I am committed to fostering many conversations, visions, and collaborations! Occidental College in Computer Science, but is community by creating opportunities, using so- deeply rooted in the Humboldt Park community. cial media, podcasts, blog posts, the website, live

ANNUAL PARRANDA WILL GO VIRTUAL: CUCA GET WELL APOYANDO LO NUESTRO For the past 13 years, Boricuas in Humboldt Park have celebrated “Las Navidades” with an annual parranda on Paseo Boricua. The parranda would start at Teresa Roldán Apartments, then make its way down Paseo as the celebrants sang traditional aguinaldos. This year, it will be different. As we adjust to the jarring impact the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to our lives, we become even more creative so we may continue to honor and enjoy our cherished traditions. As such, we continue to CELEBRATE! This year, our 14th Annual Paseo Boricua Parranda will go virtual so as to protect our youth, our elders, and our community. On December 19, at 4pm, head to your computers and go to bit.ly/Parranda2020 to join the celebration. Keeping with the theme of “Apoy- The staff of La Voz joins the Humboldt Park ando Lo Nuestro”, businesses on Paseo will be featured throughout the parranda, Community in wishing our beloved artist Cuca a which will be dedicated to our elders at the Teresa Roldán Apartments. speedy recovery.

lavozdelpaseoboricua.org ¡Felicidades 2021! This year, our 14th Annual Paseo Boricua Parranda will go virtual so as to protect our youth, our elders, and our community.

diaSANTOS de los tres Reyes MagosMIERcoles 6 de enero, 3Pm