CALENDAR JOURNAL La Tuna Estudiantina de Cayey and the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture present A revue of Puerto Rican music. Celebrating Puerto Rican Heritage Month and the 45th Anniversaries of Hostos Comunity College and La Tuna de Cayey Sat, Nov 17, 2012 ▪ 7:30 pm Main Theater - Hostos Community College/CUNY 450 Grand Councourse at 149th St. ▪ The Bronx Admission: $15, $10 - Info & tkts: 718-518-4455 - www.hostos.cuny.edu/culturearts 2, 4, 5, Bx1, Bx19 to Grand Concourse & 149 St. Made possible, in part, with public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in cooperation with the New York City Council. COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND ITS SINCEREST GRATITUDE TO THE SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS OF PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH 2012

The Nielsen Company City University of New York Municipal Credit Union 1199 SEIU United Federation of Teachers Wolf Popper, LLP Con Edison Hostos Community College, CUNY Acacia Network Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly, INC. Colgate Palmolive El Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños HealthPro Med Lehman College, CUNY Puerto Rico Convention Bureau RAIN, Inc. MEMBER AGENCIES

Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly ASPIRA of New York El Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños El Museo del Barrio El Puente Eugenio María de Hostos Community College/CUNY La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc. La Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular LatinoJustice: PRLDEF Música de Cámara National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights – Justice Committee National Institute for Latino Policy Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration

Comité Noviembre Headquarters Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly 105 East 22nd St. – 7th Floor ▪NYC▪10010 (212) 677-4181▪(212) 777-5106 (F) www.comitenoviembre.org

Special thanks to: Jaime Bello, Elba Cabrera, Luis Cordero, Sulieka Cabrera Drinane, Martha Laureno, Alicia Rodríguez, Teresa A. Santiago, Angel Santini, and Lili Santiago Silva.

Contributing writers: Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades, Teresa A. Santiago, LINDA m. DIAZ, ESQ. Photo Essay: Centro Library PEDRO JUAN HERNANDEZ, SR. ARCHIVIST, CENTRO ARCHIVES YOSENEX ORENGO, REFERENCE ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN, CENTRO LIBRARY DIEGO VALENCIA, DIGITIZATION COORDINATOR, CENTRO LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES

© 2012 COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE

Artwork by: Layout: Luis Cordero, CemiUnderground Photography: Robert Figueroa, tHOMAS HITCHCOCK, Luis Cordero Editor: Teresa A. Santiago 3 comité noviembre th MESSAGE ON BEHALF OF COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE

Thismes year marks de the 26th anniversaryla herencia of Comité Noviembre, CN the puertorriqueñacelebration of Puerto Rican Heritage Month in this country. CN is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to commemorating and acknowledging the contributions Puer- 26to Ricans have made to this city, stateAnniversary and nation. CN is composed of thirteen of the oldest and most prestigious Puerto Rican organizations: Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly, ASPIRA of New York, El Centro de Estudios Puertor- riqueños, El Museo del Barrio, El Puente, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College/CUNY, La Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular, LatinoJustice: PRLDEF, National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights – Justice Committee, National Institute for Latino Policy, and Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration. CN is proud to announce that the La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc. and Música de Cámara have become members. This coordinating body plans and promotes CN’s annual programs and events.

The charge of CN is to create awareness of our rich culture, language, and heritage and to acknowledge and take ownership of it everyday but specifically during the month of November. This year’s theme: “Pioneros Puertorriqueños: un legado de amor, poder, y valor. Puerto Ricans Pioneers: a legacy of love, empowerment and courage,” 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 commit- ment, dedication and perseverance. As a community we must never forget their achievement and we must pay homage to their legacy of love, empowerment and courage. All of us have a person in our organizational history, personal experience, and community struggle that we can honor and tell their story. Throughout this journal you will find stories and photos of these heroes, nuestro pioneros.

This year’s artist renowned social justice, community activist Juan Sanchez created an artistic rendition of our theme that captures the essence of our message. Entitled Super Boricua, the poster bears the images of some of our pioneers, history, culture, stories, struggles and most important our progress and achievements.

CN selected as its 2012 Spokesperson, award winning investigative journalist and author Juan Gonzalez, who is a pioneer in his own right and the keeper of the history of the Puerto Rican diaspora to this country. Juan is author of the landmark book turned documentary Harvest of Empire that examines the direct connection between the long history of U.S. intervention in Latin America and the immigration crisis we face today.

This journal also carries interesting, cultural, political and educational information that we hope will be of interest to you. We pride ourselves in being able to discuss all aspects and issues of our community – with respect and objectivity. Most importantly, we want to share with you the inspiring stories of our Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad award recipients – truly exceptional, dedicated individuals who are the unsung heroes of our community and who are making a difference in not only the Puerto Rican community but society as a whole. The Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad award honors Puerto Ricans whose pride in their heritage and strength of character have empowered themselves and inspired others to make significant impact on our community. CN chose nine incredible people from nominations that were submitted by YOU, the community.

For the past two and half decades, CN, has created and developed programs all geared to the support and enhancement of educational opportunities and leadership development for Puerto Rican and Hispanic youth with a cultural twist. These programs are firmly rooted in the belief, that in order to succeed in life, you must pursue a higher education, give back to your community through volunteer efforts and know your cultural roots. Our success story covers 201 scholars awarded since the CN Scholarship program was instituted in 1996 and an additional 12 scholars awarded the Richie Pérez Scholar- ship for Peace and Justice, since its inception in 2006. The 2012 recipients of both scholarship programs are highlighted in the journal. You will be inspired by the clear sense of self and strength of character of these incredible young peioplev that are making a difference early in their life.

This year’s benefit event will take place on Thursday, November 30, 2012, at the NY Hilton in Manhattan and will honor: Latin Jazz legend Bobby Sanabria and Ralph Maldonado, Esq. for suing the GRAMMY’s and reinstating the Latin Jazz as well as other categories, Soprano Eva de la O, Founder of Música de Cámara, Dr. Caleb Gonzalez, Professor, Yale Universi- ty and Founder of the School of Medicine of Puerto Rico, Lourdes Robels, singer, songwriter and actress and Juan Gonzalez.

The proceeds of this annual event, supports all of our programs and allows CN to provide free programming and informa- 4 26th Anniversary Photo: Robert Figueroa Comité Noviembre Board Members and 2011 Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad Award Recipients

tion to the community year round as well as scholarship dollars. Our programs include: two scholarship programs, the annual Leadership Development – Role Models Forum, conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA personnel, the Artisans Fair & Exhibit, the educational trip to Puerto Rico, “Buscando Nuestra Raíces,” the Day of Community Service & Social Responsibility and food drive, a Three Kings celebration and toy drive, the production of this commemorative calendar journal, the artist competition, selection and commission process, the annual educational com- memorative poster, selection of a spokesperson, the kick-off celebration and annual benefit event, the Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad and Puerto Rican Heritage Awards, our website information as well as cultural and health related workshops, forums and events sponsored by CN.

Additionally, CN developed the following new annual programs by partnering with several organizations: Manhattan Neighborhood Network Cable to produce a monthly one hour show that will stay true to CN’s mission, Música de Cámara to conduct its first annual classical music concert in Puerto Rico this past August at La Capilla Santa Ana in Old San Juan during its annual educational trip to Puerto Rico, CN and Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Latino Bigs to expand the Day of Com- munity Service & Social Responsibility to reach more people in need and begin a mentoring initiative with CN scholars. CN established the Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts, PRIDA, to assists, promote and support Puerto Rican artists by establishing a membership program that will advocate, empower and service the member organizations and artists, and developed the first annual Puerto Rican authors Book Expo.

Many events have been planned throughout New York State as well as the tri-state area and Puerto Rico to celebrate our rich culture, traditions and history. CN urges everyone to participate in these events including our 7th Annual Artisans Fair and the First Annual Puerto Rican Authors Book Expo that will take place on Saturday, November 17, 2012, from 11AM – 9PM at Hostos Community College in the Bronx. The day will end with a concert by the famous Tuna de Cayey that will start the holiday season with festive and traditional songs.

The 18th annual Day of Community Service and Social Responsibility will take place on Sunday, November 18, 2012 from 11AM – 4PM in several locations throughout the City. On this day CN along with young people from ASPIRA of New York, Inc., El Puente and BBBS’ Latino Bigs will be distributing the non-perishable food they collected during several food drives that were conducted simultaneous throughout October to create Thanksgiving baskets for the poor of New York.

Last year, 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 collec- tion. The Exhibit is currently at Riverbank State Park – Cultural Complex/NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in Manhattan and will run until the end of November. In June 2013 the exhibit is scheduled to be at Taller Boricua at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center in Manhattan.

Let us always remember the people that came before us that struggled and faced many obstacles but dedicated their lives to empowering a community, creating organizations and developing a road map for success. These pioneers truly left a legacy of love, empowerment and courage that our future generations can emulate and become the SUPER RICANS of their time.

For Comité Noviembre

Teresa A. Santiago, Chairperson 5 comite novembre 2012 spokesperson & honoree Juan Gonzalez Juan González is progressive broadcast journalist and investi- gative reporter. He has been a journalist for more than 30 years and a staff columnist at the New York Daily News since 1987. He also the co-hosts of the award-winning daily radio and tele- vision news program, Democracy Now!

González was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1947, to Pepe, who was a veteran of the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry during World War II, and Florinda. González. He was raised in East Harlem and Brooklyn. After a period as editor of his high school newspaper, the Lane Reporter, González graduated from Columbia College in the mid-1960s, where he was active in the anti-Vietnam War movement and played a leading role in the protests that shut down the college in spring 1968 as one of three “Strike Central” rep- resentatives on the strike coordinating committee. In the student strike that followed the police riot that ended the occupation he continued in this role and in negotiations at the apartment of Eugene Galanter.

In 1981, he was elected president of the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights, a political organization that concentrated on registering Latino voters. In 1998, González won the George Polk Award for his investigative reporting. He is former president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, for which he created the Par- ity Project, an innovative program designed to help news organizations recruit and retain Hispanic reporters and managers. He is also one of the founding members of the Young Lords Party. In 2008, The National Association of Hispanic Journalists inducted González into the organization’s Hall of Fame. In addition, he has been named by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of America’s most influentialH ispanics, as well as earning a Lifetime Achieve- ment Award from the Hispanic Academy of Media Arts and Sciences.

For two years, González was the Belle Zeller Visiting Professor in Public Policy and Administration at Brooklyn College/CUNY, with an appointment in both the Department of Puerto Rican and Latino Studies, as well as, the Political Science Department.

In December 2006, he reported the results of an exclusive interview with the purported “Fourth Man” who was present at the scene of the November 25 NYPD shooting incident that caused the death of Sean Bell. He has written extensively on the health effects arising from the September 11 attacks and the cover-up of Ground Zero air hazards in columns in the New York Daily News. He was the first reporter in New York City to write on the health effects arising from the September 11, 2001 attacks.

González was awarded the 2010 Justice in Action Award from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund,[6] and in 2011 won the George Polk Award a second time for a series of columns in the New York Daily News which exposed criminal acts connected with Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s CityTime project, a new computerized payroll system, leading to the federal indictment of four consultancies for fraud.

González has written three books: Fallout: The Environmental Consequences of the World Trade Center Collapse (2002, ISBN 1-56584-845-4), documents cover-ups by Environmental Protection Agency and government officials with regard to health hazards at Ground Zero in New York. Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America, Roll Down Your Window: Stories of a Forgotten America. González is also the co-author, with Joseph Torres, of “News for All the People: The Epic Story of Race and the American Media” (2011, ISBN 978-1-84467-687-3), a history of the American media with special focus on media outlets owned and controlled by people of color, and how they were suppressed—sometimes violently—by mainstream political, corporate and media leaders. Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America, is a film adaptation from his book of the same name.

6 About the Artist

Juan Sanchez

Juan Sánchez was born in Brooklyn from parents who tal and sublimation ink art glass tiles for the new five storied emigrated from Puerto Rico. He earned a Bachelor of James Monroe Educational Campus in the Bronx. Sánchez Alicea Ana Photo: Fine Arts degree from The Cooper Union School of also completed a series of faceted color glass windows for Art in 1977 and in 1980 a Master of Fine Arts degree the 176th Street #6 line train station commissioned by New from the Mason Gross School of the Arts of Rutgers York MTA Arts For Transit in 2006. University. He is currently Professor of Art at Hunter College, City University of New York. His paintings, Fellowships and grants include the John Simon Guggen- graphic prints, photography and video works has been heim Foundation Fellowship, a Joan Mitchell Foundation exhibited throughout the United States and abroad. His Fellowship, and New York Foundation for the Arts Fellow- work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of ships, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and a Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Hispanic Metropolitan Museum of Art and El Museo del Barrio Academy of Media Arts and Sciences. His work is repre- among several. Sanchez has received many fellowships sented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of and grants from the John Simon Guggenheim Founda- Art, The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Museum tion, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Joan of Modern Art, El Museo del Barrio, The Library of Con- Mitchell Foundation, The New York Foundation for the gress and El Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña and El Cen- Arts and the Pollock Krasner Foundation among others. tro Wilfredo Lam in Havana, Cuba, among others. His art has also been written and reviewed in Art in America, Art- His paintings, prints and photography have been ex- news, Third Text and Art Nexus among numerous art pub- hibited in solo and group exhibitions throughout the lications and books. He lectured, organized, conducted art United States, Europe, Egypt and Latin America. Sán- workshops and participated in panel discussions and semi- chez had solo exhibitions at EXIT ART, P.S.1, MoMA nars in museums, universities, art schools, public schools Contemporary Art Center, El Museo del Barrio, in the and community centers throughout the United States, Cuba, 1994 Fifth Habana Bienale, Bronx Museum of the Arts Ecuador, Brazil, Honduras, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Sán- and El Museo de Historia, Antropologia y Arte, Univer- chez has co-organized national and international artist mo- sidad de Puerto Rico. The JUAN SÁNCHEZ: Printed bilizations such as Artist Call Against U.S. Intervention in Convictions: Prints and Related Works on Paper, 1998- Central America and Art Against Apartheid. Juan Sánchez 2000, exhibition toured nationally and was curated and is Professor of Art at Hunter College, the City University organized by Alejandro Anreus, Ph.D. Sánchez recently of New York. He lives and works in his studio in Brooklyn, completed two public art commissions. In 2009 he de- New York. signed fourteen murals and friezes fabricated from digi- 7 About the Poster Celebrando Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad th The Super Boricua Poster th

The art for the poster is titled Super Bo- 26ricuas. The poster bears some of ourAnniversary people, 26 Anniversary history, culture, stories…struggles and most important our progress and achievements. The artwork is intended to reflect how we as a people pioneered in our struggle to prog- ress through our creative cultural expres- sions, civil and human rights activism and establishing programs, alternative educa- tion, counseling and schools, organizations and foundations to fulfill the needs, aspira- tions and dreams of our Puerto Rican com- munity. We see faces of individuals who’s optimism and urgency helped and inspired us to create, speak, seek and find new ways to forge towards our goals and future. That has become our heritage. That is why some of so many extraordinary individuals are in this poster. These pioneers are our heroes... they are Super Ricans

Still there are so much we need to accom- plish and save. Today many of our programs, institutions and institutions are struggling to survive. We can lose what is left of our visibility. Our voices will not be heard. Our presence will no longer be felt. This is our jeopardy. They will fold if we do not find creative means to sustain and move them forward. We need new attitudes, perspec- tives and strategies to continue our strug- gles, fight, progress in order to be free. It has always been an extraordinary task. Lets look how far the struggle to preserve, build, awaken, provoke and we have arrived and the distance we need to go. We contribute to our Puerto Rican and Latino legacy... be- must build on that. cause that’s who we are.... Super Ricans!

This poster was created for our youth. I believe you, Juan Sanchez our future generation, will take the baton and continue

8 comité noviembre th th mes de la herencia puertorriqueña

26 Anniversary 26MISSION Anniversary CN’s mission is to commemorate and acknowledge all aspects of Puerto Rican life from the social and cultural to the edu- cational, economic and political. The charge of CN is to create awareness of and preserve our rich culture, language, and heritage specifically for our youth – to recognize and take ownership of it everyday but specifically during the month of November.

For twenty-sixyears, CN has created and developed programs all geared to the support and enhancement of educational op- portunities and leadership development for Puerto Rican/Hispanic youth with a cultural twist. These programs are firmly rooted in the belief, that in order to succeed in life, you must pursue a higher education, give back to your community through volunteer efforts and know your cultural ancestral history.

CN ANNUAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS • two Scholarship Programs • artisans Fair & Exhibit and Annual Book Expo – CN Scholarship Awards Program • Poster Traveling Exhibit – The Richie Perez Scholarship for Peace & Justice • day of Community Service & Social Responsibility • annual Leadership Development – Role Models and Food Drive Forum with NASA personnel and Big Brothers Big • three Kings celebration and Toy Drive Sisters • artist competition, selection and commission process • Educational trip to Puerto Rico, “Buscando Nuestra • annual educational commemorative poster Raíces” • selection of a spokesperson • Puerto Rican Heritage Month kick-off celebration • Website programs and information • lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad Award • Cultural and health related workshops, forums and • annual benefit event events • Puerto Rican Heritage Award • Manhattan Neighborhood Network one-hour monthly • health Fair in partnership with IPR/HE cable TV show

CN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PROGRAMS In order to secure that our youth have better educational opportunities the CN Scholarship Awards Program (CNSAP) was established and has awarded $201,000 in scholarships since its inception fourteen years ago, an average of 12 scholarships a year and with a college graduation rate of 90%. An additional $12,000 has been awarded in the Richie Pérez Scholarship for Peace and Justice. Each year, the members of the CN Scholarship selection committee are awed by the clear sense of self and strength of character of these selfless and inspiring young people that are building our communities and making a difference early on in their lives.

COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE SCHOLARSHIP In November of 1996 in celebration of its tenth anniversary of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, the CN Scholarship Awards Program (CNSAP) was established. To date, CNSAP has awarded 201 scholarships of $1,000. Five years ago, to com- memorate our 20th anniversary, CN enhanced the Scholarship Program to continue to award the top two scholars $1,000 scholarships each year until graduation. These scholars must maintain a 3.5 grade point average and documented commu- nity work within the Puerto Rican community to continue to receive the 4-year $1,000 scholarship.

THE RICHIE PEREZ SCHOLARSHIP FOR PEACE & JUSTICE In 2004, the Puerto Rican community lost an advocate, community leader and urban warrior. Richie Pérez was a beloved activist and leader in the fight for social justice and human rights. He brought integrity and unity to many causes to which 9 he was committed, which included the struggle for racial justice and against police brutality, Puerto Rican independence and universal human rights. In his memory, Comité Noviembre has established the Richie Pérez Scholarship for Peace and Jus- tice. The award recognizes Puerto Rican young people for their commitment, activism and achievements in any of the areas of human rights and social justice. This annual award promotes both the advancement of new leaders, in the movement for peace and justice and invests in their continued growth by providing support for their ongoing education and political development. The scholarship recipient will receive a $1,000.

ANNUAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT – ROLE MODELS FORUM To ensure that young adults have the opportunity to meet and interact with professionals in all fields and careers, CN part- nered with NASA and established a leadership development forum that took place at Hostos Community College, CUNY in the middle of the South Bronx. Puerto Rican/Hispanic microbiologist, scientist and engineers from NASA Centers con- ducted a presentation on Careers at NASA to a group of Latino high school and college students interested in engineering, biology and the study of space. The event was a huge success. Having professionals that looked liked them, spoke their language and had similar backgrounds at these high level positions at NASA reinforced their career goals and dreams. Hav- ing NASA personnel address these young people reinforces the mission of CN’s leadership development program and gives these young people a day they will remember for the rest of their lives. These visit give young adults from the inner city, specifically PuertoR ican and Hispanics, the opportunity to realize that they too can achieve greatness. This year CN has also partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters Latino Bigs to identify Puerto Rican/Hispanic mentors.

ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL CULTURAL TRIP TO PUERTO RICO “BUSCANDO NUESTRA RAÍCES” Buscando Nuestras Raíces is an adventure into a cultural and educational experience for Puerto Ricans and others who want to explore the richness of Puerto Rico’s culture, ancestral roots and history. Making this trip a reality was a natural progres- sion of CN’s mission and goals. The itinerary takes into account that many of us, although we visit the island frequently, rarely visit the cultural and historical sites and landmarks unique to Puerto Rico and renowned throughout the world. It is a journey participants will remember for many years to come. The seventh annual Buscando Nuestra Raíces trip is being planned for the summer of 2013.

PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH KICK-OFF CELEBRATION The CN Puerto Rican Heritage Month kick-off event usually takes place each year on the last Thursday of October. At this event, CN honors Puerto Rican community heroes through Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad Awards, unveils its annual poster and distributes its journal calendar of event. This event is free for the community. Over 300 key community and busi- ness leaders as well as elected officials attend this very festive, musical and cultural event.

LO MEJOR DE NUESTRA COMUNIDAD AWARD Through Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad award, CN recognizes outstanding individuals who are the unsung heroes of our community and who are making a difference in the Puerto Rican communities of this country. Puerto Ricans whose pride in their heritage and strength of character have empowered themselves and inspired others to make significant impact on the community are recognized. The recipients of this award are chosen by CN from nominations submitted by the community. These individuals are honored at the kick-off celebration of Puerto Rican Heritage Month.

CN’S ANNUAL GALA BENEFIT The CN Annual Gala Benefit was instituted in 1996 at its tenth anniversary to raise funds for its scholarship award program and other CN educational, cultural and leadership development activities. The event has continued to attract key leaders of New York’s Puerto Rican community and Corporate America. The gala is scheduled for Friday, November 30, 2012 at the NY Hilton in Manhattan. The proceeds of this annual event, supports all of our programs and allows CN provide free 10 programming and information to the community year round as well as scholarship dollars.

CN’S ANNUaL PUERTO RICAN ARTISANS FAIR & EXHIBIT The Artisan Fair & Exhibit was established in 2006, in celebration of Comité Noviembre’s, 20th anniversary. Making this fair a reality was a natural progression of CN’s goals and mission and made possible by CUNY’s Vice Chancellor Ernesto Malave who passed away in November 2009.

CN invited Puerto Rican artisans from throughout the US and Puerto Rico to participate in this Fair. Over 40 artesanos puertorriqueños participated and the event boasted an attendance of over 5000 people in this very first Fair in 2006 atH unter College and again in 2007. In 2008, the Fair continued to exceed CN’s expectations with over 60 artisans participating and a steady 5000 people the fair was moved to Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan. Two years ago the fair found its home at Hostos Community College in the Bronx. For the past six years CN has conducted workshops for children and adults, to ensure that our youth learn about our culture, traditions and folklore. This event, which is free to the community, is advertised as an opportunity to kick-off the holiday shopping season and purchase unique Puerto Rican original gifts for that special person on your list and, at the same time support our artesanos. This year we are introducing Comite Noviembre’s First Annual Puerto Rican Book Expo showcasing Puerto Rican authors which will run simultaneously with the artisan fair.

CN’S ANNUaL HEALTH FAIR In 2009, CN instituted the First Annual Health Fair that ran concurrently with the Artisans Fair. The Health component of the Fair was added because of the great number of residents concentrated in the Bronx and neighboring boroughs with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. This year CN partnered with IPR/HE and health care providers to conduct health fairs during the summer as well as in November.

CN’S DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The Day of Community Service and Social Responsibility, was established in 1995 to coincide with the theme: “The Sprit of Commitment …The Power of Action. Live it! For the past seventeen years, CN has set aside the Sunday before Thanksgiv- ing as a day of community service and social responsibility during this day.

During this day people participate in several volunteer efforts that aid the Puerto Rican community and its organizations. The purpose of the day is to show the spirit of commitment and the power of action. Over the past years, this event has been a great success and organizations throughout the city have benefited from this collaboration, including homeless and battered women’s shelters and senior centers as well as individual families. This year’s event will take place simultaneously on Sunday, November 18, 2012, at several locations throughout the City in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, from 11AM to 4PM.

CN along with youth leadership development and education organizations of ASPIRA of New York, El Puente, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Latino Bigs will conduct a food drive of non-perishable foods before the event to create Thanksgiving dinner baskets for the poor of New York. This year’s goal is to create 300 food baskets. Food baskets will be distributed on the 18th.

CN’s Manhattan Neighborhood Network Cable Television Show Early this year, CN partnered with Manhattan Neighborhood Network, MNN to launch a monthly cable television show. The one hour show will stay true to CN’s mission of commemorating and acknowledging all aspects of Puerto Rican life from the social and cultural to the educational, economic and political and to create awareness of and preserve our rich cul- ture, language, and heritage. MNN has a reach of 650,000 subscribers and can be watched worldwide over the internet at www.mnn.org. The CN website will also carry the link to view shows as well as profiles of guests for educational purposes.

11 The inaugural show aired in late March and focused on the role of the Puerto Rican woman in the development, growth and enhancement of the Puerto Rican community in New York in celebration of Women’s History Month. Subsequent shows have dealt with Puerto Rican music, culture and various projects

ANNUAL SPOKESPERSON Each year, CN selects a spokesperson that is making a difference in this country, empowering others and shaping, not only our future as Puerto Ricans, but the future of all Americans. They have all played an important role in leaving our unique imprint in the current and future history of this country.

THEME DEVELOPMENT Each year, CN selects a theme with a two-fold purpose: to celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage and to motivate, mobilize and empower our community specifically our youth to take ownership of our culture, traditions and heritage. T his year in com- memoration of our 25th anniversary an Exhibit was curated that includes all 25 CN posters. The exhibit opened last Sep- tember at Hostos Community College.

COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL The annual journal calendar becomes a collector’s item because of the articles and historical information that it provides. These essays and articles, written by community activists, educators, artists and CN members, are published annually in sev- eral newspapers ranging from The New York Daily News, El Diario La Prensa, as well as the San Juan Star and El Nuevo Día in Puerto Rico. The journals are distributed to educational, cultural and community organizations. Over 250 events and activities are sponsored and held by community based organizations, cultural institutions and government officials through- out New York alone.

POSTER/ARTIST Since its inception, the annual CN poster has been in high demand by teachers and educators. The competition to be the commissioned artist of CN and design the coveted poster has also been exciting throughout the years and has led to the promotion, acknowledgement and exposure of very talented Puerto Rican artists. The poster is created each year to promote and inform the public about Puerto Rican Heritage Month and to create an artistic expression of the organization’s theme. The poster is distributed throughout New York, New Jersey and the tri-state area.

Annual Traveling Poster Exhibit Last year 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 collec- tion. The Exhibit is currently at Riverbank State Park – Cultural Complex/NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in Manhattan and will run until the end of November. In June 2013 it is scheduled to be at Taller Boricua at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center in Manhattan.

CN WEBSITE – www.comitenoviembre.org The website provides the history of CN as well as the Puerto Rican community in Puerto Rico and the United States. The website will serve as an educational vehicle of all those searching for information on the Puerto Rican history and culture especially educators and students. The website launched in November of 2006 and was designed with the capacity to hold company logos or messages (web advertising) for sponsors of the website or CN programs. The sponsor of the website will have prime signage year-round. Due to high printing costs and the world going “green” CN will promote heavily the use of the website for access to calendar journal information as well as scholarship applications and other educational materials.

12 Celebrando Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad

Antonio Aponte was born on the Lower East Side of New York City to par- ents from Vega Baja and Dorado, Puerto Rico. He attended Moses Brown Prep School in Providence, Rhode Island through the Boys’ Club of New York. He graduated Syracuse University with a B.S. in Theater/Psychology. Since then, he has engaged in numerous workshops and spoken at conferences around col- lege access and marketing.

Upon graduation from Syracuse, Antonio pursued a career in theater, and in 1986 achieved fame in the Broadway hit “Cuba and his Teddy Bear,” opposite Robert DeNiro, Burt Young, and Ralph Macchio. In 1988, he left theater to become the Assistant Director of Multicultural Recruitment and Retention at SUNY Purchase College where he created the Multicultural Access Program, (MAP). He also served as an adjunct faculty member in the Drama Studies program and as advisor to various student organizations.

In 1990, Antonio co-founded the Latino College Expo Inc. (www.latinocol- lege-expo.org), whose mission is to elevate the educational aspirations of the Latino community by offering an array of specialized services sensitive their needs. This organization, now in its 23rd year, has become one of the most anticipated educational events in the Northeast. He partnered with the New York Knickerbockers in 2007 to hold an annual “Latino Night” at the Garden to recognize student leaders.

In 1996, Antonio decided to move closer to his roots, (NYC) by becoming the Director of College Placement at Project Reach Youth in Brooklyn, N.Y. In September 2000, he became the Director of Student Recruitment at Lehman College of the City University of New York in the Bronx, where he was re- sponsible for enrollment and marketing.

Since 2001, he has served as the Director of Educational Services for The Boy’s Club of New York (www.bcny.org) responsible for overseeing the vari- ous access programs offered, such as the Independent School Placement pro- gram; the Independent Boarding School Fair; the College Prep Programs and other outreach, academic support, and youth development programs. Antonio AponteAntonio “You give but little when you give of your processions, it is when you give of yourself that you really truly give” Khalil Gibran

13 Celebrando Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad

Tomas Del Rio was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and was raised in Camuy, Puerto Rico. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting, Cum Laude, from the University of Puerto Rico. Tomas has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry and non-for-profit sectors and takes great pride in community service. Over the course of his career, he has held the positions of Vice President of Finance and Chief Fi- nancial Officer ofT he Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn; Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the KingsH ighway Division of Beth Israel Medical Center in Brooklyn; as well as Director of Reimbursement for Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.

Before working for Beth Israel, Tomas was the Assistant Director of Reim- bursement for St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in New York. He is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Currently as the Chief Financial Officer of Acacia Network, Tomas has assumed a leadership role in serving the under-served in healthcare, education, employ- ment, housing, economic and community development. Tomas is respon- sible for managing all aspects of the institution’s financial operations and is also in charge of some administrative and support services such as human resources, information technology, admissions, materials management, food services, security, facilities management, housekeeping and transportation.

Tomas believes that the government and our elected officials cannot do it alone, that the success of our communities will depend on the commitment to community service of their private citizens. Tomas’ professional and per- sonal life demonstrates a great level of commitment to community develop- ment and service. Through his leadership role, he enables and empowers the residents of the Bronx and New York City to become self sufficient citizens who could then contribute to the quality of life in their communities.

In addition, Tomas is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management As- sociation (HFMA) and the New York State Association of Realtors. He is the Treasurer of Amida Care-a Medicaid Special Needs Managed Care Tomas Del Rio Plan, N.Y. President of the Brentwood Board of Education, from 2005 to 2007, Trustee from 2002-2004 and 2008, Treasurer of the East Brentwood Civic Association, Vice President of the East Middle Parent Teacher Asso- ciation, Member of the Brentwood High School Parent Teacher Association, Basketball Coach with the Brentwood Youth Activities Association, Bas- ketball Coach with the Suffolk County Police Athletic League, Member at Large of the Alianza Latina de Long Island and Member of the Puerto Rican Coalition for a Better Community.

14 Celebrando Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad

Mai Reina Gold has developed into one of the rising stars of the performative arts movement. Ms. Gold is a talented dancer, choreographer, and actor and has studied and appeared on many television shows, plays and performances. But what makes, Ms. Gold, exceptional is her passion to promote, preserve and teach her Puerto Rican culture through dance to young people. She want to instill in our youth and young adults the meaning of being Puerto Rican, to be proud of who you are and where you came from.

Ms. Gold credits her mother’s community involvement as her inspiration for her dedication and commitment. She has been volunteering since she was a teenager in different community events in Yonkers, beginning with the Yonkers Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival as well as the Yonkers YMCA. For the past three years she has volunteered with Royal Family Production a non-profit organization where she teaches Bomba y Plena and other dance genres to the organization’s Advanced Children’s Musical Theatre Program at Lincoln Center. She has shared her talents in several of their productions and performed recently with Royal Family at The Symphony Space Theatre. She is also a member of the Bombazo Dance Company where she volunteered her time to give free workshops.

Her love for performing led her to auditions and has been doing theatre professionally since 1992 after she got the lead in a play after a cold reading at The Henry Street Settlement Theatre and then auditioned for Rome Neal and received the opportunity to perform, drum, act and dance a West African solo at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in the play “Julius Caesar Set in Africa”. After a few gigs in acting, dancing, choreography and music videos, she moved to Los Angeles and worked as a production assistant for Television at Paramount Pictures. While working there, one of the writers saw Mai’s passion for a scene in the new script- it required a New Edition routine! Mai performed the choreography for the producers right then and there. She was ready and they gave her the opportunity to choreograph a television episode for UPN’s television show Second Time Around with actor Boris Kodjoe. She served as wardrobe consultant, stylist, make- up artist, costume designer, choreographer for several productions including Between the Lines Productions NYC off Broadway Hit Show “Platanos and Collard Greens.” Mai also was the choreographer of the opening number of “From Auction Block to Hip Hop”.

In April 2011, Mai was casted for Mark Burnett’s newest reality show “Expedition Impossible” which aired this past summer on ABC. Mai was one of the 13 teams competing in a grueling Gold Mai Reina expedition across the Sahara Desert in Morocco.

Mai holds a degree in Fashion Design from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. She studied theatre at HB Studio, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and studied Film and TV with Aaron Speiser.

15 Celebrando Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad

Lillian “Lee” Llambelis serves as Special Assistant District Attorney for Community Affairs for the office of the New York County District Attorney and was Director of Intergovernmental and Community Affairs for NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. She was Litigation Director for the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund , now LatinoJustice PRLDEF, where she engaged in litigation, advocacy and policy development on civil rights issues affecting Latinos nationwide, litigating federal and state court actions challenging anti-immigrant laws passed by states and localities. Ms. Llambelis served from 1992 to 2002 as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan, where she was assigned to the Trial Division; the Special Prosecutions Bureau, investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes, including embezzlement, fraud, bribery, and the financial exploitation of the elderly; as well asthe Official Corruption Unit where she investigated and prosecuted police corruption.

During the summer of 2009, Ms. Llambelis took a leave of absence from her position at the NYS Attorney General’s office to promote civic advocacy and engagement surrounding the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation process. During that time she worked with national advocacy groups, including but not limited to Sotomayor for Justice, Hispanic for a Fair Judiciary, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, MALDEF, National Council of La Raza, Hispanic Federation, National Hispanic Bar Association, the Puerto Rican Bar Association, advocates and other local and national groups advocating for the confirmation of the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ms. Llambelis is a graduate of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and received her law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. She is a Coro Foundation Fellow in Public Affairs. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Llambelis served as an Assistant Press Secretary to former Mayor Edward I. Koch. She is a member of the Puerto Rican Bar Association, the National Hispanic Bar Association, the National Hispanic Prosecutors Association and a member of the Board of Directors of the Bronx Children’s Museum and the NY Foundation. Ms. Llambelis is a recipient of a scholarship to attend the Aspen Institute Leadership Training; a recipient of the Cardozo Law School Distinguished Latina in the Law Award, a Lillian “Lee” Llambelis Lillian “Lee” recipient of the Puerto Rican Bar Association’s Flor De Maga Award for exemplary government service and the 2012 recipient of the Parent Volunteer Award from Figure Skating in Harlem. She is a member of the committee of “A Mural for Toni” a group which is dedicated to the creation of a public art mosaic mural in honor of Dr. Antonia Pantoja, the legendary Puerto Rican educator, social worker, feminist, civil rights leader and founder of ASPIRA. 16 Celebrando Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad

Born and raised in East Harlem/El Barrio and the South Bronx, Marina Ortiz has drawn from her background to craft a versatile body of work that includes broadcast, print and web journalism, digital photography, video production, community activism, spoken word and other forms of cultural and political expression that highlight her experience as a stateside Puerto Rican woman in search of justice and liberty.

Ms. Ortiz has been an avid documentarian of the Nuyorican community for over 20 years. During the 1990s, she produced public affairs and news pro- gramming at Pacifica-WBAI Radio and was active in the Nuyorican spoken word community.

Years before there was a “blogosphere,” Ms. Ortiz wrote hundreds of po- litical essays and cultural reviews for alternative publications such as Lib- erator, El Pitirre, The Daily Challenge, The Shadow, The New York Planet, IndyMedia, Siempre, and Tiempo NY.

In 2004, she created popular websites such as EastHarlemPreservation.org and VirtualBoricua.org. In 2006, Ms. Ortiz co-produced a video and re- search paper on affordable housing and other issues of displacement, “East Harlem Focus: A Community Facing Transition.” Since then, she has pro- duced 10 video shorts on the impact of gentrification in El Barrio. Ms. Ortiz continues to chronicle Puerto Rican culture, politics and history on a daily basis. By her own estimation, she has taken over a million photographs.

Ms. Ortiz is also the founder and president of East Harlem Preservation, Inc., a volunteer advocacy nonprofit. Since 2005, she has collaborated with dozens of community residents and artists to preserve cultural landmarks such as the Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center and La Marqueta and create/restore outdoor murals honoring Puerto Rican artists and historic leaders.

Ms. Ortiz has also been active in environmental justice and health issues. In 2008, she was the plaintiff Marina Ortiz in a lawsuit that successfully challenged the privatization of public parkland on Randall’s Island. In 2009, Ms. Ortiz and other plaintiffs again stopped the City of New York from moving forward with yet another plan to limit community access. She has also fought for the expansion of public plazas and bike lanes in El Barrio and against artificial turf in neighborhood parks.

Ms. Ortiz has been involved in the Puerto Rican liberation movement for over 25 years, advocating for the release of political prisoners and the independence of Puerto Rico. She is a co-founder of several NYC-based solidarity committees, “NY with UPR” and “NY Contra El Gasoducto,” that support popular campaigns in Puerto Rico against university tuition increases, police brutality, political repression, and environmental injustice.

Ms. Ortiz holds a bachelor’s degree in media communications from Hunter College/CUNY. She gradu- ated Cum Laude in 1986 with minors in both Urban Affairs and Black & Puerto Rican Studies. She was a recipient of El Diario-La Prensa’s 2010 “Mujeres Destacadas” Award. In 2007, Ms. Ortiz received a community service award from Las Mujeres del Barrio/Women of El Barrio.

17 Celebrando Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad

Sherlyn Ortiz was born on the East Side of NYC and is a descendant of Puer- to Rican parents. She is a mother of an energetic 10 year-old son and resides in Queens, NY. Ms. Ortiz is currently the Executive Board President of the Malik Melodies Sisterhood Inc., a non-profit 501 C-3 progressive and cultural women’s leadership organization. MMSI’s primary focus is to develop lead- ers and instill motivation, determination, and a sense of commitment within women who address issues that confront them in the educational and profes- sional environment as well as in the communities where they reside.

Ms. Ortiz is a Board of Directors member of Cayuga Centers, a therapeutic foster care agency that serves over 400 minority youth and families through- out New York, with evidence based programs in the city that helps to create individual treatment plans for youth and families in our communities. She is the youngest and only Latina nominated and actively participating on the board. Sherlyn is also the current PTA president at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Academy.

Since her high school years at the Mary Louis Academy followed by her un- dergraduate studies at Long Island University CW Post campus, Ms. Ortiz has worked to serve her community by volunteering and actively participat- ing in academic cultural clubs such as ASPIRA, SGO (Student Government Org.), C.L.A.S. (Council for Latin American Students), APO (African Peoples Organization.) and the 1199 Youth Mentoring program. After obtaining her graduate degree, at Touro College in Special Education/Instructional Technol- ogy, Sherlyn continued to further her career and serve the Latino and African American community through some of her voluntary contributions to organi- zations such as, the GMHC, March of Dimes, the Children’s Aid Society, and St. John’s Bread and Life.

Ms. Ortiz has been employed by the Department of Education as a Speech

Sherlyn Ortiz Language Pathologist in the New York City public school system for the past 11 years, where she dedicates her time working to improve the communicative abilities of children and young adults with Autism and mental and emotional disturbance. When Sherlyn is not occupied with work, she enjoys spending quality time with her son and family, cooking and reading. Through her work she aspires to be the wind beneath the wings of women everywhere.

18 Celebrando Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad

Iris W. Ramírez was raised in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico and in Waterbury, Connecticut. Ms. Ramírez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire in 1995. While in college, she realized that civic engagement and community empowerment would be a cornerstone of her professional development.

Since 2004, Ms. Ramirez has volunteered and is a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. She is a founding member and co-chair of Latino Bigs, the Latino affinity group of Big Brothers BigS isters of NYC. She has led this group for three years, managing the group’s community outreach, recruitment and fundraising efforts in the Latino community, including forming relationships with Latino professional organizations, led planning efforts for community service events and Step Up to the Plate, the group’s yearly softball fundraising event. She is a member of the Speakers Bureau, where she shares her experiences to help recruit and support new volunteers. But what she find most rewarding is the mentoring opportunities she has shared with two young women from disadvantaged homes for the past six years. She is proud of the academic and leadership growth these two young women have accomplished to date.

Her volunteerism goes beyond just an hour or two here and there. Her mission is to create a cadre of volunteers dedicated to the Latino community. To this end, she is the founding member of the Bronx Volunteer Coalition which is expected top launch in the Spring 2013. She sits on the Leadership Team and Communications Committee. The coalition works to increase Bronx resident participation in volunteer-driven groups. Ms. Ramirez conceptualized the idea, led numerous group discussions, utilized extensive networking experience to recruit member organizations and defined its mission.

For five years, Ms. Ramirez volunteered for New York Cares and participated in various community service events in New York City including earth day activities and New York Cares Day of service at New York City public schools. She has also been Santa’s Helper for the Thorpe Family Residence handing out gifts to children living in a transitional shelter for homeless mothers and children in the Bronx during the holiday season.

Ms. Ramirez is an active member of her community for many years serving as a member, Iris W. Ramirez volunteer and activist of countless community based organizations. She is a board member of the Acacia Network, Board Treasurer of Casa Promesa and Board Secretary of the South Bronx Community Management Company both subsidiaries of Acacia.

By profession, she is paralegal with thirteen years of experience working in the field of U.S. immigration, specializing in Business Immigration Law. She currently works for Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel, LLP.

19 Celebrando Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad

Milteri Tucker was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and raised in “La Perla del Sur,” the Pearl of the South: Ponce, PR. At the age of six she was training her voice and singing with the professional choir named: Serafines Cantores de Ponce, directed by Olga Bernal. Ms. Tucker with her passion for dance, auditioned and was accepted by the prestigious school of the arts: Bellas Artes de Ponce, where she immersed herself in the world of dance, as well as extended her artistic knowledge with voice lessons, piano and music theory and acting classes. Upon graduating from High School with honors, she moved to New York City to peruse her two passions: dance & medicine.

During her tenure at Hunter College, she was very active in the dance program directed by Dr. Jana Feinaman. As a pre-med student, she han- dled both the dance and biology departments with great aplomb! In 2006 she graduated with honors, earning degrees in Dance, Biology and minor in Chemistry.

Milteri is the premier lead dancer of the Puerto Rican Folkloric dance company named: Danza Fiesta, under the direction of Hilda Rivera Pantojas. She has performed in the 2003 Macys Day Parade, Puerto Rican Day Parade, Summer Stage Central Park, South Street Sea Port’s summer festivals as well as Merkin Hall theatre at Lincoln Center, City Center, The Kaye, El Museo del Barrio, Harlem Stage, Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture, BAAD, Thalia Spanish Theatre, Poets Theatre, Greens Space Studio Theatre, The Players Theater in Gramency Park. Television appearances include: Telemundo, Univision 41, WB11, NBC and QPTV.

She has taught salsa at STEPS on BROADWAY, Contemporary Jazz at Flamenco Latino as well as several dance studios through out the five boroughs and Puerto Rico. She has also taught: Bellas Artes de Pone, Ballet Senorial. She has her own class: Afro- Caribbean Contemporary jazz. Milteri Tucker

Ms. Tucker is the founder and artistic director of BOMBAZO Dance Co., a company that fuses con- temporary, modern and social styles of dance with Afro-Caribbean and folkloric elements. Through BOMBAZO she is able to provide free dance workshop series to low income families that cannot afford to send their children to dance school. She also volunteers her time instructing and choreographing for senior centers and after school programs. She is a Bronx highlighted artist and has been recognized by the Bronx Borough President, Hon. Ruben Diaz Jr., for her volunteer work in the Bronx.

. Most recently she has performed in “Perils of Chencha” written and directed by Anita Velez Mitchell, YES I YES, written by Spanish writer Yolanda Garcia Serrano and directed by Noelle Mauri, “Amor Latino” written and directed by Angel Gil Orrios, “La Negra Mas Bella,” “Llamada/ Rally Cry” both written and directed by Nancy Nevarez, “Lulu en la Habana” written by Ntozake Shange and directed by Carla Pinza. She portrayed Josephine Baker for Macy’s Herald Square tribute to the “First Diva: Josephine Baker” in 2007 and has performed for Broadway’s Easter Bonnet at the Minskoff Theater in 2011. She also choreographed with the Multistages team forVelez-Mitchell’s “Temple of The Souls.”

20 CelebrandoCelebrando Lo Lo Mejor Mejor de deNuestra Nuestra Comunidad Comunidad As a three-time award winning comedic actress, producer, emcee, dancer, and writer, “La “Reina” Rhina Valentin is truly one of the performing arts’ most versatile women. Ms. Val- entin, a New York native, a mother and graduate of the William Esper Studio, has been dubbed “Diva” by The Village Voice and “La Diva del Barrio” by Siempre Newspa- per—and rightly so. This Jane-of-all-trades has performed at some of New York’s most r e - nowned locations, such as New World Stages, The Nuyorican Poet’s Café, The Puerto R i - can Traveling Theater and Lincoln Center Out of Doors. She has been featured on HBO a n d in nationally syndicated commercials, written, choreographed and performed critically a c - claimed pieces for dance and theater, and currently serves as the beauty, brains and t h e bronze behind her rapidly growing production company, La Reina Del Barrio, LLC.

The breadth of “La Reina’s” acting career knows no bounds. From the theater to tele- v i - sion, she is now most notably recognized for her role as the regular host of Open, which has aired live every Friday on Bronxnet Channel 67 since 2006, and as “Reina” in HBO’s 2006 award winning short, “Betty La Flaca.” Also, in 2006, Ms. Valentin’s command- i n g presence graced the stage in a self-written piece for the nationally acclaimed Latinas Don’t PMS, which has been performed at locations across the US including the world f a - mous Apollo in New York and the Comedy Store in California. Her outstanding efforts have been recognized with a 2007 BRIO award for Best Actress, a 2006 UAI grant f o r performing arts, and a 2005 HOLA award. She has also appeared in two nation- a l commercials for Bally’s and 1-800-Flowers.

As founder and CEO, Ms. Valentin is currently working to make a name for her produc- tion company, La Reina Del Barrio, LLC. Her biggest production the off-broadway hit “Death of a Dream” (2009) in which she produced and stared in, geared towards domestic Violence awareness, granted her company a proclamation from Mayor Bloomberg’s office.S he also served as a member and associ- ate producer of “Lose Control Comedy Troop” during the Fall 2007-Spring 2008 season. She is a co-founder, producer and director of the Nuyorican Universal Theatre Society (NUTS) and the subsequent “Our Times” (March 2007). For her carnival-inspired “La Reina’s Barriolesque” she employed her talents as a dancer, cho- reographer and writer. It initially began as an open-mic performance in 2004 at Carlito’s Café and soon after

materialized into a resident performance at the Nuyorican Poet’s Café. It was also presented at The Viva Bronx! Rhina Valentin Festival in October 2005.

As producer and creator she has given life to such stage productions as her original piece OHMen, co-choreo- graphed by Awilda Sterling-Duprey and accompanied by the celebrated Dominican/Haitian Band “Palo Mon- te.” It opened in 2004 at the Baad! Ass Women Festival and was later presented at Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture (March 2005). Ms. Valentin has also received much acclaim for Metrogroove (March 2003), later presented by The Point (June 2004), Mirrors (March 2002) co-written with Sandra Rodriguez, and Diva Attack! (March 2001).

As a community advocate, Ms. Valentin is one of the co-creators of The “Love Walk” founded in 2011 to bring awareness to Domestic Violence Awareness. She is also one of the co-founders for “Bandera Fever” An annual campaign to help teach the next generation about their Puerto Rican Heritage. Her latest campaign is health awareness geared towards helping new Moms and Latinos learn how to create a healthier lifestyle. Ms. Valentin’s personal pride and joy was her position as theatre arts director/producer/instructor of fifth to eighth- grade students at CIS 166 for the Children’s Aid Society from 2005 - 2009. She serves on the artistic advisory Board for Pepatián and is an integral member of TheNetWorks.org, a networking organization for which she has hosted and emceed many networking events, including the annual Fordham B.I.D. tree-lighting and gift donation for kids event since 2008.

Ms. Valentin is included in the recently released “Breaking Ground: Anthology of Puerto Rican Writer in New York” by Dr. Myrna Nieves. 21 GALA Honorees Celebrating 26 years of Puerto Rican Culture and Heritage

The NY Hilton New York City Cocktails: 7PM Dinner: 8PM Special Performance Los Violines de Marquito Silent Auction Black Tie Honorees

Reinstatement of the Latin Jazz and other categories to GRAMMYS

Bobby Sanabria Latin Jazz Legend Roger Maldonado, Esq. Balber Pickard Maldonado & Van Der Tuin, PC

Juan Gonzalez Journalist & Author CN’s 2012 Spokesperson.

Soprano Eva de la O Lourdes Robles Dr. Caleb Gonzalez Founder, Música de Cámara Singer, songwriter, Professor, Yale University & actress Founder, School of Medicine, UPR

For more information please contact: Teresa A. Santiago, CN’s Chairperson, 914 263-6599, [email protected]

The proceeds of this event will benefit the Comité Noviembre Scholarship Awards Program, the Richie Perez Scholarship for Peace & Justice and other annual community programs of CN. 22 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 ben- efits 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 of- fice, 11 senior centers and four subsidiaries, including a mental health clinic—Clinica Nueva Esperanza (New Hope Clinic). We serve in the following ways: Direct Services to Seniors (Multilingual and multicultural) The Institute serves as an important resource for non-profit organizations, government agencies and businesses throughout the Untied States and Puerto Rico by providing technical assistance, training and consultation in areas such as culturally responsive ser- vice 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

Institute for the Puerto Rican Hispanic Elderly 105 East 22nd Street, Suite 711, New York, NY 10010 Phone (212) 677-4181; (Fax) 212-777-5106 23 elderly is significant, nationally Suleika Cabrera Drinane recognized, and well documented. Pionera, Advocate, Leader, Defender of the Elderly for over 40 years The IPR/HE Covello Center provides congregate meals; health promotion Instrumental in the development of multi-cultural, multi-lingual programs used today activities including physical health Suleika Cabrera Drinane, LMSW, was a statewide advocacy group for seniors, and health education; recreation, born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and with a membership of 6000. Her vision education, and socialization activities; raised in Spanish Harlem. As a young and leadership continues to improve and case assistance, immigration, “Hija de Maria” in El Barrio’s La the quality of life for thousands of information, referral and advocacy to seniors in New York a predominantly Latino and minority State and nationally. population in El Barrio. Ms. Cabrera worked DFTA announced that it intends to with a national Hispanic transfer sponsorship to a well-heeled elderly coalition to Upper East Side organization the educate government Carter Burden Center which operates officials on the need a Senior Center on 1st Avenue at East particularly in the 77th Street, with lesser experience in northeast region to have working with Latino older adults and culturally relevant and families, and certainly not at the caliber diverse programming. shown by IPR/HE over many years. She was instrumental This ‘transfer’ of sponsorship from IPR/ in the development HE to the Carter Burden Center, would and creation of multi- be devastating for East Harlem and the Milagrosa Catholic Parish, and with her cultural, multi-lingual services and Latino-based non-profit organizational mother’s strong influence, Suleika was cultural diversity training programs. community. This predominately poor serving her community and working But the struggle is not over. and low income community has seen with elder’s and their families as an too many of its pioneering, culturally advocate and organizer well before she relevant model organizations that have made her mark in the larger New York Keep IPR/HE at served Hispanics and other minorities City scene. Her dedication and passion over the years, and in the worst of for her community, our seniors and Covello Senior times, eliminated or their contract their families makes Suleika a highly portfolios diminished through various regarded leader who is a force to be Center City agency’s ‘RFP’ and solicitation reckoned with, and that is beloved by After over 20 years of providing processes. thousands of seniors and their families excellent programs and services for who trust her, and know that she is their the Latino and minority elderly of IPR/HE has sponsored the Leonard strong advocate. El Barrio on July 17, 2012 IPR/HE Covello Center for more than 20 years. DFTA has acknowledged IPR/ Suleika Cabrera Drinane is the Founder learned that the NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) made a decision to HE and its Leonard Covello Center and President/Chief Executive Officer for innovative services and programs. of the Institute for the Puerto Rican/ remove IPR/HE as the sponsor of the East Harlem Leonard Covello Senior Then why is IPR/HE out and Carter Hispanic Elderly, Inc. (IPR/HE), one Burden in? Speculation includes the of the largest Latino-based non-profit Center located at 312 East 109th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues. IPR/HE ‘gentrification’ factor, which has real organization serving Hispanic and estate interests moving the Upper other ethnic/racial minority seniors, has sponsored the Covello Center since 1991. East Side further north by the hour. since 1978. She is a pioneer in the Removing culturally and linguistically area of elder and women’s rights and The Leonard Covello Senior Center based services provided by a Latino advocacy. Ms. Cabrera is at the forefront is the Institute’s ‘Flag Ship’ facility grassroots organization that has become in the development of programs to and senior program in East Harlem an ‘institution’ in El Barrio, accelerates overcome cultural barriers and promote ‘El Barrio’ in Manhattan. Ms. Cabrera that process. diversity in service delivery. Under her Drinane, characterized the action leadership, IPR/HE has grown into as a ‘stab in the heart of the Latino The building, which is City owned, multi-service operation serving the community and East Harlem’ where and at one time an underutilized and New York City Greater Metropolitan she grew up, and where IPR/HE was problem- ridden facility, before IPR/ Area. Ms. Cabrera is also the founder born in 1978. The Institute’s expertise HE came in, is now a community asset of the Hispanic Senior Action Council, in working with Latino and minority and a coveted property. IPR/HE has 24 Keep IPR/HE at Covello Senior Center continue raised thousand of dollars to renovate members of the the facility and enhance programming center, expressed for East Harlem seniors. The entire 4th their disbelief, deep floor has been renovated as a wellness disappointment and facility and houses rooms for classes/ outrage with the workshops and the first state-of-the art city’s decision to physical fitness gym for Latino and remove IPR/HE and minority seniors in El Barrio thanks give the Covello to IPR/HE and City Capital Budget Senior Center to dollars. The Institute recently partnered the Carter Burden Center - which is seniors at the Rally. “Covello is our with Asphalt Green to provide fitness not Hispanic-based, and has no roots ‘second home’ in El Barrio. “They programming at the Covello Center for in El Barrio. The number of seniors, understand us, our culture, and our the senior community that suffers the community leaders, elected officials language.” Why is the city doing this worst health indicators for diabetes, and other supporters grew to fill 109th terrible thing?” obesity, cardiovascular disease and Street with chants of “We want IPR/HE Cautious Victory hypertension in the City. The community in Covello!” “We took on this center in acknowledges that the Institute’s 20 1991 when no one wanted it and our On October 4th 2012, the NY State years of improvements, advocacy, Hispanic and minority seniors were not Supreme Court issued and injunction excellent services, commitment to getting the services they needed and against the City of New York barring older adults, and culturally relevant deserved,” said Ms. Cabrera Drinane. them from proceeding with eviction programs that empower minority “Now they want to take it away from process of IPR/HE from the Leonard seniors, are being tossed away for no a capable and professional Hispanic Covello Senior Center. good reason. The decision to displace organization to hand it over to an Following this injunction against a a worthy Hispanic organization such as organization that is not culturally or city and to keep the pressure on City IPR/HE is a blow to East Harlem and linguistically competent and that does officials,L atino community leaders and the Latino community, particularly in not have the expertise that IPR/HE has over 100 seniors rallied at City Hall to Manhattan. with Hispanic and minority seniors.” call on the city to reverse its decision to What Needs to Happen Jose Calderon, President of the remove the Institute for Puerto Rican/ Hispanic Elderly as the manager of • The NYC DFTA needs to reverse Hispanic Federation, stated that “IPR/ the Covello Senior center. Leaders its preliminary decision to remove HE’s experience in East Harlem called on the city to overhaul the city’s IPR/HE and return the Covello remains unparalleled. Any transfer contracting process to better serve the Center to its sponsorship. of sponsorship of the Covello Senior Center from IPR/ HE to the Carter city’s 2.3 million Latinos and to factor • Elected Officials and community Burden Senior Center, or any other in additional criteria including cultural leader must reach out and call sponsor for that matter, would be competency, language capacity, and the Commissioner Paoli to voice their devastating for East Harlem and organization’s existing relationship and support for IPR/HE, as well as the Latino non-profit sector.” Luis track record within the community. notify Speaker Quinn, members Garden Acosta, from El Puente de The next court date is scheduled for of the City Council BLA Caucus, Williamsburg, Rosita Romero, from October 31, 2012 where a final decision and the Mayor, in support of IPR/ the Dominican Women’s Center, Jose will be made. HE’s continued sponsorship of the Ortiz Ortiz, from RAICES, along with Next Steps Covello Senior Center. other Latino organizational leaders all • The Latino Community and East said that they were well aware that We must protect and support Harlem seniors, organizations, and East Harlem and other Hispanic and organizations that have serviced our leaders must mobilize to support minority neighborhoods had seen too communities for decades and have IPR/HE’s continued sponsorship of many of its pioneer, culturally relevant provided exceptional service and Covello. organizations - that have served poor programing. The removal of this contract is a precedent that cannot be Community Action and low-income communities over the worst of times – disrespected, forgotten tolerated! IPR/HE urges the community On August 21, 2012, at a rally outside and replaced without merit. “IPR/HE to continue the struggle. the Covello Center, many seniors and is my family” said one of the Covello 25 The Center for Puerto Rican Studies (Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños) Centro 695 Park Avenue, 1429 Hunter East New York, NY 10065 (212) 772-5688 http://centropr.hunter.cuny.edu Director: Dr. Edwin Meléndez

Centro is proud to be a member of Comité Noviembre. Centro congratulates Comité Noviembre on 25 years of “teaching and creating awareness of the culture, language and heritage of the Puerto Rican community.”

Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños (Centro) is a research institute dedicated to the study and interpretation of the Puerto Rican experience in the United States by producing and disseminating relevant interdisciplinary research and by collecting, preserving, and providing access to archival and library resources documenting its history and culture. We seek to link scholarship to social action and policy debates, and to contribute to the enrichment of Puerto Rican studies.

Founded in 1973 by a coalition of faculty, students and community leaders, Centro seeks to achieve its mission by working closely with a network of education, research, archival advocacy and community based partners. Centro has been housed at Hunter College since 1983; yet, it is a CUNY-wide research center.

CENTRO LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES The Centro Library and Archives is the world’s only institution solely dedicated to collecting, preserving and disseminating the story of the Puerto Rican Diaspora. The collections include over 5,000 cubic feet of books, newspapers, periodicals, personal papers, government documents, broadsides, programs, oral histories on video, audio and other video tapes, manuscripts, photographs, prints, recorded music, family ephemera, and other resources that chronicle the history and contributions of stateside Puerto Ricans.

Housed in the new Lois V. and Samuel J. Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, the Centro Library and Archives provides services and programs to the scholarly community as well as the general public. As a support for teachers and researchers, the Archives offer primary materials, available nowhere else. They can make use of holdings that span the years from 1898 to the present and represent more than 100 collections, including the records of major community and civil rights organizations, the papers of elected officials, community activists, labor leaders, writers, artists, and more than 40,000 photographic images.

26 Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, 100 Puerto Ricans Campaign The 100 Puerto Ricans Campaign is designed to encourage 100 stateside Puerto Rican individuals and organizations to donate their personal papers and other memorabilia and/or to video their experiences in order to become sources of information at the Centro Library and Archives. The contributions of these 100 Puerto Ricans who have made or are making a difference in our community is necessary in order to tell the full story of the diaspora to future generations.

Another goal of the campaign is to broaden the scope of our current collections – already the largest in the world – by focusing on geographic areas and fields of accomplishments that are currently underrepresented. This includes con- tributions from those living in communities outside the New York Metropolitan area.

Centro is asking your help in suggesting new candidates who might be interested in donating their collections. You know your neighbors, your communities, your history. You will recognize those women, men, and institutions that have made a difference in our lives. They may be family, neighbors, mentors, business people, churches and other organi- zations, civic leaders, pioneers who arrived in the first wave of the Great Migration. They may be you!

We will preserve these stories so that, for years to come, teachers, parents, community activists, and researchers can retell the unique story of the Puerto Rican diaspora, our achievements, our culture, and our impact on mainland culture.

Here’s how you can help.

NOMINATE

Tell us if you know of a friend, family member, or organization that could be interested in helping us fill the under-covered fields.

PARTICIPATE

Volunteer by joining the 100 Puerto Ricans committee.

DONATE

Processing collections, and especially digitizing them, incur substantial costs. Storing them in a secure, tem- perature - controlled environment is also expensive.

Please consider a donation to help cover processing costs.

Visit our webpage: https://community.hunter.cuny.edu/100puertoricans for more information and to make a donation.

Thank you for investing in our 100 Puerto Ricans Campaign!

27 The Puerto Rican Diaspora: Migratory Cycles and Communities in the Distance

Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College

Introduction Puerto Rico has witnessed a massive movement and dispersion of its population beyond its shores since the late 19th century to the present. The preferred destination has been the United States, where there are now 4,623,716 Puerto Ricans (The Hispanic Population: 2012, US Census Bureau, 2010). There are more Puerto Ricans living in the mainland US than on the on the island, about 3,725,789, according to the US Census Bureau 2010. This massive demographic movement to the United States mainland, which is characterized by the persistence of Puerto Rican community and cultural life in the distance, has in recent years led academics and scholars to coin the concept of the Puerto Rican diaspora. 2 1 The largest concentration within the diaspora is in New York State, which for decades has been the preferred destination for immigrants although since the 1990s, Florida, and particularly Orlando, has become very popular. According to the 2010 US Census, the states that harbor the largest number of Puerto Ricans are: New York (1,070,558); Florida (847,550); New Jersey (434,092); Pennsylvania (366,082); Massachusetts (266,125); Connecticut (252,972), California (189,945) and Illinois (182,989).

The tendency to migrate to the United States has continued to grow up to the present. These places 4 3 have become important centers for efforts to preserve cultural values within the diaspora. In the broadest and most modern sense, a diaspora not only refers to the movement and dispersion of a human group beyond the borders of the country of origin; it also refers to the collective itself and the dynamics and processes of settlement as a cultural community. Part of this conception of what a diaspora is requires the group to recognize itself as a cultural group. In the case of Puerto Ricans, the National Puerto Rican Parade in New York City is the most significant popular expression of Puerto Ricanness in the diaspora. Through this event, the diaspora defines and identifies itself as a group while at the same time symbolically representing itself to the New York community and making its presence and vitality felt.

5 Another theoretical requirement for there to be a diaspora is the existence of ties or “connectivity” between the members of the cultural group that will allow them to shape a common identity, to associate with their place of origin, and to shape a particular identity that distinguishes it in the place of settlement. The community of El Barrio in the Spanish Harlem sector of New York City is an example of this dynamic. Thousands of Puerto Ricans settled in this part of Manhattan and formed a cultural community, which they called “El Barrio” in Spanish. This neighborhood maintains the ways of life of Puerto Rico, while also having certain social and cultural features that are characteristic of the United States and New York, and that are not present on the island.

Another aspect of the constant process of the construction and negotiation of the cultural identity of Puerto Rican immigrants is the coining of the term Neorican, 28 The Puerto Rican Diaspora ...continued

Newyorican or Nuyorican, which occurred roughly in the 1960s and 70s. The term was a combination of “New Yorker” (derived from New York) and “rican” (derived from Puerto Rican). The term also reflects the connectivity of this Puerto Rican community, which identifies itself and recognizes itself as different, while exposing its ties with the place of origin (Puerto Rico) and the place of settlement (New York).

In order to self-define the identity of the diaspora, the group must share a common interpretation of its current social experience and the past of its origins. The art, music and literature of Puerto Ricans in New York have played an important role in this regard. Works such as When I Was Puerto Rican (1993) 6 (Cuando era puertorriqueña, 1994) by Esmeralda Santiago, Down These Mean Streets by Pedro Pietri (1967), Nilda, by Nicholasa Mohr and La Carreta Made a U-Turn (1979), by Tato Laviera, represent an ideology that integrates a common idea of the past and the present and perpetuates in turn the collective memory of the diaspora.

Trends such as the coexistence —a cohabitation— of English and Spanish, along with the mixing of things Puerto Rican and Anglo-Saxon, have created a hybrid cultural space that finds expression in the artistic and literary production of the diaspora. These are also new expressions of Puertoricanness, 7 which parallel those on the island.

Another of the characteristics of the diaspora is the involvement of its members in politics and community groups that advocate and struggle to ensure better living conditions and respect for their values and customs. During the 1960s 8 and 70s, Puerto Ricans joined the civil rights movements of the times in American society by founding several organizations, including ASPIRA (1961) and the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund (1972). These groups waged battles in American courts to improve the living conditions of Puerto Ricans in the United States, and succeeded in having the City of New York implement bilingual education programs.

Likewise, in the Puerto Rican community in Chicago there were groups like the Young Lords (1969), who were able to force the city governments in Chicago, New York and 9 Philadelphia to give more attention to sanitation in the community, housing, and improving health. Today, Puerto Ricans of the diaspora hold important public positions. Puerto Ricans Nydia Velázquez, José Serrano and Luis Gutiérrez are members of the US Congress; and Sonia Sotomayor Associate Justice of the United State Supreme Court.

It should be noted, though, that the concept of the Puerto Rican diaspora has some special features. Due to the fact that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and that Puerto Ricans hold US citizenship, a very particular migratory phenomenon, known as “revolving door migration” has taken place. The ease of movement between the United States mainland and the island has brought on a succession of outward and inward migration, to and from Puerto Rico, characterized by waves of return migration to the homeland. This phenomenon has also influenced the composition and characteristics of the Puerto Rican diaspora.

29 The Puerto Rican Diaspora ...continued

10 Patterns of Puerto Rican Immigration to the United States

According to sociologists, migratory currents are comprised of two driving forces that precipitate demographic movement: the factors of expulsion and attraction. In the case of Puerto Ricans, 11 the factors of expulsion are principally associated with the economic problems the island has suffered due to the complex political situation it has faced since Spanish colonial times and the successive and frequent changes in global economic models that have affected the island’s productivity.

On the other hand, the principal ‘factor of attraction’ is better employment opportunities, coupled with better living conditions, in the United States. This is added to the full mobility Puerto Ricans have as American citizens to and from the United States mainland.

Beginnings of emigration The earliest movement of Puerto Ricans to the United States occurred in the nineteenth century. The Spanish colonial authorities maintained an environment of political 12 repression in Cuba and Puerto Rico, a situation that drove many reformist or separatist patriots in the Antilles to exile, taking refuge in many European and American cities. The United States was viewed by the criollo elite as representing democratic values, progress, and modernity.

These first settlements of Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Spaniards, and other Latin Americans produced colonies in New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Tampa, and Key West. New York City became a center of the Antillean insurgency against the Spanish Crown, when Puerto Rican and Cuban exiles came to live there after the Grito de Lares in Puerto Rico and the Grito de Yara in Cuba, both occurring in 1868.

The first wave of migration (1899-1901) Two migratory cycles occurred in the first two decades of the 20th century. The first lasted approximately between 1899 and 1901. This wave was due to the economic and social crisis that enveloped the island after the change of sovereignty in 1898. The transition from a mercantile economy to an agrarian capitalist economy produced, a certain prosperity, on one hand, but it also resulted in extreme poverty for most of the population.

13 The monopoly absentee US corporations had on sugarcane and tobacco land and crops, along with the fall of the coffee industry, produced a movement of unemployed agricultural workers from the mountains, who came to the coasts and cities in search of work. The lack of housing, unemployment, and poor sanitation worsened living conditions in the countryside, so that country people saw emigration to the United States as a solution to their economic situation. The American governors that were sent to the island also encouraged the emigration of Puerto Rican agricultural workers to the continent.

During the first wave (1899-1901), immigrants in search of work mostly left for the Hawaiian archipelago, which was by then a United States territory. Nearly 6,000 Puerto Ricans were transferred to the Pacific to work on sugar cane plantations, where they were offered a better way of life. On their way to Hawaii, many Puerto Ricans instead settled in New Orleans or San Francisco, and created small colonies in those cities in the early 20th century. Evidence of this is the Puerto Rican Club in San Francisco, which was founded in 1912, 30 The Puerto Rican Diaspora ...continued

and is still in existence.

Another group of Puerto Ricans, although a smaller number, emigrated 14 to Arizona and New Mexico during this period, when the two states were still territories. Today, according to the 2000 census, the population of Puerto Rican descent in Hawaii is about 30,000. Between 1901 and 1917, emigration abated somewhat. In this period, destinations included México, Ecuador, Missouri and the sister islands of Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

The second wave of immigration The entry of the United States in the First World War in 1917 coincided with the passing of the Jones Act for Puerto Rico, extending American citizenship to Puerto Ricans. Both events triggered the second migratory wave to the continental United States.

War brought with it a need for labor in the arms industry and shipyards, so that thousands of Puerto Ricans, who were now citizens, were recruited through efforts led by the federal government to work in these 15 sectors in United States.

At the end of the First World War, there was a surge of economic growth in the United States while entry of immigrants to the country was being restricted. This created a large demand for labor in a strong labor market. These circumstances, and the economic difficulties faced by Puerto Rican workers, who, in fact, were American citizens, continued to fuel emigration to the United States mainland. Most of the immigrants in this second wave (1920s and 30s) settled in New York City, principally in Manhattan and Brooklyn. They established colonies of Puerto Ricans, who, like other Latin Americans and Afro-Americans, created entire communities in which their customs and social and cultural values were preserved.

In 1929, the economic boom in the United States was dealt a massive blow by the Great Depression. The collapse of the American economy was a dissuasive factor for Puerto Rican immigration all through the 1930s. In fact, it produced the return of thousands of Puerto Ricans to the island, which was already mired in an extreme economic crisis, exacerbated by the Depression. This was just one of the return migratory waves of the 20th century.

The Great Migration (1945-1965) 16 In the 1940s, following the reforms and program of the New Deal, the groundwork was laid for the modernization and industrialization of Puerto Rican society. After the implementation of industrial incentives in the Operation Bootstrap program in the late 1940s, the economy of Puerto Rico was transformed from an agrarian to an industrial economy. This led to the loss of thousands of agricultural jobs, in turn causing a demographic movement form the countryside to urban centers. In addition, there was an unprecedented rise in the rate of population growth.

Meanwhile, after the Second World War ended in 1945, the United States had a huge demand for low-cost labor. Large corporations, with the support of the US government, recruited workers in Puerto Rico to take them to the mainland. The government of the island also acted as an intermediary, in the belief that a factor for the success of the industrialization program was to curtail the accelerated rate of population growth in Puerto Rico.

31 The Puerto Rican Diaspora ...continued

17 The government employed several strategies to promote migration. One of these was to increase air traffic between PuertoR ico and the United States and to cheapen the cost of airfare. Another was the publishing of job opportunities on the United States mainland, especially along on the northeast coast. The government also established standards for the conditions that State side employers should provide for Puerto Ricans who ventured to work there, especially seasonal workers. The government of Puerto Rico established offices under the Immigration Division in places like New York to provide information on jobs, housing, and social services, as well as helping Puerto Ricans with issues they encountered on the mainland.

All of these factors affected the wave of hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans migrants. By the mid 1960s it is estimated that the island lost almost a million inhabitants, including those born on the United States mainland — a 18 historic event known as the Great Migration. Although New York City was the preferred destination of the Puerto Ricans, they also settled in Chicago, Philadelphia, Newark and other areas of New Jersey, and the northeastern area of the United States.

The annual average of Puerto Ricans who emigrated to the United States in the 1930s and 40s was 1,800 individuals. This increased to 4,600 between 1941 and 1945; 31,000 between 1946 and 1950; and 45,000 between 1951 and 1960. In fact, 1953 was the year with the highest emigration, 75,000 Puerto Ricans. In the 1960s and 70s, the number decreased to 16,500. Improved job opportunities on the island and diminished employment offerings in the United States explain the decrease. In fact, because of the massive decrease in job opportunities, Puerto Ricans began to disperse all over the mainland, moving from New York to other states and regions in the United States.

Return migration (1960-1970) A wave of return migration began in the 1960s, the second since the 1930s, and was comprised of Puerto Ricans from all social and economic sectors. This was due to decreased job opportunities in the United States, a factor that is interpreted as a phenomenon of expulsion. On the other hand, industrialization in Puerto Rico increased job offerings, a factor of attraction. The people who came back in this return wave principally settled in the San Juan metropolitan area, especially in the municipal jurisdictions of Carolina and Bayamón, which had a significant demographic growth at the time.

Migratory trends of the late 20th and early 21st centuries (1975-2008) In the 1970s, Puerto Rico began to suffer a deep economic crisis as a consequence of the poor competitive level of the island in comparison with other destinations for foreign manufacturing investment. This once again propitiated the 19 movement of Puerto Ricans towards the United States.

A salient feature of this wave is the “brain drain,” characterized by the migration of professionals who moved to the United States in search of better career opportunities and better salaries. In the 1980s many of these went to Florida, and in the 1990s there was a significant increase in the population of PuertoR ican origin in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina.

Now, New York State and Florida, specifically the Orlando area, represent the greatest concentrations of the Puerto Rican population on the United States

32 The Puerto Rican Diaspora ...continued

mainland. According to the US Census Bureau, 2010 there were 1,070,558 Puerto Ricans in New York and 847,550 in Florida. In fact, Puerto Ricans represent the largest Latino group in New York City. According to the 2010 Census, 23% of the Puerto Rican population in the United States lives in NYC.

In general, there are approximately 4,623,716 Puerto Ricans in the United States, about 15 percent of the Latinos in that nation, with a total Latino population estimated at 50.4 million in 2010. According to the 2000 census, 58 percent of all Puerto Ricans in the diaspora were born on the United States mainland. This figure has remained consistent showing that several generations of Puerto Ricans are living alongside recent immigrants from Puerto Rico. The sharing of daily experience of several generations of Puerto Ricans who were born or raised on the United States mainland with Puerto Ricans who were born on the island allows for strengthening ties and renewing cultural references of the islands: the image or collective memory of what the island is, its way of life, the character and personality of its people. This experience reinforces the cultural identity of the diaspora. It is foreseen that by the end of the first decade of the 21st century there will be more Puerto Ricans living on the United States mainland than those on the island, and that they will be further dispersed throughout the continental United States.

This complex picture includes, on the one hand, the increasing strength and vitality of the diaspora community in the United States, which has achieved self-identification as a particular cultural community. The diaspora has been consolidated as a group by creating a space in the public agendas of the American nation; holding upper level positions in government; making its way in academia; formalizing the study of Puerto Rican culture among the disciplines of the arts and cultural studies; and excelling in the creation of its own and distinct cultural production. On the other hand, it is also foreseeable that the incessant circular movement of Puerto Ricans to and from the United States will continue, 20 which fosters the maintenance of cultural and family ties between the diaspora and the island.

All of this may in fact be pointing towards a redefinition of Puertoricanness. Increasingly, the territorial limits of the island seem insufficient as a determinant condition or criterion for determining what 21 being Puerto Rican means. The geographical frontiers are giving way to cultural frontiers constructed by the collective imagination of the social group that is now extended and dispersed from the island of Puerto Rico to the mainland of the United States. The fact is that the island is a territory of the United States, which implies that the concept of the Puerto Rican diaspora is based on a collective national consciousness that has been deprived of sovereignty, as it is legally part of another sovereign nation, the United States.

It is significant, however, that Puerto Rican immigrants have a varied social and economic profile as well as being ideologically diverse, which has shaped a diasporic community that is far from homogeneous. While many Puerto Ricans congregate on the basis of their cultural roots, others are inserted or assimilated to different degrees or at different levels in Anglo-Saxon American culture. There are no figures available regarding PuertoR icans or descendants of Puerto Ricans who are culturally assimilated and do not identify themselves as Puerto Ricans in the census. This brings up some questions. Fifty years from now, will Puerto Ricans of the diaspora perceive or identify themselves as Puerto Ricans? And by that time, will researchers and sociologists continue to talk about the Puerto Rican diaspora?

It seems that the phenomena of expulsion and attraction will continue to be associated with economic conditions and the search for a more favorable situation. The unknown quantity is, then, what might happen if the economic scenario in the United States continues to change. Will the Puerto Rican diaspora extend to other territories or nations? Will Puerto Ricans stay away or return to their native land? Is Puerto Rico destined to be a diasporic society forever?

33 The Puerto Rican Diaspora ...continued th th

References Hernández Cruz, Juan. Corrientes migratorias en Puerto Rico, San Juan: Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, 1994. Ribes Tovar, Federico. El libro puertorriqueño de Nueva York, un siglo de vida puertorriqueña en la ciudad de Nueva York. New 26York: El Libro Puertorriqueño, 1968. Anniversary 26 Anniversary Whalen, Carmen Teresa & Víctor Vázquez –Hernández. The Puerto Rican Diaspora Historical Perspective. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2005

Author: Grupo Editorial EPRl,January 28, 2010 2005-2012 Enciclopedia de Puerto Rico; Encyclopedia of Puerto Rico®Derechos Reservados/All rights reserved by the Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades.

Updated by Teresa A. Santiago References The Hispanic Population: 2012, US Census Bureau, 2010

Photo identification and credits: 1. steamship Borinquen of the Porto Rico Line- Transported Puerto Ricans to and from the island to New York, a journey that took four to five days. Photo: www. flicker.comArchivo Historico y Fotografico De Puerto Rico All Rights Reserved. 2. the Pioneers and Early Communities. Steamship Tag for Concha Colón’s baggage. She arrived on the steamship Porto Rico on Oct. 29. 1925. The Jesús Colón Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY 3. arturo Schomberg Puerto Rican historian, writer and activist. He researched and brought awareness to the great contributions Afro-Latin and Afro-Americans made to American society. Photo: findagrave.com courtesy of the NY Public Library, 2002 4. Brothers Joaquín and Jesús Colón, became prominent members of a growing Puerto Rican population in New York Ctiy c. 1918 The Jesús Colón Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY 5. El Diario de Nueva York, 1958. The newspaper declares that 125,000 Puerto Ricans participated and 5,000 marched in the city’s first Puerto Rican Day Parade El Diario La Prensa Library and Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY 6. Piri Thomas, writer and poet best known for his memoir “Down These Mean Streets” Photo http: heavysoundsandtheabstracttruth.com 7. nicholasa Mohr, Nuyorican author who writes about growing up in the Puerto Rican communities of the Bronx and El Barrio. Photo: www. Classical 917.org/ articles 8. aspira- Aspira Leadeship Program/Soy Aspirante Patch The Antonia Pantoja Papers Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY 9. CUNY Student Strikes- City University students at Federal Hall, protesting tuition hikes in 1989. Photo: nytimes.com/2010/12/20/nyregion 10. the Young Lords, 1970s. Members of the Young Lords from left to right, are Tony Seven, Richie Pérez and Richard Harris. 11. sonia Sotomayor first Puerto Rican to be appointed as a Supreme Court judge. Photo: Courtesy of Lillian Lee Llambelis 12. Bernardo Vega with His Wife, Teresa, c. 1940s. Vega was an important figure in labor and leftist politics.H is memoirs are one of the few surviving testimonies of Puerto Rican life in New York during the early 20th century. The Jesús Colón Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY 13. don Albizu Campos, nationalist leader and president of the Nationalist Party of Puerto Rico, 1930-1965 14. Puerto Ricans in Hawaii- Puerto Rican migration to Hawaii began in 1900 after hurricane San Ciriaco devastated the island’s sugar industry in 1899. Photo: www.hawaiiforvisitors.com 15. Constitution of El Club Puertorriqueños de San Francisco, California, founded in 1912. The Puerto Rican community in California started with those migrants in route to Hawaii in 1900 who decided not to continue on the voyage. The Jesús Colón Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY 16. the Jira, Liga Puertorriqueña. An outing of La Liga Puertorriqueña, founded in 1926; one of the earliest Puerto Rican organizations. Among the group members were Bernardo Vega, the Colón brothers and Concha Colón. 1934 The Jesús Colón Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY 17. a Historic Event, 1989. Signing the law that created the Department of Puerto Rican Community Affairs in the United States, replacing the Migration Division, are Gov. Rafael Hernandez Colón and Nydia Velázquez, its first director.O GPRUS. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY 18. an American Airlines Plane at the New York Municipal Airport, 1946. An American Airlines plane is shown just before passengers aboard of a flight to San Juan. Young photograph; Gen. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY 19. on Strike Against the New York Daily News, 1990s. Journalist Juan González represents the Newspaper Guild. With him labor leader Dennis Rivera of the Hospital Workers’ Union 1199. The Dennis Rivera Collection. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY 20. students Take Over Hostos Community College, 1975. In one of the most militant demonstrations, students occupy the college and demand continuation of CUNY’s only bilingual institution. (Díario) El Diario La Prensa Library and Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY 21. Crowds Gather at NYC’s Puerto Rican Day Parade – Image taken from www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/PuertoRican-pride-parade

34

22. comité noviembre th th 26 Anniversary 26mes de la herenciaAnniversary puertorriqueña COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM

Seventeen Years of Success

For the past twenty-six years, CN, has created and developed programs all geared to the support and enhancement of educational opportunities and leadership development for Puerto Rican youth with a cultural twist. These programs are firmly rooted in the belief, that in order to succeed in life, you must pursue a higher education, give back to your community through volunteer efforts and know your cultural ancestral history. Focusing on educational excellence and leadership development is the key to the future of the Puerto Rican community.

In celebration of its tenth anniversary, the CN Scholarship Awards Program (CNSAP) was established. To date, CNSAP has awarded 201 scholarships boasting a 90% college graduation rate since the inception in 1996. The scholarships are for $1,000. The selection process is competitive and documented community service is, key to be selected.

To be eligible for the CN scholarship award, applicants must be of Puerto Rican descent; have a minimum of one full year of community service experience; be enrolled in an accredited college or university by the Fall of the applying year and have a B average or better. The application process includes an application form, an essay, two letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, a short biographical sketch, and a personal interview for finalists.

In 2006, to commemorate its 20th anniversary, CN enhanced the Scholarship Program to continue to award the top two scholars $1,000 scholarships each year until graduation. These scholars must maintain a 3.5 grade point average and documented community work within the Puerto Rican community to continue to receive the $1,000 scholarship for the full four years.

Comité Noviembre selects leaders from various sectors of the community who have demonstrated genuine interest in the educational excellence of our youth to serve on the selection committee. Currently, the committee members are: Co-Chairs: Deacon Jaime Bello, Holy Cross Church and Jane Arce-Bello, education and youth advocate; Elba Cabrera, community leader, Lourdes R. Torres, Director, Grants Administration & Grants Officer, GrantsO ffice,D i- vision of Academic Affairs, Hostos Community College, CUNY, Maria Aviles, retired, NYC Board of Ed. principal and Teresa A. Santiago, Chairperson, Comité Noviembre.

The 2013 CNSAP process is underway. To receive an application please email the contact name and mailing address to Jaime Bello at [email protected], or visit our website at www.comitenoviembre.org to download a copy of the application in January 2013.

35 2012 Comite Noviembre Scholars

Adimalis Gonzalez is a Freshman at She volunteers for the Yorkville Pantry, that children get involved in peer pres- Manhattanville College in Purchase New AIDS Walk, Breast Cancer Walk Autism sure early on and positive peer pressure York, major- Walk, STEP – Science & Technology should out weigh the negative influences ing in nurs- Entry Program of Fordham University early on. She wants to make a difference ing. Her goal designed to help prepare JHS and HS in someone else’s life. of becoming students’ for careers as licensed profes- a maternity sionals in scientific, technical and health nurse is mo- related careers and the SPEEK Program. Jacob Martin Santos is a Freshman at tivated by her With her work at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Fredonia State University of New York, stepmother’s the SPEEK program Ms. Manzano seeks majoring in spe- time in the to make a difference with the teenage cial education. He NAVY where pregnancy problem by teaching young believes that to be she witnessed women and men about birth control. Not Puerto Rican is to great work with pre-mature babies. Ms. to tell them what to do but to give them be proud, to know Gonzalez is a member of the Aspiria choices. Ms. Manzano is half Nicara- your ancestry and Leadership Club where she worked on guan and half Puerto Rican and is fully where you came a lobbying campaign to gain aware- immersed in and proud of both cultures. from. He states ness on socio economic issues affecting She states that the equal bond between that education is Bronx residents. She is the recipient both cultures could never be broken in the portal to great of the Bronx Times, New York Daily her heart. opportunities. Mr. News, and New York State Puerto Rican Santos has exten- Leadership Institute scholarships. She sive community has volunteered her time for Aids Walk, Kimberly Villegas, is a Freshman at Stet- service. He is a March of Dimes, Breast Cancer Walk, son University in Deland, Florida. She member of the West Side Task Force City Youth Conference, and the Annual started her volun- which focuses on areas of health, edu- Millennium Art Academy Community teering and com- cation, and work force in Western New Service Day. Ms. Gonzalez was an am- munity service York. At age 8, Mr. Santos helped his bassador at parent teacher conferences at at the ripe age of father then the first co-chair of PuertoR i- her high school Metropolitan Soundview 8 as an ambassa- can Day Parade in Western, NY, organize and contributing member of yearbook. dor of her Middle the parade and make it a success. Jacob She participated in the youth empower- School to assist is involved with the Church of the Holy ment conference, “Yes we can-si se pu- parents and stu- Cross Roman Catholic Church in Lan- ede” and was a youth ministry worker in dents in choosing caster, NY. He is a member of the parish Puerto Rico for the summer. Ms. Gon- a Middle School youth group and helps to be a welcoming zalez believes that the greatest issue af- and the transition process. She has been presence to other races. He also volun- fecting Puerto Rican youth is gangs and a tutor for kindergarten children, a team teers at St. Lukes Mission of Mercy, Cur- violence. “There might be more teen- leader for New York Cares and READ Al- sillo Prison Ministry, and the Holy Cross agers in graveyards than at graduation liance, a volunteer at several soup kitch- Youth Organization as well as Toys for ceremonies. She is a firm believer in, ens, vice president of the National Honor Tots. He is social justice minded. He “See something say something.” As an Society raising donations for families describes himself as trying to be open emerging leader she hopes to be able to during Thanksgiving food drive and she to others whether it be by cultural back- motivate others to seek better possibili- is the co-founder of YAY (Youth Assist- ground or sexual orientation. He is a co- ties. ing Youth mentoring program). She has chair of the straight/gay/lesbian club as created get well letters for chronically ill a means to be all-inclusive. Mr. Santos children, distributing packages for needy believes that the greatest issue affect- Bridget Manzano, graduated from El- families, visited homeless shelters, read ing the PR community today is the high eanor Roosevelt High School and is at- Santa letters and sent wish, painted mu- drop out rate. The goal of young people tending SUNY rals in nearby community High School should be to obtain a higher paying and P l a t s b u r g h . and beautified gardens in senior - citi more stable employment positions. As a Her community zens homes. Ms. Villegas believes that leader he would attempt to be creative to service started the greatest issue locally and globally is inform the PR community about taking as a school re- access to good quality education. She advantages of educational opportunities quirement and strongly advocates for providing early available. Jacob’s career goal is to be- continued out awareness in the importance of an educa- come a special education teacher with a of an interest tion to students, giving them resources to focus on the students’ abilities rather than to help others. help reduce the drop out rate. She notes disabilities.

36 HISTORY ASPIRA was founded in New York City in 1961 by Dra. Antonia Pantoja to com- bat the exorbitant dropout rate among Puerto Rican high school youth and became incorporated in New York State on May 24th, 1965. In 1968, ASPIRA of America (today known as the ASPIRA Association now based in Washington, D.C.) was created. Since then, the ASPIRA movement has grown and established additional SASPIRA associate offices in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsyl- vania 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, incor- porate both in-school and after school programs with over 85% of all services being delivered on school grounds. These programs and services include: • over 25 ASPIRA leadership clubs in High Schools • drop-out prevention and attendance improvement services in high schools and middle school • sat preparation courses • College counseling and other advisement services • 21st Century Community Learning Centers • after School neighborhood based services in the Mott Haven and Kingsbridge sections of the Bronx • asPIRA volunteer Initiative Program which links corporate and individual volunteers as mentors androle mod- els for ASPIRA Youth • In recent years ASPIRA of New York, Inc. has become active in the arena of small school reform resulting in the creation of: • the Marble Hill School for International Studies, a small college-preparatory high school focusing on global awareness and language acquisition. • the Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists, a small 6th — 12th grade combined middle & senior high school located in the heart of the South Bronx ASPIRA of New York is committed to: • Effectively engaging Latino youth and their families. • Collaborating with organizations that affect the lives of young people in a positive way. • seeking to positively change attitudes among young people and between youth and adults. • Preparing young people to be leaders and decision makers in all aspects of their lives. • Working to influence policies and practices that reflect the aspirations and contributions of young people as full valued members of the communities they live in and of society at large.

ASPIRA OF NEW YORK, INC. 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 302, New York, NY 10036 (646) 763-8388, (212) 564-6880, http://aspirany.org Marc Anthony Gonzalez, Ed. D., Acting Executive Director [email protected] Jose Rodriguez Student Leadership Program [email protected] ASPIRA: “to aspire”

37 Highlights of the 17th Annual CN DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

This year Comité Noviembre, CN, is celebrating its 26th Anniversary. For the past eighteen years, CN has set aside the Sunday before Thanksgiving as a day of community service and social responsibility. During this day people participate in several volunteer efforts that aid the Puerto Rican community and its organizations. The purpose of the day is to show the spirit of commitment and the power of action. Over the past years, this event has been a great success and organizations throughout the city have benefited from this collaboration, including homeless and battered women’s shelters and senior centers as well as individual families. This year’s event will take place simultaneously on Sunday, November 18, 2012, at several locations throughout the City in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, from 11AM to 4PM.

CN along with youth leadership development and education organizations of ASPIRA of New York, El Puente, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Latino Bigs will conduct a food drive of non-perishable foods, to create Thanksgiving dinner baskets for the poor of New York. This year’s goal is to create 300 food baskets.

Highlights of 17th Annual Event Last year the ASPIRA Clubs in 18 high schools around the entire City of New York conducted food drives at each of the clubs. The drive collected over 4,500 cans of foods. The items of non-perishable foods collected created a typical Puerto Rican Thanksgiving meal were: rice, gandules, canned hams, brown sugar/maple syrup, cloves, canned sliced pineapples, canned yams, canned vegetables (corn, green beans mixed), 5lb bag of potatoes. The food boxes were prepared and distributed by ASPIRANTES, El Puente Urban Young Warriors and the Holy Cross youth group as well as volunteers the Sunday before Thanksgiving to needy families as well as to the families that showed up to the UPACA Senior Center the day of the drive. The drive exceeded our expectations. Over 4,500 cans of food were collected by the ASPIRA Clubs allowing for the distributed of over 300 boxes of non-perishable foods and turkeys to families from the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan

The locations this year are: In Manhattan In The Bronx Hunter Silberman School of Social Work James Monroe/IPRHE Senior Center 2180 Third Avenue @ 119th Street, NYC – Lobby 1776 Story Ave, Bronx, NY UPACA- IPRHE Senior Center In Queens 1940 Lexington Avenue, NYC Elmhurst Jackson Heights In Brooklyn IPRHE Senior Center, 75-01 Broadway El Puente, Elmhurst, New York 11373 211 South Fourth St., Brooklyn, NY 11211 In these tough economic times it is very difficult to provide for our own families however community service and social responsibility are the strongholds of the Puerto Rican community. Throughout the years our experience has shown us that when we dedicate ourselves to improving the quality of life of those around us, we build a more unified and stronger society.

Comité Noviembre and Big Brothers Big Sisters urges each and every one of you to get involved. Collect money to buy turkeys, volunteer on the day of event or conduct your own food drives in your schools, colleges/universities, work place, churches, hospitals and supermarkets and help us feed the needy and hungry in our community. It just takes one person to ask the question – the only thing they can do is say No the best thing that can happen is that we make a solid difference. Live the Spirit of Commitment and the Power of Action Come Join Us!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED BEFORE AND AFTER THIS DATE FOR FOOD COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION!

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO VOLUNTEER PLEASE CONTACT Alicia Rodriguez, Centro Library, [email protected]. (347) 675 5490 • Iris W. Ramirez, Latino Bigs, Big Brother Big Sisters, [email protected] • Martha Laureano, [email protected], (917) 803 2367 • Jose Rodriguez, ASPIRA of NY, jrodriguez@ nyaspira.org, (212) 564-6880 • Suleika Cabrera Drinane, IPRHE, suleika@iprhe,org, (212) 677-4182, • Teresa A. Santiago, CN, [email protected], (914) 263-6599, Buscando Nuestras Raices

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2012 – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2012 Embassy Suites Hotel and Casino Isla Verde, Puerto Rico This trip is an adventure into a cultural and educational experience for Puerto Ricans and others who want to explore the richness of Puerto Rico’s culture, ancestral roots and history. Making this trip a reality was a natural progression of CN’s mission and goals. For the past six years we have planned this trip taking into account that many of us visit the island frequently but rarely visit the cultural and historical sites and landmarks unique to Puerto Rico and renowned throughout the world.

As promised the itinerary this year took participants into the mountainous area of Corozal, Juana Diaz and Camuy where we will explore the underground caves where our Taíno ancestors lived and used, saw the majestic met- ropolitan area and landmarks of San Germán the second oldest city in the Americas and Old San Juan, tour the Capitolio, Casa Museo Felisa Ricón de Gautier and el Museo de los Santo Reyes. Yes, this trip was once again unique, exciting and extremely memorable. Please join us on this incredible journey in the Summer of 2013.

Trip Highlights • Presentation on the Media in Puerto Rico: a historic overview at La Fundación Nacional Para la Cultural Popular, Old San Juan • Bienvenida/Welcome Reception, honoring Juan Ortiz Jimenez, broadcaster, journalist, actor and historian with Musical Presentation by Los Hermanos Sanz. • tour of Juana Diaz and workshop on the celebration of the National Feast of the Three Kings in Puerto Rico – Fiesta Nacional de los Santos Reyes de Puerto Rico • tour of Museo del los Santo Reyes • lunch – Sponsored by the Honorable Ramón Hernández, Mayor of the Municipality of Juana Diaz • tour of Casa Museo Felisa Rincon de Gautier & Reception; Musical Presentation: La Coral de la Universi- dad de Puerto Rico. • tour of the Capital/El Capitolio • tour of Old San Juan Historical Monuments, Museums • tertulia Poética: Poets Lounge, presented by Mayra Santos Febres, founder, Salón Literario Libroamericano de Puerto Rico at the Puerto Rico Tourism Company – La Princesa • tour & Dinner at the Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar. • Proclamation presentation to Comité Noviembre by the Honorable Carlos López Rivera, Mayor of Dorado. • tour of historical building and monuments in Corozal • lunch at Hacienda Brisa Fresca • Geneoalogy Workshop - Dr. Norma Feliberti, President, Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Genealogía • Comité Noviembre & Música de Cámara present Quinteto Venusz in concert Música de Puerto Rico, at La Capilla Santa Ana, Old San Juan. • tour of “Las Cuevas de Camuy – Camuy Caves” • tour of Artist Samuel Lind Studio, Loiza • tour of historical landmarks in San German • Breakfast & Workshop: Operación Serenidad/Operación Manos a la Obra presented by La Fundación Luis Muños Marin and Fundación de las Humanidades de Puerto Rico • Farewell reception & dinner honoring Mayra Santos Febres, founder, Salón Literario Libroamericano de Puerto Rico, Hilda Brizzie, President, Congreso de Lideres de Puerto Rico, Alexander Rodriguez, Gold Medalist, Gymnastics, Pan American Games 2007, Silver and Bronze 2011 and Los Hispanos, 60th Anni- versary. • Musical presentation by Los Violines de MarquitoJoin and T allerus Tnextípico Criollo/Municipio year! de Caguas. 39 Buscando Nuestras Raices

continued

Photos by Thomas Hitchcock

40 This year marks the 45th anniversary of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, Established in 1968 when a diverse group of community leaders, students, educators, activists, and elected officials came together to demand an institution of higher education in one ofN ew York City’s most underserved communities. Like the great educator, writer, and activist for whom this college is named, these visionary individuals believed in the transformative power of higher education. In the course of four and a half decades, their vision has become a reality. Hostos continues to change the educational, cultural, social, and economic life of the South Bronx, not only for its students but also for residents of the community. Hostos has become the home of the American Dream in the Bronx! Festivities in celebration of this milestone anniversary are already underway, and will include many events sponsored by the Hostos Community College Foundation. Coming soon is our 45th Anniversary Fall Concert, featuring Danny Rivera and Cheo Feliciano, which will be held on November 16th. The concert will honor Wally Edgecombe for his extraordinary service and innumerable cultural contributions to Hostos and the Bronx. Please visit the Hostos website http://www.hostos.cuny.edu/45anniversary/).

Highlights 2011 - 2012 New Space for Continuing Education and CUNY in the Heights: In July, our Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) moved into the Bronx Terminal Market building at the corner of East 149th Street and River Avenue, and we are confident that this new location will enable us to expand our workforce development projects and trainings.T he following programs are housed in the new center: Adult Learning Center; Adult Literacy; Continuing Education; Center for Bronx Non-Profits (CBNP); College for Kids; CUNY CareerPATH; and the Young Men’s Initiative/IMPACT Peer Mentoring Project. CUNY in the Heights, which offers continuing education and credit courses to the community, has moved into a state-of-the-art facility at the Inwood Center at 5030 Broadway in Manhattan’s Inwood/Washington Heights neighborhood. The new space features classrooms equipped with wireless connections and SMART Boards, computer labs, conference rooms and offices for 150 faculty and staff and will allow the program to operate year-round.

Middle States and Master Plan: Two major accomplishments of the 2011/2012 academic year, was the completion of our Middle States Accreditation Process and the Hostos Master Plan. The level of transparency, participation, and substantive discussion throughout these processes ensures that Hostos will be stronger as a result of the changes initiated on the basis of the insight gained from these efforts, http://www.hostos.cuny.edu/MiddleStates/issr/ and http://www.hostos.cuny.edu/MasterPlan.

Strategic Plan:Embarking on the 2012-2013 academic year, Hostos will continue to advance toward the goals we identified as a community in our Strategic Plan by prioritizing the following areas: First-Year Success; Rethinking Developmental Education; Building Articulated Pathways; Building Faculty and Staff Management Skill Sets and Leadership; Aligning Planning and Assessment Systems; and Expanding our Workforce Partnerships.

Rethinking and Redesigning Our Developmental Education Offerings: Ongoing faculty efforts are rethinking and redesigning Hostos’ developmental education offerings, consistent with the goals of our Strategic Plan.

Study Abroad in Cuba: During the summer, 15 students participated in a new study-abroad course in Cuba, which was conducted in collaboration with El Centro de Estudios Martianos. This Division of Academic Affairs initiative is consistent with our efforts to expand and diversify study abroad opportunities for our students.

Moving Ahead with Pathways: During the past academic year, the campus community engaged in vigorous discussion of the alternatives proposed under the CUNY-wide Pathways to Degree Completion initiative and worked during the spring and summer semesters to redesign and develop courses in alignment with the Required and Flexible cores.

CUNY first: has streamlined and standardized everyday procedures throughout the University, from registering for classes to paying our bills. CUNYfirst will helpH ostos meet its goal of providing the best customer service to our students, faculty, staff, and community. CUNYfirst training is being conducted by Human Resources, and online training will also be available. For more information, go to http://www.hostos.cuny.edu/first/.

Summer Bridge Program for First Year Students: On July 31st and August 1st, Hostos hosted a two-day Summer Bridge Pilot Program for First Year Students. The purpose of the Summer Bridge Program was to provide 72 first-year students with focused modules on the topics of Classroom Expectations, Time Management and Calendars, Educational Planning, and Developmental Learning Supports.

Student Success Coaches Initiative: Hostos has initiated the Student Success Coaches Unit (SSCU), established to meet the various support-services needs of students in order to increase their academic success and degree completion. The goal is for every Hostos student to have a coach assigned to him/her to provide assistance in navigating the college. The coach will remain assigned to his/her student as long as the student is enrolled at Hostos.

HOSTOS IS PROUD TO BE A MEMBER AGENCY OF COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE. Dr. Felix V. Matos Rodriguez, President Lourdes R. Torres, Comité Noviembre Representative Eugenio María de Hostos Community College - 500 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451 www.hostos.cuny.edu 41 Comite Noviembre Poster Exhibit Last year 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 is currently at Riverbank State Park – Cultural Complex/NYS Office of Parks,R ecreation and Historic Preservation in Manhattan and will run until the end of November. In th June 2013 it is scheduled to be at Taller Boricua at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center in Manhattan. th Through the years CN, has identified a theme highlighting an issue of relevance to the PuertoR ican 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 26 Anniversarythe artist as the creative energy and catalyst behind CN, have enabled us to complete our goal of motivating and 26 Anniversary mobilizing individuals and community action in addressing these issues and tell our story. A program booklet was developed with the most current bios of the artists available as well as the 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. This program booklet is available on our website: www.comitenoviembre.org.

CN is proud of the collaboration it has forged with an amazing group of talented artists throughout 26 years. These men and women are truly exceptional not only in their creative talents and in teaching, preserving, promoting and keeping our Puerto Rican culture and history alive but also in the charitable, volunteer and pro bono work that each does to assist the poor, children with cancer and AIDS, breast cancer efforts, and the homeless. Comité Noviembre Artists 1987 -2012 are Nestor Otero, 1987, 1988, 1990 ▪ Luis Cordero, 1989 ▪ Ernesto Ramos Nieves, 1991, 1992, (deceased) ▪ Angel Rodriguez-Diaz, 1993 ▪ Maria Dominguez, 1994, 1997 ▪ Juan Sanchez, 1995 ▪ Daniel Del Valle, 1996, 1998 ▪ David Santiago, 1999 ▪ Joaquin Emir Dávila Matos 2000, 2002 ▪ Adrienne Assaff Montalvo, 2001 ▪ Ray Rosario, 2003, 2004, 2006 ▪ Carlos Aponte, 2005 ▪ Maestro Antonio Martorell, 2007 ▪ Aquliar Marrero, 2008 ▪ Arnaldo Alicea Concepción, 2009 ▪ Pedro Brull, 2010, Wilda Gonzalez, 2011 and once again Juan Sanchez, 2012.

THEMATIC IMPACT ON COMMUNITY 1987 – 2012 1987 “Building on Our Heritage to Create the Future…Our Children Our Youth - Desarrollando Nuestra Herencia Creando Nuestro Futuro…Nuestros Niños y Juventud” 1988 “Empowerment…From the Shadows to the Light–De las Sombras al Poder – Empoderamiento…De las Sombras al Poder” 1989 “Si No Nos Cuentan…No Contamos…Count On Us! – Si No Nos Cuentan…No Contamos…Cuenten Con Nosotros” 1990 “From the Homeland to the Mainland…Los Lasos que nos Unen” 1991 “La Mujer Puertorriqueña La Verdadera Borinqueña…Asumiendo Nuestra Historia Tomando Liderazgo en los 90” 1992 “Encounters of the Past Our Determination to Shape the Future/Encuentros del PasadoNuestra Determinación Para Forjar el Futuro” 1993 “Reconquista ’93: Affirming Our Identity…Preserving Our Community reconquista ’93: Afirmando Nuestra Identidad…Preservando nuestra comunidad” 1994 “Nuestro Poder Puertorriqueño: Usalo! Define Nuestro Destino! 1995 “The Puerto Rican Renaissance: The Spirit of Commitment…The Power of Action. Live It!” 1996 “United, Moving Forward…The Future is Ours...Unidos, Adalante…El Futuro Esta en Nuestras Manos” 1997 “In the Mix: Voices that Affirm Our Vibrant Heritage –Voces Que Afirman Nuestra Herencia Dinámica” 1998 “Puerto Ricans Confronting the Challenges of a Changing World Puertorriqueños Enfrentando los Retos de un Mundo cambiante” 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” 2000 “Understanding Our Past…Defining Our Future - Entendiendo Nuestro Pasado… Creamos Nuestro Futuro” 2001 “Puerto Ricans United for World Peace...Puertorriqueños Unidos Para la Paz Mundial” 2002 “Salud Boricua” 2003 “Nuestra Herencia Cultural el Camino al futuro…Our cultural heritage, the path to the future” 2004 “Preserving our Legacy…Cultural Affirmation, Community Empowerment & Social Justice” 2005 “Boricua! Atesora lo tuyo…Boricua! Treasure what is yours. Preservando Nuestro Legado…Afirmación Cultural, Poder Comunitario y Justicia Social” 2006 “Celebrando con Orgullo Nuestra Cultura...Hoy, Mañana y Siempre” 2007 “Encuentro Con Nuestra Patria,” 2008 “Vive tu cultura...!Vive Boricua¡ “Live Your Culture...! Vive Boricua!” 2009 “Puertorriqueño…De nuestras raíces nace un pueblo” 2010 “Puertorriqueño de alma, vida y corazón” 2011 “Comité Noviembre 25 years:.United by our Puerto Rican pride/Comité Noviembre 25 año/Unidos por nuestro orgullo Boricua” 2012 “Pioneros Puertorriqueños: un legado de amor, poder, y valor/Puerto Rican Pioneers: a legacy of love, empowerment & courage”

Please contact Teresa A. Santiago, (914) 263-6599/[email protected] if you would like to host the Poster Exhibit 42 comité noviembre th th 26 Anniversary 26mes de la herenciaAnniversary puertorriqueña Sixth Annual Artisans Fair & Exhibit

For the past six years, CN has invited artisans from throughout the US and Puerto Rico to participate in this Fair. The number of participating artisans averages 55. This is the largest Puerto Rican artisan fair outside of Puerto Rico and the largest in the US. Over the years, CN has transformed, Hunter College West Building, the Church of St. Paul the Apostle and Hostos Community College into a typical Puerto Rican plaza with a fountain, palm trees, artists, sculptors, vejigante mask makers promoting and selling their wares while musical and cultural acts entertained. Additionally each year, CN conducts workshops for children and adults, like mask making, the history of the three kings’ celebration, Taíno storytelling in order to make sure that our youth learn about our culture.

This year we are continuing with this tradition and expanding the offerings to include more exhibitors/collectors of Puerto Rican memorabilia.

In addition, we are introducing Comite Noviembre’s First Annual Puerto Rican Author’s Book Expo. An event with the participation of some of the finest Puerto Rican writer’s in NY signing and selling their books . This portion of the event is coordinated by Sery Colón.

The Comite Noviembre Puerto Rican Artisan Fair is produced by the CN Artisan Fair Committee composed of: Teresa Santiago, co-chair; Luis Cordero Santoni, co-chair; Olga Ayala, Alicia Rodriguez, Wally Edgecombe and Sery Colón members. Photos by Robert Figueroa

43 Sixth Annual Artisans Fair & Exhibit

Photos by Robert Figueroa

44 WHAT IS PRIDA?

PRIDA, Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts, is an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Puerto Rican arts and culture. • PRIDA is a project of Comite Noviembre and fulfills CN’s charge to promote, acknowledge, create aware- ness and take ownership of our rich culture, language and history. • PRIDA will advocate that funding for the arts includes and is distributed to the artists and organizations in our community. • PRIDA will develop a database of funders that offer our members opportunities to apply for funding that will support the realization of their projects. • PRIDA will establish a working relationship with government and corporate sponsors and pair them up with our member organizations. Likewise, we will pair the individual member artists with the member organiza- tions and sponsors. • PRIDA supports Puerto Rican artists by establishing a membership program that will advocate, empower and service the member organizations and artists. Some of the goals of the membership program are: − to open up markets for the sale of art by Puerto Rican artists − develop a database of galleries and art spaces − Inform members about upcoming events and venues that welcome their participation as vendors through our newsletter, website and social networking resources − Inform the community in general about events that preserve, promote and protect our arts and culture − sponsor events to showcase and promote Puerto Rican arts and culture − Provide opportunities for our members to conduct workshops and other special events − Provide our members with workshops that provide unique hands-on training and critical educational skills necessary for their professional advancement.

If you are a Puerto Rican artist or organization and want to join the movement to promote, preserve and protect Puerto Rican arts and culture then become a member of PRIDA today! You can also support PRIDA if you are not an artist by becoming a supporting member. Membership application availale at www.comitenoviembre.org 45 Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund

Founded in 1972 as the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has played a critical role in improving the lives and well-being of the now 8 million Puerto Ricans and more than 30 million other Latinos in the United States. LatinoJustice PRLDEF has worked to secure, promote and protect the civil rights of the Puerto Rican and wider Latino community, making it a leading civil rights organization and one of the premiere Latino organizations in the country.

EDUCATION RIGHTS: The Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund’s first lawsuit,AS PIRA v. NYC Board of Edu- cation, resulted in the groundbreaking ASPIRA Consent Decree which forced the school system to implement bilingual educa- tion techniques to effectively instruct students who spoke mostly Spanish. Since then, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has combated the forced segregation of Latino children in many parts of the country. The group has successfully intervened in desegrega- tion cases in Wilmington, DE; Waterbury, CT; Buffalo, NY, and Boston, MA. LatinoJustice PRLDEF also brought a lawsuit challenging a decision to the double the tuition rates for undocumented students at CUNY. A political victory ensued, which allowed students graduating from NYS high schools to be eligible for State tuition rates.

EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS: In 1972, in two class action suits against the NYC Police Department, LatinoJustice PRLDEF was able to get the courts to force the department to institute fair hiring and promotional practices which increased the number of Latino officers and sergeants.A dditionally, the group filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board resulting in a $1.075 million settlement on behalf of Latino immigrant employees at a food processing plant. In 2002, LatinoJustice PRLDEF intervened in an EEOC suit against a Connecticut beauty supply company, for its imposition of an il- legal English-only policy against its Latino employees.

VOTING RIGHTS: In 1973, as a result of a LatinoJustice PRLDEF court victory, for the first time in NYC history bilingual ballots and interpreters, in English, Spanish and Chinese, were provided to parents to vote in the school board elections. The same legal arguments were applied in the landmark voting rights case, Torres v. Sachs, which required the use of bilingual bal- lots for all NYC elections. In 1975 the federal Voting Rights Act was amended which secured the voting rights of all linguistic minorities throughout the country. In 1981, LatinoJustice PRLDEF successfully challenged the redistricting plan passed by the City Council and signed into law by the Mayor, which had been drawn to preclude additional minority representation on the City Council.

HOUSING RIGHTS: More than 30 years ago, LatinoJustice PRLDEF sued the NYC Housing Authority proving discrimina- tion against Latin and African-American applicants for apartments in three housing projects in Williamsburg. After years of litigation, the parties agreed to a far-reaching settlement in 2002. In 1977, the group filed a class action suit against a Lower East Side co-operative which would not make apartments available to Latinos. Since then, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has fought for the rights of tenants in Brooklyn, against housing discrimination in city-owned apartments and for access rights to housing in Newark and Hartford.

FROM MIGRANTS’ TO IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS: In 1972, the group challenged the State of New Jersey and the Common- wealth of Puerto Rico for deliberately failing to protect the rights of migrant farm laborers throughout the state. Recently, in Hazleton, PA, LatinoJustice PRLDEF challenged a virulently anti-immigrant ordinance that fined employers or landlords who hired or rented to undocumented immigrants and limited all government business to English only. This ordinance had tremen- dous impact nationally; since it was introduced in June 2006, at least 80 localities have proposed or passed laws modeled on it. LatinoJustice PRLDEF was successful in blocking the ordinance’s implementation after a federal judge granted permanent injunctive relief which enjoined Hazleton from putting the challenged ordinance into place.

DIVERSIFYING AMERICA’S LEGAL SYSTEM: Since its inception, the organization’s Education Division has been com- mitted to increasing the diversity of the legal profession. LatinoJustice PRLDEF offers preparatory courses for students who wish to pursue a law degree, along with other education programs.

LatinoJustice PRLDEF, 99 Hudson Street 14th Floor, New York, NY 10013 Juan Cartagena, Esq. President & CEO, LatinoJustice: PRLDEF Lydiette Diaz, CN Representative LatinoJustice: PRLDEF

46 Potential Human and Environmental Catastrophe in Vieques

velopment of the island-municipality of Vieques through funds avail- able for cleanup from the Department of Defense (DoD). Each year, the federal government spends $500 billion on all types of procure- ment, yet Puerto Rico-owned companies only receive 0.11% of those purchases. For Vieques, the DoD is expected to spend $350 million to clean up the military pollution.

This opens the door for minority-certified PuertoR ico-owned compa- nies to participate in the federal contracting for the Navy’s cleanup. Alternatively, NGOs comprised of environmental groups, municipal officials and concerned residents could oversee the cleanup effort in a way that brings millions of dollars into Vieques’ economy. “We have worked at establishing cleanup efforts with NGOs in many countries, and they are an effective way to handle the situation. Through the use of NGOs in Mozambique, we were able to rid that country of post- Vieques (also called La Isla Nena) is among the 10 most contaminated civil war landmines,” Long said. places in the world due to its abandoned munitions, according to presi- dent of The International Dialogue on Underwater Munitions (IDUM). IDUM’s mission is to promote the creation of an internationally bind- ing treaty on all classes (biological, chemical, conventional and radio- logical) of underwater munitions. The treaty would encourage coun- Scientists from around the world studying effects of underwater muni- tries to collaborate on underwater munitions policy, research, science tions will point the finger at the US Government when they present to and responses, including friendly remediation in affected regions. the United Nations, UN, next year a report that will include what they IDUM seeks to establish a multilateral response capability, includ- describe as a human catastrophe in Vieques. ing building institutional support and the creation of an International Donor Trust Fund. The International Dialogue on Underwater Munitions (IDUM), a non- governmental organization (NGO) founded in 2003 held its fourth in- The journal, or guidance document, is in response to the U.N. Resolu- ternational dialogue on underwater munitions at the InterContinental tion on Sea-Dumped Chemical Weapons from IDUM’s international Hotel in Carolina, Puerto Rico, October 1-3, 2012, following a session network of experts. of working groups that were held September 27-29, 2012 as prepara- tion for the UN report. The fourth dialogue brought together 150 par- “IDUM is collaborating with international leaders and organizations ticipants and experts in their profession from 25 countries. to better understand the socioeconomic impact on both human health

and the environment from years of decaying munitions. The organiza- During the three day conference participants focused attention on tion is facilitating this effort through international diplomacy via na- Vieques, the Puerto Rico island municipality where the U.S. Navy tional and international programs, dialogues, conferences, workshops, used the island as a bombing range and testing ground with live muni- committees, Senate hearings and international commissions,” stated tions for 60 years. In the 1990’s, Vieques was scene of a community Long, IDUM chairman. struggle with international attention that eventually put an end to the military presence in 2003. The U.S. Navy has admitted using depleted “International efforts sponsored by the government of Lithuania uranium on the island at least once in 1999. resulted in the unanimous passage of the U.N. Resolution on Sea- Dumped Chemical Weapons in December 2010 by the U.N. Interna- Much of the island and its surrounding waters are still heavily polluted tionally, we must organize and continue our work to collect, process with military debris and ordinates and now its residents have to deal and provide information on underwater munitions to the U.N. secre- with military toxics on land and sea as well as higher incidence of tary general in 2013,” he added. chronic illnesses, particularly, cancer, compared to other jurisdictions. The result of the dialogue and the three previous meetings will form “It’s much worse than we thought. There is a real impact on hu- part of the IDUM’s “Science, Technology, Policy & Potential Re- man health. What’s happening in Vieques is a potential human and sponses for Underwater Munitions” report to be handed over in 2013 environmental catastrophe”, confirmed Terrance Long, president of to the Secretary General of the UN in support of the UN Resolution IDUM, who visited Vieques after the dialogue in early October to on Abandoned Munitions. learn first-hand what he saw in scientific studies. Mr.L ong discovered elevated rates of cancer and a population in need of education regard- Excerpts from articles written in the following media outlets: ing potential risks. El Nuevo Día offers details on the situation (article translated by Rob- ert Rabin):For original article (in Spanish), see http://www.elnuevo- “I’d say that Vieques is among the top ten most contaminated places dia.com/potencialcatastrofehumanayambientalenvieques-1358494. in the world in relation to military munitions,” he suggested. “For this html reason we will take the US before the United Nations,” he affirmed. Repeating Islands: News and commentary on Caribbean culture, lit- Long mentioned other places highly contaminated with munitions, erature, and the arts, Posted by: ivetteromero | October 7, 2012 like the Baltic Sea, Afghanistan, Nova Scotia, Hawaii, and others. Caribbean Business, ALEXANDER LÓPEZ, alopez@caribbeanbusi- nesspr.com; [email protected] This IDUM also revealed the massive opportunity for economic de- Edition: October 11, 2012 | Volume: 40 | No: 40 47 National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights

NCPRR is a mass membership, activist, grassroots organization dedicated to securing full equal- ity and an end to discrimination against Puerto Ricans. It is a volunteer organization which does not solicit government funds. Founded in the South Bronx thirty one years ago, the NCPRR is the largest organization of its kind in the United States.

The NCPRR is a power resource that was created by the Puerto Rican people’s grassroots strug- gle - it has history, legitimacy and weight. Hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours, the re- jecting 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.

What does NCPRR do? • adVOCATES for the human and civil rights of Puerto Ricans • EDUCATES its members and the community about the conditions affecting the Puerto Rican and Latino community and ways to improve them. • sUPPORTS affiliated organizations and local groups by bringing citywide and national support to their local efforts. • dEVELOPS new leadership, with an emphasis on youth and women. • INFORMS elected representatives and public officials about our community’s problems, needs and ways of addressing them. • orGANIZES local and national campaigns. The NCPRR is best known for its organizing against environmental racism, police abuse, racially-motivated violence, and other forms of discrimination; work in support of local community issues; and campaigns to hold elected and appointed officials accountable. • sERVES as a voice for Boricuas who cannot speak out because they work in agencies or community groups dependent on government funding. • oFFERS “apprentice-ships in struggle” for new activists. • PUBLISHES a “Status Report on Puerto Ricans in the U.S.” every two years, as well as national and local newsletters. • ENGAGES in activities that preserve and develop our language and culture. • BUILDS progressive coalitions with other people of color and groups fighting discrimination.

A group of former activists of the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights and newer activists from Pennsylvania, Massa- chusetts, New York, Florida, Connecticut and New Jersey among others, have reconstituted the NCPRR in the firm belief that there is still a need for this voice locally and nationally. Our main goal is to continue to develop a national political network that raises issues and supports causes of interest to the Puerto Rican community, specifically but also to all Latinos generally. These issues include 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. Since 2009, NCPRR has conducted an annual conference to consolidate the reconstituted NCPRR and to determine its future.

The intergenerational reflection, interaction and a sharing of experiences during these conventions have helped to determine how NCPRR will identify itself as the continuation of a proud organizational tradition while simultaneously serving as an ef- fective organizational tool and asset for the next generation of leadership in our communities across the country. Additionally it will provide a platform to follow as well as methods for the direct engagement of the next generation of community leaders and unified efforts for making positive social change into the future.

For more information about the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights or to become a member contact: The National Congress For Puerto Rican Rights - www.puertoricanrights.com Martha Laureano, [email protected]

48 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 be- loved activist and leader in the fight for social justice and human rights.H e 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 indepen- dence 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 movements. Richie believed greatly in the power and potential of young people to create social change. He personally mentored many youth and believed that the torch of the movement for justice had to be passed on to the next generation.

In his memory, Comité Noviembre has established the Richie Pérez Scholarship for Peace and Justice. The award will recognize Puerto Rican young people for their commitment, activism and achievements in any of the areas of human rights and social justice. This an- nual 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 on- going education and political development The scholarship winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The application form will be ready for distribution and posted on Comité Noviembre’s website, www.comitenoviembre.org, in early December.

ELIGIBILTY • applicants must Be of Puerto Rican descent • document a minimum of one-year active participation and organizing work in a so- cial justice or human rights issue. • Be enrolled in an accredited college or university by the fall of each year or at the time of the scholarship award. • Be between the ages of 17 and 25.

GUIDELINES • a completed application package must include an application form, essay, two letters of recommendation and a short biographical sketch. All items must be submitted in one package. • letters of recommendation must be from community members who personally know their work, leadership and com- mitment to social justice and human rights causes. • application package must be received or post marked by the deadline dated indicated. • application package received or post marked after the deadline date will be disqualified. • Finalist will be notified in a timely manner. • a mandatory personal interview will be conducted by the scholarship committee. Finalist will be notified of the in- terview at least one week in advance. Finalist will not be considered if he/she does not show-up for interview. Other arrangements will be made for finalist away at college. • recipients of the Richie Perez Scholarship Award will be disqualified should any of the following conditions occur: (1) recipient provides false information on application (2) recipients is not en rolled in an accredited college or university by the fall or at the time of the award (3) recipient is not of Puerto Rican descent • scholarship payment will be made by Comité Noviembre upon recipient of official documentation from college Reg- istrar or Bursar’s Office.

Please contact Martha Laureano, (917) 803-2367, [email protected], if you have any questions or to receive an application form. You can also visit our website at www.comitenoviembre.org in January 2013. 49 RICHIE PEREZ SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Brian Gonzalez Brian Gonzalez is a Freshman at Lehman College, CUNY and was born and raised in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. He became interested in helping his community after seeing the differences between his neighborhood Sunset Park and its surrounding neigh- borhoods Bay Ridge, Boro Park, and Park Slope. These communities were filled with green open space, many trees, healthy restaurants and grocery stores, and most importantly clean air.

In his senior year in high school he started attending, Uprose, a local non-profit organization that focuses on environmental and social justice. At first, he thought that the organization did typical environmental work such as planting trees and picking up the garbage within the community. He was wrong. The first day at Uprose, he learned about the causes of cancer and asthma and how it related to his neighborhood. Brian became involved in a city wide campaign that fought against the MTA’s decision to cut transportation services and student metro cards program. The campaign was a success and the MTA decided to keep the student metro card in its program.

At Uprose, Brian learned how to facilitate meetings among the youth and community members, speak in public, and become a better leader. He has led workshops on environmental and social justice, organized two city wide climate justice youth summits, represented Uprose in the U.S. social forum of 2010, and worked with a range of community stakeholders to identify and prioritize local environmental harms and risk.

Brian credits Uprose for giving him the opportunity to learn about and take pride in his Puerto Rican heritage. In 2010, Uprose launched its Puerto Rican Youth initiative to address the disparities that Puerto Rican youth are facing within the community. Brian learned about famous activist, poets, and how the Puerto Rican community has influenced New York and its culture. Brian is proud of his work at Uprose and realizes that community service is not something he has to do it is something he needs to do. He states: “If you want to see changes within your community, it is necessary to work towards it.” Yalitza Rodriguez

Yalitza Rodriguez is an upper Junior at John Jay College for Criminal Justice majoring in Culture and Deviant Studies with minors in Latino Studies and Fine Arts. Ms. Rodriguez is a first generation Puerto Rican who was born and raised in New York City. During her early childhood she lived in and out of impoverished neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens. As a child she was always outspoken with ambitious dreams of success, which motivated her to finish high school with advanced regions diploma from High School of Economics and Finance. Then as a freshman in college in the mist of confusion on deciding her career she stumbled across a performing arts program called the Possibility Project, formerly known as City at Peace. This non- profit organization mentored and trained Yalitza to address and fight against inequalities that she didn’t agree with in her community. At the conclusion of this program she and the cast of this group performed their written and scripted play based on the adversity they faced within the five boroughs.

This program motivated Yalitza to transfer to John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she is now the co-editor of the

50 RICHIE PEREZ SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS continued

Latino Studies Newsletter “La Voz”, a member of the Revolutionary Student Coalition Committee, RSCC, and an advocate and activist of the Librotraficante movement inA rizona.

As editor of “La Voz,” she became aware of the racist bill HB 2281 in Arizona which banned Latino literature within the school district. Books written by Latino authors such as Martin Espada, Sandra Cisneros and Luis Alberto Urrea who made an impact on her life were removed from libraries. As news about this clear injustice came in she and the editorial team at “La Voz” were compelled act and publically support the grassroots organization that was created during this controversy, “Librotraficante.” Within a month, an event was organized at John Jay College with the leader of the organization Tony Díaz and several Latino authors. Students were shocked to hear of what is going on in states right here in the US.

She states: “Some may think that as a Puerto Rican in New York City HB2281 in Arizona should not really matter because it seams like a Mexican problem. This could not e further from the truth. Martin Luther King, Jr., famously sated that, “Injus- tice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” I cannot ui- magine a place where I’m not allowed to read authors and po- ets with backgrounds like me, where the inspiring works of Piri Thomas, Lemon Anderson and Martin Espada are ripped from my hands because they my insight some movement in my soul. I had to be part of this movement.”

As a member of RSCC, Yalitza has learned that the Stop- frisk law directly affects Latinos and African American as well as recent local police brutality incidents. Through RSCC she is able to organize protests seeking justice for these issues.

Photo 1 Yalitza (center) with Tony Diaz, (center arm around Yalitzz), leader of “Librotraficante” with John Jay students and faculty. Photo 2 Yalitza, (right) with friends at a RSCC rally.

51 El Puente is a not-for-profit, Brooklyn-based organization that builds leadership for peace and justice by engaging youth and adult members in individual and collective actions that improve their lives, their communities, and the world. Founded in 1982 in the Southside of Williamsburg, today El Puente “bridges” the arts, education, health and wellness, greening and environmental justice programs to reach more than 5,000 New York City residents each year.

El Puente is a community human rights institution that nurtures leaders for peace and justice by engaging the community in our programs: El Puente Arts, Youth Leadership Centers, Community Wellness Programs, the El Puente Green Light District, and the El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice. Organizing in North Brooklyn and beyond, El Puente remains at the forefront of community and youth development, the arts for social change, and environmental advocacy; and as such, initiates and impacts social policy both locally and nationally.

El Puente Arts is Brooklyn’s most comprehensive Latino arts and cultural Center. Our mission is to use the arts as a tool for social change, engaging artists and activists in the creation and facilitation of arts projects and training focused on artistic mastery and community development. The Center provides pre professional training in dance, drama, voice, dj/scratch, filmmaking, studio/mural art, graphic design and Hip-Hop.

Additionally, El Puente organizes and supports CADRE (Community Artists’ Development & Resource Exchange), a network of local artists, artisans and cultural workers. Together, we advocate for equitable access to artistic and cultural expression; create forums for creative exchange and collaboration; incubate individual and collective projects; and present and exhibit works that honor and celebrate the cultural diversity and artistic richness of our North Brooklyn communities.

Youth Leadership Centers El Puente has four Leadership Centers which offer guidance, nurturing, counseling and training for people of all ages. Originally focused academically on children and young adolescents, the Leadership Division launched the Scholars program, aimed at late teens seeking to reach their full capacity as productive members of the community. The Centers offer after-school/-work daily and weekend programs; the A+ rated.

The El Puente Green Light District Initiative is working to transform the Southside of Williamsburg into a vibrant community by focusing on the connection between our quality of life and arts & culture, civic engagement, education, health and the environment. This work is being supported, in part, by an award from the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2011 Cultural Innovation Fund.

El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice, is the United States’ first public high school for human rights. T he school was established as a partnership between El Puente Leaders for Peace & Justice organization and the New York City Board of Education New in 1993. The El Puente organization was the first organization authorized by the NYC board of education to own its own public school building.

El Puente Headquarters 211 South 4th Street – Brooklyn, NY 11211 – Tel: (718) 387-0404 – Fax: (718) 387-6816 – www.elpuente.us 52 El Museo Del Barrio, New York’s leading Latino cultural institution, welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to discover the artistic landscape of Latino, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures through wide-ranging, critically acclaimed, collections and exhibitions, accessible public and educational programs, and cultural celebrations. A dynamic artistic and community gathering place El Museo is a center of cultural pride on New York’s Museum Mile.

Our newest exhibition Caribbean: Crossroads of the World has received extensive coverage and praise for being the first of its kind to examine the history, visual arts and aesthetic development of the Caribbean basin and it’s Diaspora. In collaboration with Queens Museum of Art and The Studio Museum in Harlem, El Museo del Barrio offers visitors an unprecedented opportunity to explore the diverse and impactful cul- tural history of the Caribbean basin and its Diaspora.. More than 550 works of art spanning four centuries illuminate changing aesthetics and ideologies and provoke meaningful conversations about topics ranging from commerce and cultural hybridity to politics and pop culture. Presented simultaneously at all three museums, Caribbean: Crossroads is complimented by an ambitious range of public programs for all audiences, including a symposium, panel discussions, musical events, performances, film screenings, readings and much more. The New York Times has called it “the big art event of the summer season.” The exhibition is on view until January 6, 2013.

Forty-three years ago, artist and educator Raphael Montañez Ortiz founded El Museo del Barrio in re- sponse to Puerto Rican parents, educators, artists and activists in East Harlem’s predominantly Spanish- speaking El Barrio, who were concerned that their culture was not being represented by major museums.

El Museo has been committed to celebrating and promoting Latino culture ever since. Its permanent col- lection of over 6,500 objects spanning more than 800 years of Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino art includes pre-Columbian Taino artifacts, traditional arts, twentieth-century drawings, paintings, sculptures and installations, as well as prints, photography, documentary films, and video.

From its founding, El Museo has been a place of cultural pride and self discovery for the Puerto Rican community who founded it, and for the many cultures and communities of the Caribbean and Latin Amer- ica in New York. Come see for yourself all that we have to offer!

Margarita J. Aguilar Executive Director Marialaura Leslie Director of Development Rocio Aranda-Alvarado Curator Gonzalo Casals Director of Education and Public Programs Eileen Reyes Arias Community and Government Affairs Manager Erica Torres Rentals Coordinator

1230 Fifth Avenue (at 104th Street) New York, NY 10029 www.elmuseo.org

53 EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO’S ANNUAL THREE KINGS DAY PARADE

The 2012 celebration was the most celebrated and successful parade to date. The parade entertained an audience of over 5,000 people, includ- ing neighborhood schools, local organizations, community members, and families from across the five boroughs. As expected we saw the return of our beloved camels, gigantic hand-made puppets, lively music, colorful floats, performances throughout the parade route, and our newly redesigned Three Kings Costumes, created by NYC native and Project Runway star, Emilio Sosa.

The program began with a special breakfast in El Museo’s El Café that welcomed the Honorary Kings, Madrinas, Padrinos, local community leaders, supporters, and friends from across the city. A number of other distinguished guests joined the event, including Mayor Michael Bloom- berg, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Comptroller John Liu, and Speaker Christine Quinn; City Council Members Melissa Mark- Viverito, Gale Brewer, Daniel Dromm, Robert Jackson, Jessica Lappin, Ydanis Rodriguez, and Jimmy Van Bramer; Assembly Members Robert Rodriguez, Carmen Arroyo, Guillermo Linares, Felix Ortiz, and José Ri- vera; Senators Bill Perkins, José Serrano, and Ruth Hassell-Thompson; Congressman José Serrano, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., New York City Commissioner Fatima Shama, and Jeanne Mullgrav.

This year’s Three Kings Day celebration was significant in many ways. Notably, it was our milestone 35th anniversary and marked the first time that El Museo chose two remarkable female writers, Esmeralda Santiago and Nicholasa Mohr, to serve as Honorary Kings. Also joining them was Johnny Colon, East Harlem native and musical icon creator of the “Bugaloo”; as well as King Emeritus Jesús “Papoleto” Meléndez, poet and one of the original founders of the “Nuyorican Poets Movement.” We were also able to donate 100 soccer balls to one of our local elementary schools, P.S. 72-Lexington Academy, thanks to generous support from Suleika Cabrera-Drinane and the Institute for Puerto Rican/ Hispanic Elderly.

Honorary Madrinas included Maria Cruz, Executive Director of ARCO Management Inc. and Taino Towers, who has been a strong community advocate, dedicating her life to the improvement of El Barrio; Sonia Gonzalez-Martinez, Filmmaker and Editor of LaSone Studios, whose recent works include Bragging Rights: Stickball Stories and Antonia Pantoja, Presente!; Diana Ortiz, Associate Director of Exodus, who spent almost 23 years in prison and has since dedicated her life to helping families touched by incarceration; Candy Vives-Vasquez, Executive Direc- tor of 116th Street Block Association, native to East Harlem, former District leader and active member of Community Board 11; and Elizabeth Yeampierre, Executive Director of Uprose of Sunset Park, and civil rights attorney. Honorary Padrinos included Richard Berlin, Executive Director of Harlem RBI/Dream Charter School, who is an advocate for sports development and a respected voice in El Barrio; Antonio “Tony” Hernandez, Principal of P.S. 72-Lexington Academy, a strong advocate of literacy and the performing arts; The Honorable Eduardo Padro, New York County Supreme Court Justice, and the first Puerto Rican to ever be elected for countywide Civil Court; Willie Perdomo, Poet and Author, has written books for children and won the Nuyorican Poets prize; and Roberto Quesada, an author who has written extensively on Latin American immigrant experiences.

The Three Kings Steering Committee, always a devoted group of individuals who help to make this celebration a success with their hard work and all embracing support each year included Diana Ayala, Leenda Bonilla, Suleika Cabrera-Drinane, Jason Cruz, María Damato, Robert G. Lebron, Christine Licata, Josephine Mangual, Alberto Minotta, Damaris Olivo, Debbie Quiñones, Melanie Reyes, Eric Rivera, Johnny Rivera, Alicia Rodriguez, Yuan Rosa, Ingrid Sotelo, Danielle Weisbrot, and Carmen Vasquez.

Peter Quiñones and Raphael Morales, who for the last 13 years have become a mainstay of this celebration, contributed their liveliness to the parade once again as the two beloved Three Kings Day Monks.

The Three Kings Day Celebration was made possible by generous support from: Consolidated Edison, Inc., Deutsche Bank, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Toy Industry Foundation, The New York Yankees, and Inca Kola Inc. Media Partner: Univision41. Press coverage was also impressive with extensive news coverage throughout the tri-state in local and daily newspapers, TV networks, radio, and online publications, including The New York Times, The New York Daily News, Manhattan Times, NY 1 News, NY 1 Noticias, CBS News Online, La Mega, Wall Street Journal, El Tiempo, NPR Radio, and NY Magazine, and Time Out New York,

Please save the date for the celebrations leading up to the parade, including Super Holidays! on Saturday, December 15, 2012 and ending with El Museo’s 36th Annual Three Kings Day Parade and Celebration on Friday, January 4, 2013.

54 La Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular, (The National Founda- tion for Popular Culture), is a non-profit organization incorporated inA ugust 1996. The mission of the La Fundación is to advance the development of Puerto Rican popular culture through study, research, promotion and spon- sorship of events specifically geared to cultural interest and performers.

La Fundación’s goals are to research, study, file, produce publications, cata- logue, disclose, compete, conserve, produce, promote, exhibit, exchange and disseminate information, knowledge and the history of Puerto Rico’s popu- lar, classical and folkloric culture.

La Fundación’s archives hold and preserve an extensive collection of records in all formats, including radio recordings, interviews, photos, negatives, vid- eos in various formats, advertising propaganda, magazines, works of art, paintings and other popular culture collectibles.

In line with its objectives, the organization encourages and promotes the knowledge of popular culture, serving as a resource for research and source of information to artists, musicians, students, teachers, communicators in all branches (including journalists, publicists and public relations), writers, scriptwriters, producers of shows, historians, sponsors as well as governmen- tal and educational organizations.

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

55 Música de Cámara, celebrates its 33rd anniversary this year. Founded by soprano Eva de La O, the organi- zation provides a forum for Puerto Rican, Hispanic and African American classical musicians. The several hundred concerts have also presented non-Hispanic artists in concerts before New York City audiences.

Música de Cámara concerts have taken place at major venues such as Alice Tully Hall; Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Merkin Concert Hall; Kaufman Cultural Center, St Patrick's Cathedral, The Lehman Cen- ter for the Performing Arts, the Hostos Center for the Arts, Pregones Theater, Symphony Space and the Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Performances have received lauda- tory reviews from music critics in the New York Times, El Diario La Prensa, New York Newsday, the New York Concert Review, the Amsterdam News, El Nuevo Dia and other periodicals.

Música de Cámara has also established a professional Orchestra and various String Ensembles and yearly provides contemporary classical composers with commissions and premiere performances of their works. The organization maintains a library of live performances for documentary purposes and has also pro- duced several commercial recordings featuring the legendary Metropolitan Opera baritone Justino Diaz, viola-violin virtuoso and conductor Christian Colberg and Grammy nominated guitarist-composer Alberto Rodriguez Ortiz.

Some of the artists who have participated in the Música de Cámara events are presently members of the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Company and Orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony, the Orpheus Orchestra, the Cincinnati Orchestra and the Puerto Rico Symphony. Many are winners of world-wide competitions such as the Gina Bacahauer International Piano and the Naumberg Foundation Competitions.

Since its inception, Música de Cámara has presented a Lecture Demonstration Program for public school children in under-served communities. The program covers the disciplines of piano, strings, wind instru- ments, voice and the concomitant areas of repertoire, style, history and foreign language terminology, with a special emphasis on aural analysis. The Lecture Demonstration Program empowers students to envision new cultural vistas and to aspire to new career possibilities.

Eva de La O Director Música de Cámara 1215 5th Avenue; Suite 1B, New York, NY 10029 212-410-5612 [email protected] | www.MusicaDeCamara25.com

56 The Power of the Puerto Rican Vote! This year the Puerto Rican/Hispanic community has the opportunity to make a difference in the Presidential elections of the United States. With the presidential race this year so tight, Puerto Ricans in particular since they are US citizens by birth have a great opportunity to make history. There are 4,623,713 million Puerto Ricans in the United States the largest concentration in New York State, (1,070,558), followed by: Florida, (847,550); New Jersey, ( 434,092); Pennsylvania (366,082); Massachusetts (266,125); Connecticut (252,972), California (189,945) and Illinois (182,989). All eyes are on several swings states such as Florida, Pennsylva- nia, Virginia, North Carolina, Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado, all of which President Obama won in 2008. With these numbers we can make a difference! Let’s make a difference! Atrevete a Votar! VOTE – Tuesday, November 6, 2012! 1 2

3

5 4

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1. Support for John F. Kennedy Campaign, 1960. A flyer calls for Puerto Ricans and Hispanics support for Kennedy’s presidential campaign. The Felipe Torres Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, res, the politician “who started me on this road.” The Frank N .Torres Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. 2. Louis Nuñez Welcomes Robert F. Kennedy, 1963. Pictured at the 7. President George W. Bush and Dr. Richard Carmona, Vice Admiral, Neighborhood Service Center, Nuñez went on to become director 5. President Barack Obama, left, welcomes Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme 17th Surgeon General of the United States. http://blogs.phoenixnew- of the National Puerto Rican Coalition in 1977. The Louis Nuñez Court justice, to a reception at the White House in Washington, D.C. times.com/valleyfever/2012/09/richard_carmona_democratic_can. Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios on Aug. 12, 2009. Photographer: Gary Fabiano/Pool via Bloomberg phpPresident George W. Bush and Admiral Richard Carmona TK Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-01/supreme-court-s-favor- Surgeon General of the United States. ability-falls-to-quarter-century-low.html. 3. 1990, President George H. W. Bush at swearing of Dr. Antonia No- 8. Oscar García Rivera and Family, c. 1980 García Rivera, the first vello as 14th Surgeon General of the United States, She was the first 6. Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1996, Pres. William J. Clinton awards Puerto Rican elected to the New York State Legislature, served from woman and Hispanic (Puerto Rican) to hold this office. http://www. Dr. Pantoja the Medal of Freedom. Congresswoman Nydía Ve- 1937 to 1940. His son directed the Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund achievement.org/autodoc/page/nov0bio-1. lázquez and First Lady Hilary Clinton look on. The Antonia Pantoja and Education from 1974 to 1977. The Oscar García Rivera Papers. Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertor- 4. Congressman Robert García meets with President Carter, 1980’s. Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY The Clinton Presidential riqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. Congressman García dedicated this photograph to Felipe N. Tor- Materials Project. 57 The Power of the Puerto Rican Vote! continued

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of New York City candidates.. Justo A. Martí Photograph Collection. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertor- riqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. 18. Peace for the Island of Vieques, c.1998. The speaker of the New York 22 State Assembly, Sheldon Silver, and elected members of the assem- bly, Carmen Arroyo, Peter Rivera, and Félix Ortíz, issue a proclama- tion in solidarity with the Puerto Rican island of Vieques to support 9. Atrevete, 1992. This organization also mobilized Puerto Ricans to their struggle to oust the U.S. Marines from the Island. The Peter M. register and vote. The use of the ballot box to bring about change Rivera Collection. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de has been of concern to the community. OGPRUS. Archives of the attends a reunion of the Voter’s Club with Mayor Wagner at Gracie Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter Mansion. Centro. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de College, CUNY. Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. 19. Fernando Ferrer was the Democratic Party nominee for Mayor of New York City in 2005. Centro and OGPRUS Archives of the Puerto 10. Register to Vote!, 1970’s The sign on the table calls Puerto Ricans to 14. Political Empowerment through the Ballot Box, 1959-2001. An array Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter Col- register to vote: “Four our families, our children and ourselves.” The of political buttons display voter’s preferences. Centro Archives of the lege, CUNY. OGPRUS Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. College, CUNY. 20. Herman Badillo Puerto Rican Mayoral Candidate, The first Puerto Ri- can elected to the U.S. Congress (1968), Badillo had been commis- 11. Congressman Vito Marcantonio with Joaquin and Jesus Colón (in 15. Bronx Borough Presidents, 1987-2009. Pictured from left to right are sioner of the New York Department of Relocation (1961) and Bronx white), 1944. Marcoantonio represented Spanish Harlem during the Henan Badillo (1966-1970), Fernándo Ferrer (1987-2001), Alfonso borough president (1965). 1930’s and had extensive support among the Puerto Rican commu- Carrión (2001-2009), and Rubén Díaz Jr. (2009-Present). OGPRUS nity. The Jesús Colón Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios 21. Political Leadership on Parade, 1970’s. A group of politicians is on Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. the march. Among them are Herman Badillo, Mario Cuomo and Victor Robles. The Olga Méndez Papers. Archives of the Puerto Rican Di- 12. Puerto Ricans, Register to Vote so You Can Be Respected!, c. 1960 16. Coretta Scott King and Sen. Olga Méndez, 1970’s. Pictured is a meet- aspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. Among the group holding the banner are New York State assembly- ing of two great Ladies. The Olga Méndez Papers. Archives of the man Felipe N. Torres and San Juan mayor Felisa Rincón de Gautier. Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter 22. Puerto Rican Elected Officials, 1990. Pictured from left to right are (FNTo) Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, Centro de Estudios College, CUNY. José Serrano, Herman Badillo, Olga Méndez, Robert García, Hector Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, CUNY. Luis M. Díaz, José M. Rivera and Victor Robles. The Robert García 17. Support for Robert F. Wagner, Abe Beame, and Paul Screvane, c. Papers, (Photograph by Luis Martinez) Archives of the Puerto Rican 13. Mayor Robert Wagner and his advisor John Carro Listen to Louis Her- 1961 Motorists bear signs using the language and symbols of Puerto Diaspora, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, Hunter College, nandez, 1963. Second from the left, to the right of the mayor, Carro Rican political campaigns to attract Puerto Rican voters in support CUNY. 58 The National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP) is a 5019C)(3) nonprofit and nonpartisan policy center established in 1982 in New York City originally as the Institute for Puerto Rican Policy (IPR). The National Institute for Latino Policy provides a unique approach and voice to the policy analysis and advocacy needs of the Latino community. Originally focused on the Puerto Rican community, our work has increasingly included all Latinos and has gone from a local to a national scope.

The Institute’s approach includes:

• Focusing on the intersectionality of Latino policy issues • The use of action-research that is used as an organizing tool for advocacy • A strategy that focuses on the development of local and state level strategies for policy analysis and organizing • The creative and aggressive use of the internet and the media as community education and organizing tools • An emphasis on working in critical policy areas that are underdeveloped or not addressed in the Latino community

In the past year, NiLP’s accomplishments include:

• Leading a major educational campaign to raise awareness of the 2010 Census and its importance to the Latino community. NiLP has created and coordinated the Latino Census Network, an informational network with 28 of the leading national and regional Latino organizations in the United States and the leading clearinghouse on Census issues affecting Latinos in the country.. In recognition of this work, NiLP President has been appointed by the U.S. Commerce Secretary to the Census Advisory Committee on the Hispanic Population, and he has been elected to the National Steering Committee of the Census Bureau’s Census Information Centers (CIC) Program.

• Being a founder of the Defend the Honor Campaign that put community pressure on PBS and filmmaker Ken Burn to include the Latino experience in their 7-part documentary series, The War. NiLP is also part of a group of national Latino organization that have been meeting with the leadership of PBS to promote greater Latino representation in their programming, staff and governance.

• Providing an independent and nonpartisan voice analyzing the role of the Latino vote in such media as the New York Times, Washington Post, El Diario-La Prensa, Shimbun Yumiori Newspaper (Japan), CNN, CNN en Español, O Estado de S. Paulo (Brazil), Univision, Telemundo, Radio Bilingue, Politico, Hispanic Link, Spanglish Magazine, El Nuevo Dia (Puerto Rico), Hofstra Univer- sity Radio, National Public Radio (NPR), Hispanic Market Weekly, XM Radio, the New Jersey Network and even Comedy Central’s Colbert Report, among others.

• Working with national Latino coalitions like the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, the National Latino Media Council, the Defend the Honor Campaign, the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights and others to develop Latino agenda for change.

• Developing one of the most effective national informational networks on the Internet on Latino policy issues through our Latino Policy eNewsletter, Email Bulletins and National Latino Opinion Leaders’ Surveys.

• Efforts to increase the accountability of philanthropy to Latino and other communities of color through being part of the estab- lishment of the NYC Collaborative for Fairness and Equity in Philanthropy, being part of the Diversity in Philanthropy Project at the New York Regional Association of Grantmakers and the Foundation Center, and related activities.

• Putting pressure on CNN to remove a fundraising appeal by Lou Dobbs from their website for the Town of Hazelton to fight support their anti-immigrant policies. Upon receiving NiLP’s objections, CNN took down the biased ad within a day from the Lou Dobbs Tonight section of their website.

• Presentations on Latino policy issues throughout the United States. Including at Brandies University, Cornell University, the Dominican-American National Roundtable Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, the New York Chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the Latino Policy Forum in Chicago, LULAC Annual Conference in Washington, DC, Northern Illinois University, the Puerto Rican Studies Association 8th Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Proskauer Rose LLP, Smith College, UBS, the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Annual Conference in Chicago,the University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Texas at Austin. Angelo Falcón, President National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP) 101 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013 212-334-5722 Fax: 917-677-8593 [email protected] www.latinopolicy.org

59 The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration represents the Government of Puerto Rico before federal, state, and local governments, promotes Gov- ernor Fortuño’s economic and public policy initiatives to achieve a better quality of life for the four million U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico, and advises local government agencies and municipalities on issues of interest to Puerto Rico before the federal government.

As such, the Washington office is the primary liaison between Puerto Rico’s officials, the WhiteH ouse, Congress, and the federal agencies. Additionally, the office interacts with national organizations representing Governors from other states, including the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Southern Governors’ Association to advance Puerto Rico’s interests. Like many other states, Puerto Rico’s focus areas include economic stimulus and development, transportation funding, energy, health care including Medicare and Medicaid, as well as issues that affect veterans and our national defense. PRFAA Washington Roles and Responsibilities • articulating and advocating gubernatorial and Puerto Rico-related policy positions to Members of Congress and their staff, the White House, federal agencies, state offices and national organizations. • Collaborating with the Resident Commissioner to assist him in his duties as representative in Congress of the 4 million U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico, a constituency more than six times greater in size than that of any other U.S. Congressman. • serving as a primary focal point in the nation’s capital for the Governor, the Governor’s staff, and senior state officials. • Providing guidance and support to individuals, businesses, municipalities and other organizations in successfully navigating the federal grants process. • Providing status reports on federal initiatives and representing the island’s priorities in Washington, D.C. • Communicating with national, regional and specialty media on issues of importance to the Governor and Puerto Rico. • serving as a point of contact for state citizens and businesses in their contacts with the Washington, D.C. com- munity. During the first four months of 2009 alone, PRFAA has provided critical support in advancing the Federal agenda of more than a dozen Puerto Rico Government Cabinet members and agency heads, as well as Puerto Rico legislative leaders and mayors. The agency has played – and continues to play - a critical role in helping to secure hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for vital infrastructure, public security, health, and education programs, among others. As part of these efforts, the agency also embarked this year on an intensive round of workshops held throughout the island, aimed at helping agency and municipal government staff - as well as staff from non-profit organizations- compete successfully for available federal grant and funding opportunities. PRFAA REGIONAL OFFICES In addition to the Washington office which serves as the government’s primary liaison in the nation’s capital, PR- FAA also has regional offices that are responsible for forging close relationships with our stateside communities. Over the last 70-plus years, the regional offices have evolved from providing guidance to PuertoR ican migrants, to promoting cultural awareness, to helping the community get involved in the political process. Today, the empha- sis of the regional offices is on three main areas: economic development through promotion of business ventures between the Island and U.S.-based Puerto Rican communities; education and empowerment to bridge the stateside Puerto Rican youth’s educational gap through a partnership with the University of Puerto Rico; and leadership development through partnerships with local community organizations. All the regional offices’ operations are consolidated in two geographical hubs and the central office in Washington, D.C. PRFAA - NEW YORK OFFICE: This office covers the Northeastern Corridor: New York, New Jersey, Con- necticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. It provides services to over two million Puerto Ricans. Established in 1930, this office is the oldest office of the Government of Puerto Rico in the United States. Reyes Rodríguez, Senior Community Officer 135 West 50th Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10020; (212) 252-7300; Fax: (202) 726-9957 PRFAA - MIDWEST OFFICE: This office, first established in 1948, covers the Midwest: Illinois, Indiana,O hio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North & South Dakota, and Iowa. It serves ap- proximately 500,000 Puerto Ricans. 2511 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60622, (773) 365-0071; Fax: (773) 365-0072 60 La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc. (The Puerto Rican Cultural Heritage House, Inc.), also known as La Casa, is a not-for-profit, community-based, cultural institution, founded in 1980 to ad- vance, disseminate and preserve the cultural heritage of Puerto Ricans in New York City. La Casa’s mission is to promote, enhance and preserve the richness of Puerto Rican culture in the Diaspora.

La Casa hosts a series of cultural and educational programs and special events, pertaining to the history, culture, literature, and arts and crafts of Puerto Rico, and the contributions pioneered by the Puerto Rican community of New York City.

The Library: La Casa’s main component is its Puerto Rican Heritage Library. The Library houses a spe- cialized collection and scholarly resource center consisting of approximately 14,000 diversified books and periodicals newspapers, microfilms, photographs, sound and visual recordings, government documents and doctoral dissertations. These are available in Spanish and English. The availability of reference mate- rial provides an opportunity to fill the informational needs and interests. The collection contains articles and various other relevant materials which document the pursuit of the Puerto Rican in New York and on the Island. La Casa’s Heritage Library is a prestigious research center which makes its services available to members, students and professionals. La Casa’s archives include a collection of microfilms, over two hundred cultural posters, photographs, arts and crafts, and objects from pre-Columbian times, available to students at all levels of study and to all community members.

Community Services: La Casa is an institution which is dedicated to the community. Our services are based on the objectives of providing and disseminating informative materials on the history and culture of Puerto Rico. La Casa provides outreach services to New York private and public schools, colleges and universities, community and governmental agencies, senior citizen centers and others

Annual Events: One of the popular events offered by La Casa is its annual cultural seminar held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This enlightening annual event is co-sponsored by the prestigious Center for Advanced Studies on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Awards Benefit: Another popular event is La Casa’s annual Community Awards Benefit held in New York City. Filled with traditional food and music, the gala offers the very best el Barrio has to offer.

Leticia Rodriguez, Director La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc. 1230 Fifth Avenue, 4th floor – 458; New York, NY 10029 (212) 722 - 2600(O); (212) 470 – 8228 (C) Website: Lacasapr.org

61 In Memoriam

Yolanda Sanchez of the oppressed through artistic means. He was States to be invited to attend the “Vital Voices of 1932 – 2012 a member of the National Writers Union. He Women in Democracy” conference in Beijing, held workshops at the Harlem Book Fair, and China to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Political activist and com- performed on Def Poetry. Rivera was 66 years United Nations Women’s Forum. munity leader Yolanda San- old. chez was born in El Barrio/ East Harlem, and has lived Piri Thomas there for most of her life. Hector Gesualdo 1928 – 2011 She is a graduate of the 1952 – 2011 City College of New York/ Piri Thomas was born in CUNY and has a Master’s Degree from Colum- For 25 years Hector Gesu- Harlem, New York on Sep- bia University in Social Work with a specializa- aldo worked as vice presi- tember 30, 1928. He was the tion on community organizing. Considered one dent of fundraising for the eldest of seven children. His of the most ardent defenders of the Latino em- United Way of New York mother was Puerto Rican powerment movement in New York City, Yolan- City. In 1999 he became ex- descent and his father was da was part of the group that organized, in the ecutive director of ASPIRA, Cuban. Thomas grew up 1960’s, the Puerto Rican Association for Com- a nonprofit group that offers in Spanish Harlem (El Barrio) at a time when munity Affairs (PRACA) which established the New York City students free college prepara- lynching was still very prevalent in the United first Puerto Rican foster care and adoption ser- tory classes. In his 12 years with ASPIRA more States, so the threat of racism was very real for vices agency in New York. At Dr. Antonia Pan- than 40,000 students went through the program. him and others like him. Thomas was faced toja’s invitation, she joined the staff of ASPIRA Gesualdo graduated from St. Peter’s University with racism at school and in his own neighbor- in 1962. Yolanda was also one of the original in Jersey City and earned a Masters of Social hood, where he was taunted by whites and fre- board members of the East Harlem Council for Work from Hunter College, where he met his quently called a “nigger spic”. In his late teen- Human Services, Inc. Ms. Sanchez led the team wife, Rita. An avid fan of barbecue and cooking, age years, Thomas became involved with the that developed and built Taino Towers, with 700 Gesualdo told friends and family if he weren’t street life in Spanish Harlem. In 1950, Thomas units of low and moderate income housing, and working in the nonprofit sector he’d have been was involved in a shoot out with police when Casabe Houses, with 124 units of subsidized a chef. On December 28, 2011, the husband and an armed robbery attempt at a nightclub went housing for the elderly. In 2010, under Casabe father of three, died suddenly of complications sour, he received a seven year sentence which Houses sponsorship and financing, Yolanda following a heart attack. He was 59. The Hec- he served at Sing Sing prison. It was during his developed C.A.C.H. E., (Casabe Arts, Culture, tor Gesualdo Scholarship Fund has been estab- imprisonment that he began writing what would History, Education program). She was a found- lished please mail donations to Aspira of New later become his first book, “Down These Mean ing member of the National Latinas Caucus, a York, Inc. Streets” which was first published in 1967. A f- feminist organization. She also organized and ter his release from prison, Thomas got involved served as first chair of El BAC (El Barrio Ac- with Youth Development Incorporated (YDI), tion Coalition). In the early 1970’s, she orga- Alice Cardona where he aided young gang members in getting nized and led one of the first groups to travel 1930-2011 out of their current situations. He used his life from the United States to China after the Second Alice Cardona’s (1930- as proof that a person can make a change to- World War. 2011) advocacy for wom- wards the better. He also emphasized the ben- en’s rights and bilingual efits of attaining an education to the youths as a education, as well as her way to make a better life for oneself. After his Louis Reyes Rivera efforts as founder of vari- first book “Down These Mean Streets” (1967), 1945 - 2012 ous organizations for La- which was an autobiography, he wrote another tinas, distinguished her in autobiography called “Savior, Savior, Hold Louis Reyes Rivera was My Hand” (1972). In 1974, he wrote a prison a prolific writer, poet, and New York activist communities. In 1964, she became involved in the firstH ead Start program memoir called “Seven Long Times” and in 1978 activist. Rivera was an in- he wrote a book containing eight stories about fluential educator and artist, in New York. and worked at ASPIRA from 1970 and 1978. Cardona was an active member of his street life called “Stories from El Barrio”. steeped in a Pan-African Thomas also wrote a two act play, “Las Calles outlook and dedicated to National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW). She also co-founded HACER/ de Oro”, which was produced and performed by teaching those around him. the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in 1972. As The winner of many literary awards came to Hispanic Women’s Center, which aimed to help Latinas to achieve their professional goals via a poet, he produced two CDs containing “word- be known as “The People’s Poet” through his songs,” poems set to different kinds of music. embrace of issues of everyday folks. One of education. During the Cuomo administration, Cardona was the assistant director of the NYS Piri Thomas passed on October 22, 2011 at the his sharpest points of focus was on the con- age of 81. nection between African-American and Latino Division for Women. This position allowed culture. Rivera was born in New York City in her to further advocate for bilingual education and women, including those in prison. She also 1945. Raised in Brooklyn, he was an activist, Photo credits: he was instrumental in the struggle of Black and worked to combat HIV/AIDS, breast cancer and Puerto Rican students in the 60′s. Louis led the domestic violence. She retired in 1995, but not Yolanda Sanchez: www.prdream.com/.../06/... 1969 takeover of City College, and co-founder from her community. She was the director of the of-yolanda-sanchez-1932-2012 of The Paper, a student publication for people Puerto Rican Association for Community Af- Louis Reyes Rivera: http://www.kalamu.poster- of color. Without the efforts of Rivera, genera- fairs (PRACA) and was co-director of Atrévete ous.com/obit_louis_reyes_rivera_may_19 tions of people of color would not have had the — a group dedicated to voter registration and opportunity for higher education. Always will- political participation organized by the Migra- Hector Gesualdo: puertoricanfoundation.com ing to reach back into the community and share tion Division. She was member of the boards of Alice Cardona: http://www.mycuentame.org/al- his wealth of knowledge, Louis could often be National Women’s Political Caucus, National ice_cardona_latina_rights found at a workshop or classroom. He would Association for Bilingual Education, and Puerto Piri Thomas: http://eltecolote.org/ teach on the finer points of poetry, knowing your Rican Educators Association. In July 1997, rights as a writer, and carrying forth the history Cardona was one of 70 women from the United 62 Sofia Perez, Brooklyn Activist and Community Organizer September 18, 1909 – December 21, 1971 Sofia Perez Beauchamp was born September 18, 1909 in Anasco, Puerto Rico. As a young woman, she moved with her mother, Francisca Perez Beauchamp, to Arroyo, Puerto Rico, where she eventually met her husband, Adolfo Diaz. Sofia married and she and her husband had four children. Sometime later after the death of her husband, Sofia relocated to Santurce, Puerto Rico in search of better economic opportunities. In 1946, Sofia Perez, a seamstress by trade, first arrived in New York with her young chil- dren. She briefly resided in Brooklyn but her residency ended abruptly due to an apartment fire that led her to return to PuertoR ico. In 1948, Sofia Perez and her children returned to Brooklyn where she shared an apartment with a close family friend from Arroyo. The two families assisted each other and Sofia was able to support her family with her sewing. S oon, she was able to rent her own apartment and moved to McKibben Street, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, where many recent arrivals from Puerto Rico resided. She described a closely-knit Puerto Rican community where neighbors assisted each other and by virtue of that assistance were able to thrive and advance their families. As So- fia’s sewing business gained economic strength she was able to purchase a 3-story building consisting of a storefront and two residential apartments in the Bedford- Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. From the storefront of this building she ran her bridal shop and a sewing school. Her family occupied the two apartments above the storefront: her son Orlando Diaz and his family in one apartment while Sofia shared the other apartment with her daughter, Adelaida Diaz.

For more than 25 years, Sofia Perez was a community activist and organizer in Brook- lyn. She was active in the Association of Puerto Rican Women, Fiesta Folklorica, and the Puerto Rican Community Development Project (PRCDP). In August 1957, she incorporated and started Mc Kibb Star Social and Athletic Club Inc. McKibb Star would become the venue for Sofia Perez’s community activism, political organizing and cultural events. During the summer, she conducted summer sewing school for impoverished youth in the community, in furtherance of her belief that every individ- ual regardless of gender should have employable skills and that skill was sewing. The youth of Bed-Stuy became adept at sewing and the most skilled participated in talent shows showcasing their designs. Sofia Perez understood that it was not enough to have a skill. She was steadfast in her commitment to broadening the political, cultural and educational horizons of Puerto Rican and African American youth in the commu- nity. She applied for various governmental grants and organized trips to a variety of locations, near and far. She organized trips to Washington, D. C., Montreal, Canada, and locally to Harriman State Park, Lake Sebago, Lake Welch, and Bear Mountain State Park. During the winter, she organized “concursos” that served as fundraising events for various community activities and she organized an annual toy drive for Three Kings Day so that Puerto Rican youth would be able to celebrate this traditional holiday. Sofia Perez understood the stifling effects of discrimination (racial, sexual and economic) and she organized the community to combat discrimination against Puerto Ricans wherever it occurred. She shared her knowledge of Puerto Rico’s rich political and cultural history with the community by organizing members of the community to participate in the first Puerto Rican Day Parade, and organizing folkloric celebrations.

Sofia Perez‘s Puerto Rican pride was indomitable and would not allow the discrimination she encountered to suppress her spirit. She was tireless in her efforts to promote and display Puerto Rican cultural and political history. She fought tenaciously to insure that Puerto Ricans registered to vote. She rallied under the banner “Puertorriqueno Inscribete. Vota Para Que Te Respeten.” She participated and collaborated with other Brooklyn organizations to insure that Puerto Ricans were not discriminated against. Additionally, she was fur- ther inspired by the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s and organized three busloads of Puerto Ricans to attend Martin Luther King’s March on Washington because she understood that our struggle for equality, as Puerto Ricans, was part of a broader movement across the country for civil rights.

In 1971, Sofia Perez suffered a stroke and died soon after but her legacy continues through her family, friends and those that she con- tinues to inspire. Her lessons of social justice, political advancement, cultural pride and educational achievement are messages that we each promulgate in her honor and memory. They are lessons that serve us now and into the future.

Written by Linda M. Diaz, Esq., Granddaughter of Sofia Perez, October 22, 2012 “Council of Brooklyn Organizations” Sofia Perez, (seated front row, left) & Celia Vice, well known Puerto Rican activist, (far right standing near the window) instrumental in development of organization. “Puerto Rican Political Women Association 1960” Sofia Perez,(4th right,broach), with Puerto Rican women activist. 63 Posters Study Aid

Glossary of CN Poster 2012 Images

1. Statue of Liberty with Puerto Rican Flag: On October 25, 1977 Puerto Rican act of disobedience. Mem- bers of the Young Lords Party take over the Statue of Liberty to express their indignation over the contin- ued incarceration of the five Nationalist freedom fighters that had been serving close to 25 years in prison for actions supporting the independence of Puerto Rico. 2. Julia de Burgos: One of Puerto Rico’s greatest poets, advocate for Puerto Rican independence, activist. 3. ASPIRANTES participating in CN’s 17th Annual Day of Community Service & Social Responsibility food drive distribution. 4. Dr. Evelina Lopez Antonetty: Bronx activist, educator, community organizer, founder of United Bronx Parents 5. Dove: Peace for our people 6. Antonia Pantoja: Educator, social worker, feminist, activist, civil rights leader, founder of Aspira. 7. Heart: The heart of our people 8. Ray Baretto’s Baretto Power Album cover: Ray Barretto, one of the pioneers of the Fania label and salsa sound of the 70s. Recording many classic salsa albums “Indestructible”, “Ricanstruction”, “Barretto” 9. Arturo Alfonso Schomburg: Puerto Rican writer, historian dedicated to researching the contributions of Afro-Latino people and educating society on their accomplishments. 10. Luis Muñoz Marín: First democratically elected Governor of Puerto Rico. 11. Puerto Rican youth at the Puerto Rican Day parade using flag as “superman” cape:T he future of our cul- tural heritage – “Super Ricans” 12. Roberto Clemente: Puerto Rican baseball player, philanthropist. 13. Puerto Rican woman: Pionera, heart and soul of our people. 14. IPR/HE/Leonard Covello Senior Center: Current community struggle 15. Yolanda Sanchez: Social worker, activist, community organizer, co founder of Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs (PRACA) 16. Sonia M. Sotomayor: First Supreme Court Justice of Puerto Rican/Hispanic descent 17. Ramón Emeterio Betances: Puerto Rican Nationalist and primary instigator of El Grito de Lares. “El Pa- dre de la Patria” 18. Fetus: Continual rebirth and growth of the Puerto Rican people. 19. Don Pedro Albizu Campos: Leader of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party and leading figure of the Puerto Rican Independence Movement. 20. Symbols of Afro: Caribbean religions which are part of our Puerto Rican heritage 21. Alice Cardona: Advocate for women’s rights, bilingual education 22. Young Lords: The Young Lords, 1970s Members of the Young Lords from left to right, Tony Seven, Richie Pérez and Richard Harris. 23. Cesar Perales: Civil rights attorney co-founder of Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, now called LatinoJustice:PRLDEF, NYS Secretary of State, 2011 - present. 24. Flor de Maga- Puerto Rico’s national flower.

If you want to search for more information on the Pioneros on this poster, please visit: Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños Library and Archives at The Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work at 2180 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10035, centropr.hunter.cuny.edu

64 Calendar of Events

NYS GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO ISSUANCE OF PROCLAMATION OF PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH NYC MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG ISSUANCE OF PROCLAMATION OF PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Month Long Events

El Museo del Barrio with the Queens Museum of Art and The Studio Museum in Harlem presents Caribbean: Crossroads of the World, an ambitious and trailblazing exhibition, highlighting over two centuries of rarely-seen works from the Haitian Revolution (c. 1804) to the present. The show features more than 400 works including painting, sculpture, prints, books, photography, film, video and historic artifacts from various Caribbean nations, Europe and the United States. Transcendent in scope, Caribbean: Crossroads examines the exchange of people, goods, ideas and information between the Caribbean basin, Europe and North America and explores the impact of these relationships on the Caribbean and how it is imagined. On view at El Museo and the Queens Museum until January 6, 2013. Las Galerías at El Museo del Barrio: 1230 5th Avenue at 104th Street, NYC. Museum hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11AM – 6PM/Sunday 1PM – 5PM; Free Extended Gallery Hours on Wednesday’s 6PM – 9PM. Suggested donation: Adults $9, Students and Seniors $5, Members and children under 12 Free. Free every Third Saturday of the month. Seniors Free on Wednesdays. Ticket good for complimentary entry to the other site. For more information call (212) 831-7272 or visit the website www.elmuseo.org. Additional venue : Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens NY 11368. Museum hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 12PM–6 PM. Suggested donation: adults $8, seniors, students and children $4. Members and children under five Free. For more information call (718) 592-9700 or visit the website www.queensmuseum.org.

El Museo del Barrio presents VOCES Y VISIONES: Gran Caribe. Drawn from El Museo del Barrio’s wide-ranging Permanent Collection, this exhibition features works that explore the vast diversity and complexity of the Caribbean basin, as an accompaniment to El Museo’s temporary exhibition, Caribbean: Crossroads of the World, presented in collaboration with Studio Museum in Harlem and Queens Museum of Art. Gran Caribe considers the significance of race and ethnicity, language and dialogue, affinities and differences throughout this part of the world. Artists for whom the Caribbean is both a point of departure and a homecoming are included, as are critical voices that explore new ways of thinking about how Caribbean bodies and voices are represented. On View through December 9, 2012. Las Galerías at El Museo del Barrio: 1230 5th Avenue at 104th Street, NYC. Museum hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11AM–6PM/Sunday 1PM–5PM; Free Extended Gallery Hours on Wednesday’s 6PM – 9PM. Suggested donation: Adults $9, Students and Seniors $5, Members and children under 12 Free. Free every Third Saturday of the month. Seniors Free on Wednesdays. For more information call (212) 831-7272 or visit the website www.elmuseo.org.

El Museo del Barrio and the The Nathan Cummings Foundation presents Caribe Now: Contemporary Art of the Caribbean Diaspora, an exhibition featuring artists of Caribbean descent who explore how the Caribbean, through its diaspora, continues to be conceived through the lens of contemporary culture. Dealing with issues such as race, gender, and class as well as questions revolving around social justice, practice, and expectations, this exhibition explores the connections between island populations here in the U.S. and in the Caribbean. Featured artists include Firelei Báez, who presents women with natural hairstyles as models of natural beauty through her drawings; Terry Boddie, a photographer, originally from Nevis, who uses plantation maps and historic images to create layered photolithographs that combine images from his immigrant childhood in New York City; Frances Gallardo, who presents a series of cut-paper works that mirror the forms of hurricanes as tracked by meteorological technology; Miguel Luciano, a Brooklyn-based Puerto Rican artist who addresses the importance of island landscape and the consequences of U.S. hegemony through postcards; and much more. On view until January 18, 2013. Las Galerías at El Museo del Barrio: 1230 5th Avenue at 104th Street, NYC. Museum hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11AM – 6PM/Sunday 1PM – 5PM; Free Extended Gallery Hours on Wednesday’s 6PM – 9PM. Suggested donation: Adults $9, Students and Seniors $5, Members and children under 12 Free. Free every Third Saturday of the month and for Seniors on Wednesdays. For more information call (212) 831-7272 or visit the website www.elmuseo. org. Additional venue : The Nathan Cummings Foundation (by appointment only), 475 Tenth Ave. 14th Fl., NYC. To make a reservation to view the exhibition, contact the Nathan Cummings Foundation at [email protected].

The Bronx Museum of the Arts present Urban Archives: The Rituals Of Chaos. This group exhibition takes the work of Mexico’s renowned photojournalist, Enrique Metinides, as a departure point and complements it with the work of contemporary artists who also capture the human experience in the metropolis. The photographs and video-based works provide a glimpse into the emotions and events that run rampant in cities where massive concentrations of people congregate, including notions of isolation and chaos. Guest curator Monica Espinel organized Rituals of Chaos. Featured artists include: Enrique Metinides, Sophie Calle, Robin Graubard, Gordon Matta-Clark, Rick Liss, Jamel Shabazz, and others. Exhibition ends 65 Sunday, January 6, 2013. Curated by Jose Roca. The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx. Museums hours: Thursdays to Sundays, 11AM to 6PM; Fridays until 8 PM. Suggested donation: adults $5, students $3; members and children under 12 Free; Seniors free on Fridays. For more information, visit www.bronxmuseum.org.

Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA), Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center, Don Q Destilería Serrallés and Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation presents The INDEX show. An epoch making exhibition of work by The Clemente’s resident visual artists, part of the BORIMIX 2012 Building Guai (Building “Cool”) celebrating the recent renovation. LES & Abrazo Interno Gallery at Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center, 107 Suffolk Street, 1st - 4th floors, NYC. Exhibition on view thru Nov. 28, 2012. Free. For more information call 212-529-1545 or visit www.sea- online.info.

SEA and O.P. Art presents, Art Exhibit and Performance 2012. An art exhibition of recent works by Artists Abnel Rodriguez, Daniel Del Valle, Miguel Angel Reyes Santos, Rafael Rosario Laguna and Luis Carle. Exhibition on view thru Nov. 29, 2012. Suggested Donation. Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center, 107 Suffolk Street, Room 309, NYC.

BORIMIX 2012 Building Guai. An epoch making exhibition of work by The Clemente’s resident visual artists, part of the BORIMIX 2012. Building Guai (Building “Cool”) celebrates the recent renovation. A building wide celebration showcasing the myriad talents housed at the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center. It kicks off with the opening of The Index Show on Thursday, Nov. 8th at 6pm. Stop by on Nov. 9th and 10th to check out The Center’s theaters, non profit art organizations and visual artist studios. Thurs., Nov. 8, 6pm – 11pm; Fri., Nov. 9, 6pm – 11pm; Sat., Nov. 10, 12pm – 11pm; Sun., Nov. 11, 12pm – 5pm. Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. Sponsored by: SEA, Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center, Don Q Destilería Serrallés and Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation. Most events are FREE. Check for details at www.borimix.com, www.teatrosea.org and www.csvcenter.org

Lehman College Art Gallery presents Space Invaders. Space Invaders, organized by guest curator Karin Bravin, features the work of eighteen artists who make use of the unique spaces at Lehman College—both inside the galleries and outside the building. Using the walls, the ceiling, the floor, or the balcony above the atrium, works appear to grow out of the structure, hang down, wrap around, or peer out from under. Working with a specific space in mind, in this case LCAG, the space becomes the artist’s canvas. Each artist will inhabit the space differently, taking cues from the distinctive architecture – Lehman College Art Gallery is located in a building designed by Marcel Breuer in 1960. Artist featured Kim Beck, Diana Cooper, Abigail DeVille, Dahlia Elsayed, Franklin Evans, Gandalf Gavan, DeWitt Godfrey, Rachel Hayes, Lisa Kellner, Nicola Lopez, Rita MacDonald, Robert Melee, Sheila Pepe, Mariah Robertson, Cordy Ryman, Carol Salmanson, Heeseop Yoon and Halley Zien, On view until January 9, 2013. Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10AM–4PM. Free. Lehman College Art Gallery, 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468. For more information: (718)960-8731.

Comite Noviembre and Riverbank State Park presents Comite Noviembre’s 2nd Annual Poster Exhibit. A restrospective of 26 years of posters commemorativing Puerto Rican Heritage Month, curated by Wilda Gonzalez and Luis Cordero. Riverbank State Park Cultural Complex, 679 Riverside Drive at 145 Street, NYC, Cultural Complex hours Mon-Fri 10 AM-4 PM and Saturday 11 AM-2 PM. Free. Exhibition on view until November 30, 2012. Contact: (212)694-3633/3632.

The Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture and the Longwood Art Gallery presents PUERTO RICO IN ITS LABYRINTH: Chronicles of a Country and a World in Crisis. This solo exhibition highlights new work on paper and sculpture by Puerto Rican artist, educator and social scientist José Buscaglia, consisting of paintings, sculptures and texts commenting on the legacy of colonialism and the history of oppression in the Caribbean, the Americas and Africa in the midst of a global crisis and change. In the Project Room: Plaza de la Identidad: Public Art Under House Arrest. An installation of Buscaglia’s 2003 public work commissioned by the Puerto Rican legislature. Until recently, the work was kept in storage because it was deemed too nationalistic for public display. Exhibition on view until December 9, 2012. Gallery hours Mon-Fri 10 AM- 6PM and Saturday 10 AM-2 PM. Free. The Longwood Art Gallery is located at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street, Bronx, NY. For information call (718) 518-4455.

The Americas Society with Sala Mendoza and Fundación Gego presents Gego: Origin and Encounter, Mastering the Space. Exhibition commemorates the hundredth anniversary of acclaimed artist Gertrud Goldschmidt. Widely known as Gego, the Venezuelan artist is considered one of the most important Latin American modernists of the twentieth century. This exhibition, curated by Josefina Manrique and Gabriela Rangel, features a significant group of works on paper, preparatory drawings, photographs, manuscripts, sketches, and three-dimensional works that attest to the artist’s journey from colorful landscapes and street scenes through to abstraction. As one of the very few venues where the in situ Reticulárea was recreated, Americas Society is proud to examine Gego’s innovative and groundbreaking command of space. Exhibition on view until December 8, 2012. The gallery is free and open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 12PM-6PM.The Americas Society, 680 Park Avenue, NYC. For more information visit www.americas-society.org.

66 Instituto Cervantes presents Exhibit: Montsalvatge. Within the context of Xavier Montsalvatge’s music and aesthetics emerges a review of the history of art and aesthetics within the second half of the 20th century in Spain. The exhibition includes documents directly related to the composer, such as art pieces dedicated to or collected by him, photographs, manuscripts, letters and articles, as well as a video that combines art with biographical elements. From a strictly musical point of view, the exhibition will incorporate several listening points. In order to provide a broad and critical vision of the musical activity of Montsalvatge and its significance, the visitor will be able to listen to the author’s compositions, relating them directly to works of art that have had a special significance both in the genesis of his pieces and in his character. Exhibition on view until December 15, 2012. Instituto Cervantes, 49th Street NYC. Free. For more information: www.nyork. cervantes.es.

and Driggs Avenue). Rain location: El creative manner, to develop understanding Thursday, November 1, 2012 Puente 211 South 4th Street, Brooklyn, NY. and strengthen intergenerational 4PM-6PM; Free. relationships. Instructor: Gloria Zelaya. COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE ANNUAL PUERTO Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 Street RICAN HERITAGE MONTH KICK-OFF Pregones Theater presents Dancing In My (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, EVENT, honoring the unsung heroes of our Cockroach Killers. A selection of poems Fridays: 6PM– 8PM. (212) 410 – 6030. community through “Lo Mejor de Nuestra and monologues written by Magdalena Comunidad” Awards, Recognition of CN Gómez directed by Rosalba Rolón with NOT THE SOCIETY OF the Educational Scholarship Reicipients and Announcement musical director Desmar Guevara. From Arts, Inc. (SEA), Roy Arias Studios & of the recipient of the Richie Perez the breathtaking Fuego en la cocina, the Theaters, and Marañao Inc. presents La Scholarship for Peace and Justice. The no-nonsense Why I Lost The Popularity Última Plena Que Bailó Luberza/Luberza’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Labor Center/1199 Contest to the hilarious and daring Soap Last Plena Dance. The story is an imaginary SEIU Headquarters, 310 West 43rd Street, and Water, the actors and musicians journey into the last day of Isabel Luberza NYC 6PM. By invitation only. For more of Pregones Ensemble stage a sizzling Oppenheimer’s life, better known as “Isabel information call (212) 677-4181 or (914) tribute to poet, storyteller and playwright la Negra.” She was a Puerto Rican brothel 263-6599. Magdalena Gómez. Pregones Theatre, owner and madam in Barrio Maraguez, 571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, NY, 8 Ponce, Puerto Rico. Roy Arias Theaters La Casa de la Herencia Cultural PM. $24, $15 students/seniors. For more Stage 2, Times Square Art Center, 300 Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s CREATIVE information call (718) 585-1202 or visit W. 43 St., 4th Floor, NYC. 8PM. $20. For PAINTING WORKSHOP. Focus on the http://www.pregones.org. reservations, call (347) 806-1617. www. creativity and understanding of painting. smarttix.com. Become knowleadgeable of the physical Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) appearance of the subject, and its inner life, and Teatro Breve presents Wish You Were Artists David Gallarza and Ben Rojas as it relates to the growth and development Here! Teatro Breve’s, Wish you were here!, aka Borish presents the installation Dia of the artist. Emphasis will also be placed presents comical and surprising situations de los Muertos in Sunset Park, Brooklyn on the psychological value of color, form that a Puerto Rican family experiences while 2012. Dia de los Muertos focuses on and expression. This will enable the artist on their Christmas holiday in Vermont. The gatherings to pray for, remember, and to understand the work of other artists, and characters will stumble upon absurd, funny celebrate the lives of passed loved ones. the different periods, from the most primitive and very Boricua situations. Teatro SEA, Traditions include building private altars form of art to the most modern creations. 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 8:30PM. $40. honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, Throughout this workshop, we will stress For more information: www.teatrosea.org marigolds, favorite foods & beverages of heavily on Acrylic Painting, including seven , www.borimix.com or call (212) 529-1545. the departed as gifts. Join the artists in different techniques to help the participants Sunset Park Brooklyn to celebrate their express themselves in different artistic 2nd Dia De Los Muertos Brooklyn exhibit. ways. In addition to the arrangements Friday, November 2, 2012 Ben Rojas aka Borish and David Gallarza prepared in the studio, participants will have will be creating an installation to celebrate an opportunity to paint outdoors. Still lives, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural and honor passed loved ones. You are landscapes, flower and portrait painting will Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s PUERTO RICO invited to partake in the installation. Bring be covered. The main goal of this workshop HISTORY II. Celebrate with us the your own items to add to the offering/altar is to encourage creativity, self confidence, contributions pioneered by the Puerto such as: framed pictures, flowers, candy, and knowledge of the various schools of Rican community of NYC and beyond. Join cigars/cigarettes, fruits/vegetables, drink, art. Instructor: Eli Alvarado, President, us for a journey through Puerto Rico’s major momentos/personal items (ex: lighters, Board of Directors, La Casa de la Herencia historical events, culture and literature. hats, books,etc.). If you missed last year, Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc., Casabe Instructor: Leticia Rodriguez, Executive check out pics at http://viajeroart.com/ Houses, 150 East 121 Street (Corner of Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural blog/dia-de-los-muertos. There will be a Lexington Avenue), NYC. Intermediate Puertorriqueña, Inc. Casabe Houses, performance by the amazing ASE MUSIC Class, Thursdays: 10AM–12PM, (212) 470- 150 East 121 Street (Corner of Lexington group. 411-46th Street (btwn 4th and 5th 8228 Avenue), NYC, Fridays: 4PM – 5:30PM; Aves.), Brooklyn, NY. 7PM – 11PM. (212) 410 – 6030. El Puente presents “Dia De Los Muertos/ La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Pregones Theater presents Dancing In My Day of The Dead” Free Community Event Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s LIVING HISTORY Cockroach Killers. A selection of poems for All Ages. There will be face painting, THEATER. Intergenerational workshop and monologues written by Magdalena flower making, sugar skulls, altar offerings combines theater, journal writing, Gómez directed by Rosalba Rolón with and many other traditional activities. El interviewing and oral history. Interviewing musical director Desmar Guevara. From Puente Espiritu Tierra Garden, located at and fun theater exercises will allow the breathtaking Fuego en la cocina, the no- South 2nd street (Between Roebling Street participants to tell their own life stories in a nonsense Why I Lost The Popularity Contest 67 to the hilarious and daring Soap and Water, hands-on environment. Instructor: Luis folktale Pinocchio from the perspective the actors and musicians of Pregones Rodríguez who for the past 15 years, has of a young Mexican immigrant, Pinocho. Ensemble stage a sizzling tribute to poet, played the Puerto Rican Cuatro and the Audiences follow the puppet boy’s journey storyteller and playwright Magdalena Cuban Tres with the re-known Conjunto to understanding his sense of self while Gómez. Pregones Theatre,571-575 Walton of Johnny Pacheco. He has played with struggling to maintain his Latino heritage Avenue, Bronx, NY. 8PM. $24, students/ the late Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, Pete and find his home in a new land (the United seniors $15. For more information call (718) “El Conde” Rodriguez, Ruben Blades States.) Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, 585-1202 or visit http://www.pregones.org. and many others. He can be heard on NYC. 3PM. Adults $18/Children $15. For the soundtrack of the motion picture, The more information: www.teatrosea.org, www. Repertorio Español presents El amor Mambo Kings, and on the soundtrack for borimix.com or (212) 529-1545. en los tiempos del cólera. Based on Paul Simon’s The Capeman. La Casa, 1230 Gabriel García Márquez’s Nobel Prize Fifth Avenue Suite 458 (between 104th & Repertorio Español presents En El Tiempo Winning novel, this lyrical, imagistic play 105th Street), NYC; Classes for beginners de las Mariposas, A new play by Caridad focuses on an extraordinary love story are every Saturday from 10AM – 11PM and Svich based on Julia Alvarez’s novel, between a poetically-inclined man named Advanced classes from 11AM to 12:30PM; directed by José Zayas. “In The Time of the Florentino Ariza and a sensual, practical yet Course Fee: $15.00 per class, Contact Butterflies” is the story of the courageous somewhat elusive woman named Fermina Leticia Rodriguez, (212) 722 – 2600 Mirabal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María Daza. Spanning fifty years of time, the Teresa) from the Dominican Republic. The story plays out in a series of short scenic La Casa de la Herencia Cultural sisters inspired resistance cells throughout episodes filled with poetry, song, movement Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s SPANISH GUITAR the country against the dictatorial regime and heightened moments of theatricality. A Classes, Beginners: Saturdays 10AM of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The daring four-actor tour-de-force piece for the to 11AM; Advanced: Saturdays 11AM to ‘butterflies’, their secret code name, theatre. Presented in Spanish with English 12:30PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 were brutally murdered by the regime in and Spanish subtitles. Recommended Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, 1960. Presented in Spanish. Live English for adult audiences.The Gramercy Arts Course Fee: $15 per class, (212) 410 – translation available. Recommended Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between 6030. for adult audiences. The Gramercy Arts Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between Tickets begin at $33, with discounts La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 3:30 available for seniors, students, and groups. Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s SALSA Dance PM. Tickets begin at $30, with discounts For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or Classes. Learn the Basics of Salsa music available for seniors, students, and groups. www.repertorio.org. and dancing. Learn the key elements of For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or body movements. Bring your dancing www.repertorio.org. Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) shoes, and later enjoy dancing the New and Teatro Breve presents Wish You Were York Style at clubs. Instructor: Jennifer Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA), Here! Teatro Breve’s, Wish you were here!, Silva. La Casa, 1230 Fifth Avenue Suite Roy Arias Studios & Theaters, and Marañao presents comical and surprising situations 458 (between 104th & 105th Streets), NYC Inc. presents La Última Plena Que Bailó that a Puerto Rican family experiences Beginner/Intermediate Classes (New York Luberza/Luberza’s Last Plena Dance. The while on their Christmas holiday in Vermont. Style) Saturdays, from 12:30PM – 2PM; story is an imaginary journey into the last The characters will stumble upon absurd, Course Fee: $15 per class. Contact Leticia day of Isabel Luberza Oppenheimer’s life, funny and very Boricua situations. Teatro Rodriguez, (212) 722 – 2600. better known as “Isabel la Negra.” She was SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 8:30PM. a Puerto Rican brothel owner and madam Admission: $20. For more information: CAFÉ, TERTULIAS Y MUCHO MÁS in Barrio Maraguez, Ponce, Puerto Rico. www.teatrosea.org, www.borimix.com or (Coffee, Discussions, and more). This Roy Arias Theaters Stage 2, Times Square (212) 529-1545 www.teatrosea.org www. workshop is specifically designed for Art Center, 300 W. 43 St., 4th Floor, NYC. borimix.com or (212) 529-1545. seniors and their families. Café, Tertulias y 8 PM. $20. For reservations, call (347) 806- Mucho Más is a creative journey into music, 1617. www.smarttix.com. Nuyorican Poets Café presents Friday Night dance, poetry and other expressive and Poetry Slam. The Nuyorican Friday Night artistic forms. This workshop provides an Pregones Theater presents El Apagón / Poetry Slam is pretty popular and fills up opportunity for seniors and their families to The Blackout. Pregones Theater’s much- fast, so please get in line early. (suggested meet on a weekend basis, at a time that is acclaimed adaptation of the story “The arrival latest 9:15PM). Nuyorican Poets convenient for them, to express themselves Night We Became People Again” by José Cafe 236 East 3rd Street (Between B & C). through the educational, cultural and Luis González, performed in Spanish and 10 PM. Admission $10/$20 VIP seating. recreational mediums of music, dance, English, and set to the beat of popular Latin For more information, please call (212) poetry, literature and other artistic forms. songs from the 1950’s and 60’s. While riding 505-8183 or visit www.nuyorican.org. Facilitator: Leticia Rodríguez, Executive the New York subway uptown from Brooklyn Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural to El Barrio, and eager to witness the birth Saturday, November 3, 2012 Puertorriqueña, Inc. Every Saturdays: 2PM of his firstborn, a Puerto Rican factory –4PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 worker and his best friend Trompoloco are La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, caught in the Great Northeastern Blackout. Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s Cuatro Music (212) 410 – 6030. Pregones Theatre,571-575 Walton Avenue, Institute/Rondalla de Cuatro. In its Bronx, New York. 8 PM. $24, $15 students/ continuing efforts to preserve the musical La Casa de la Herencia Cultural seniors. For more information call (718) culture of Puerto Rico, and introduce it to Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s Bomba Y Plena 585-1202 or visit http://www.pregones.org. diverse groups in the community, La Casa Dance & Percusion. Instructor: Obanilu provides professional Cuatro (National Ire, Saturdays 2:30PM–4:30PM. La Casa, Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) Puerto Rican Instrument) lessons, for 1230 Fifth Avenue Suite 458 (between and Teatro Breve presents Wish You Were beginners and advanced participants every 104th & 105th Street), NYC, Course Fee: Here! Teatro Breve’s, Wish you were here!, Saturday. La Casa’s Cuatro Music Institute $15per class. presents comical and surprising situations introduces participants to the history and that a Puerto Rican family experiences while traditions connected to this century old form Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. on their Christmas holiday in Vermont. The of musical interpretation, its construction, (SEA) presents ¡Viva Pinocho!/A Mexican characters will stumble upon absurd, funny and on how to read and play music in a Pinocchio! A re-telling of the classic and very Boricua situations. Teatro SEA, 68 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 8:30PM. $20. New York Public Library for the Performing leading opera houses in the Americas. It For more information: www.teatrosea.org Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, has been training artists for the world’s , www.borimix.com or call (212) 529-1545. Bruno Walter Auditorium, 40 Lincoln opera and ballet stages for decades. The Center Plaza, NYC. 2:30PM. Free. For Americas Society, 680 Park Avenue, NYC. Repertorio Español presents La vida en los more information: www.nypl.org. 4PM. Members/Free; Non-members/$20. Esclavos Unidos (Life in the United Slaves). For more information visit www.americas- Saulo García, author and performer, Repertorio Español presents La vida en los society.org. touches on themes such as the financial Esclavos Unidos (Life in the United Slaves). crisis, healthcare in the U.S.A., immigrants’ Saulo García, author and performer, Wednesday, November 7, 2012 jobs and the lifelong trauma left after the touches on themes such as the financial interview for a visa at the U.S. Embassy. crisis, healthcare in the U.S.A., immigrants’ Repertorio Español Presents: La Gringa, Presented only in Spanish (No English jobs and the lifelong trauma left after the by Carmen Rivera and directed by Rene translation available). Recommended for interview for a visa at the U.S. Embassy. Buch. María arrives in Puerto Rico and is adult audiences. The Gramercy Art Theatre, Presented only in Spanish (No English very excited about seeing “her homeland.” 138 East 27th Street (between Lexington & translation available). Recommended for As she visits her uncle in Puerto Rico she Third Avenue), NYC. 8PM. Tickets start at adult audiences. The Gramercy Art Theatre, is faced with many questions about being $30. For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 138 East 27th Street (between Lexington & Puerto Rican. La Gringa is a story about or www.repertorio.org. Third Avenue), NYC. 2:30 PM. Tickets start cultural identity and family. The Gramercy at $30. For reservations, call (212) 225- Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between The Queens Museum and the King Juan 9999 or www.repertorio.org. Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 11AM. Carlos Center presents Dal Puri Diaspora. $25 - $55. For reservations, call (212) 225- Award-winning, Toronto-based Chinese Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA), 9999 or www.repertorio.org. Trinidadian filmmaker Richard Fung Roy Arias Studios & Theaters, and Marañao presents and discusses his latest film, Dal Inc. presents La Última Plena Que Bailó La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puri Diaspora, a fascinating exploration Luberza/Luberza’s Last Plena Dance. The Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s CUATRO MUSIC of food, migration, and culture with NYU story is an imaginary journey into the last WORKSHOP. Cuatro Music Lessons for Professor Aisha Khan (Callaloo Nation: day of Isabel Luberza Oppenheimer’s life, beginners and advanced participants. La Metaphors of Race and Religious Identity better known as “Isabel la Negra.” She was Casa’s Cuatro Music Instruction Program Among South Asians in Trinidad). Curated a Puerto Rican brothel owner and madam introduces participants to the history and by A/P/A Visiting Scholar Chi-hui Yang. in Barrio Maraguez, Ponce, Puerto Rico. traditions connected to this century old form A Brief introduction to the Caribbean: Roy Arias Theaters Stage 2, Times Square of musical interpretation, its construction, Crossroads of the World exhibition will be Art Center, 300 W. 43 St., 4th Floor, NYC. 4 and how to read and play music in a hands- provided by Hitomi Iwasaki, Director of and 8 PM. $20. For reservations, call (347) on environment. Every Wednesdays: Exhibition, Queens Museum of Art. 6 PM 806-1617. www.smarttix.com. 6:30PM–8PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East – 9 PM. Free & Open to the Public, RSVP 121 Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), requested by Nov 1. King Juan Carlos Pregones Theater presents El Apagón / NYC. To register contact: Leticia Rodríguez Center, 53 Washington Square South, New The Blackout. Pregones Theater’s much- at (212) 470-8228. York, NY, 10012. acclaimed adaptation of the story “The Night We Became People Again” by José Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) PACE University presents Calpulli Mexican Luis González, performed in Spanish and and Pregones Theater presents the film Dance Company. Calpulli unveils its World English, and set to the beat of popular Plenazos Callejeros. Director: Mariana Premiere of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Latin songs from the 1950’s and 60’s. Reyes Angleró. A production by Viento Dead), evoking the unending relationship While riding the New York subway uptown de Agua Inc. In Plenazos Callejeros, the between the living and the departed from Brooklyn to El Barrio, and eager to protagonists tell their story about the with music and dance as the language witness the birth of his firstborn, a Puerto movement. Pregones Theater, 571-575 that transcends. Meticulous costuming, Rican factory worker and his best friend Walton Avenue, Bronx, NY. 7PM. Free. passionate live music, and larger than Trompoloco are caught in the Great For information: www.teatrosea.org, www. life surprises will have you mesmerized. Northeastern Blackout. Pregones Theatre, borimix.com or call (212) 529-1545. 7:30PM. Tickets $40/$25. Michael 571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, New York. Schimmel Center for the Arts, 3 Spruce 8 PM. $24, students/seniors, $15.. For El Museo presents ANTONIO RAMOS: Steet, NYC. For information and tickets, more information call (718) 585-1202 or Works in Progress. A special performance visit www.calpullidance.org. visit http://www.pregones.org. by Antonio Ramos where he invites audiences to experience his choreography, World Music Institute presents Festival PACE University presents Calpulli Mexican often marked by humor and an inventive Flamenco Gitano, Diego el Cigala. Spain’s Dance Company. Calpulli unveils its World exploration of the mundane. Kyle Bukhari superstar vocalist returns to his roots – Premiere of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the (dancer, choreographer and dance flamenco, providing a rare opportunity to Dead), evoking the unending relationship pedagogue both in the U.S. and Europe) see him performing his deeply moving between the living and the departed will join Ramos in conversation about the renditions of flamenco puro. Town Hall, 123 with music and dance as the language influences in his early career and where West 43rd Street, Manhattan. 8PM Tickets that transcends. Meticulous costuming, he finds inspiration today. El Museo del $45, $55, $65; $125 VIP tickets include passionate live music, and larger than Barrio- Black Box Theater, 3rd Fl.,1230 reception.For more information or tickets, life surprises will have you mesmerized. Fifth Avenue, NYC. 7:30PM. Free, RSVP con tact www.worldmusicinstitute.org. Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, 3 Required. Visit www.elmuseo.org or call Spruce Steet, NYC. 3PM. Tickets $40/$25. (212) 831-7272 for details. Sunday, November 4, 2012 For information and tickets, visit www. calpullidance.org. Thursday, November 8, 2012 North / South Consonance presents Music from The Americas. Mexican-born pianist The Americas Society presents students Repertorio Español presents La Casa and composer Max Lifchitz is joined by from Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro de Bernarda Alba by García Lorca, members of his North/South Consonance Colón. The Instituto Superior de Arte del directed by René Buch. Bernarda Alba Ensemble in a concert featuring chamber Teatro Colón is the training institute of attempts to dominate and control her five music by composers from Latin America. Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, one of the unmarried daughters. In this repressed 69 environment, Lorca creates an explosion Union. Also, one section from LUCIA Friday, November 9, 2012 of hatred, jealousy, despair and passion. (Cuba, 1968), directed by Humberto Solas, Performances presented in Spanish an epic depicting 3 heroines from different Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) simultaneous English translation via periods in Cuban history. Discussion presents La Plenópera del Empache/ headphones available for an additional $3. afterwards with Mark Ethan. 2PM. Queens The Belly-Ache Opera. A Puerto Rican The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, children’s theatre classic by Leopoldo Street (between Lexington & Third Avenue), Queens NY. $10. For more information call Santiago Lavandero. It compiles a good NYC. 11 AM. $25/$50 with discounts (718) 592-9700 or visit the website www. number of Puerto Rican plenas with lyrics available for seniors, students, children and queensmuseum.org. that narrate the story of a gluttonous boy groups. For reservations, call (212) 225- and the experience that changed his life. 9999 or www.repertorio.org. TEATRO IATI presents Julia de Burgos: Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. The Paths of a Poet (Las rutas de Julia 10:30AM. Adults $18/Children $15. For La Casa de la Herencia Cultural de Burgos) by Oscar Montero. Las rutas more information: www.teatrosea.org, www. Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s CREATIVE de Julia de Burgos presents the personal borimix.com or (212) 529-1545. PAINTING WORKSHOP. Focus on the struggles and poetic genius of Puerto Rican creativity and understanding of painting. writer Julia de Burgos. The play focuses on Repertorio Español presents En El Tiempo Become knowleadgeable of the physical her passion for the words of her poems, for de las Mariposas, A new play by Caridad appearance of the subject, and its inner life, political justice, for a man. Julia’s journeys, Svich based on Julia Alvarez’s novel, as it relates to the growth and development from home to exile, back home in death, are directed by José Zayas. “In The Time of the of the artist. Emphasis will also be placed framed by her close relationship with her Butterflies” is the story of the courageous on the psychological value of color, form sister Consuelo and by the political turmoil Mirabal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María and expression. This will enable the artist of the period. IATI Theater, 64 East 4th St Teresa) from the Dominican Republic. The to understand the work of other artists, and NYC. 4PM. Tickets $20/$25. Visit: www. sisters inspired resistance cells throughout the different periods, from the most primitive teatroiati.org. the country against the dictatorial regime form of art to the most modern creations. of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The Throughout this workshop, we will stress Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. ‘butterflies’, their secret code name, heavily on Acrylic Painting, including seven (SEA) , Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural were brutally murdered by the regime in different techniques to help the participants & Educational Center, Don Q Destilería 1960. Presented in Spanish. Live English express themselves in different artistic Serrallés and Deutsche Bank Americas translation available. Recommended ways. In addition to the arrangements Foundation presents Opening Reception of for adult audiences. The Gramercy Arts prepared in the studio, participants will have the Exhibition The INDEX show & Awards Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between an opportunity to paint outdoors. Still lives, Ceremony for BORIMIX: Puerto Rico Fest Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 11AM. landscapes, flower and portrait painting will 2012. LES & Abrazo Interno Gallery at Tickets begin at $30, with discounts be covered. The main goal of this workshop Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational available for seniors, students, and groups. is to encourage creativity, self confidence, Center, 107 Suffolk Street, 1st & 2nd fls, For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or and knowledge of the various schools of NYC. 6PM. Free. For more information: www.repertorio.org. art. Instructor: Eli Alvarado, President, www.teatrosea.org , www.borimix.com or Board of Directors, La Casa de la Herencia call (212) 529-1545. La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc., Casabe Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s PUERTO RICO Houses, 150 East 121 Street (Corner of The Toni Pantoja Mural Project, in HISTORY II. Celebrate with us the Lexington Avenue), NYC. Intermediate collaboration with The Silberman School of contributions pioneered by the Puerto Class, Thursdays: 10AM–12PM, (212) 470- Social Work and the Center of Puerto Rican Rican community of NYC and beyond. Join 8228 Studies at Hunter College presents: Antonia us for a journey through Puerto Rico’s major Pantoja Presente! Celebrate the LIfe of historical events, culture and literature. Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture Antonia Pantoja: Visionary, Social Worker, Instructor: Leticia Rodriguez, Executive presents Hostos Repertory Company’s Educator, Activist and Founder of ASPIRA. Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural production Song of Extinction by EM Lewis. Silberman Schooll of Social Work, 2180 Puertorriqueña, Inc. Casabe Houses, Max, a musically gifted high school student, Third Avenue Auditorium, NYC, 6PM. 150 East 121 Street (Corner of Lexington is falling off the edge of the world — and Avenue), NYC, Fridays: 4PM – 5:30PM; his biology teacher is the only one who’s Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture (212) 410 – 6030. noticed. A new play about the science of life presents Hostos Repertory Company’s and loss, the relationships between fathers production Song of Extinction by EM Lewis. La Casa de la Herencia Cultural and sons, Cambodian fields, Bolivian Max, a musically gifted high school student, Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s LIVING HISTORY rainforests and redemption. Winner of the is falling off the edge of the world — and THEATER. Intergenerational workshop prestigious Steinberg New Play Award and his biology teacher is the only one who’s combines theater, journal writing, the Los Angeles Drama Critic’s Award for noticed. A new play about the science of life interviewing and oral history. Interviewing Outstanding New Play. Hostos Center for and loss, the relationships between fathers and fun theater exercises will allow the Arts and Culture, Repertory Theatre, and sons, Cambodian fields, Bolivian participants to tell their own life stories in a 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street, rainforests and redemption. Winner of the creative manner, to develop understanding Bronx, NY. 12:30PM. $10. For information prestigious Steinberg New Play Award and and strengthen intergenerational and tickets call the box office: (718) 518- the Los Angeles Drama Critic’s Award for relationships. Instructor: Gloria Zelaya. 4455 or visit Hostos Box Office on Monday Outstanding New Play. Hostos Center for Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 Street - Friday, 12:30PM - 6:30PM.and two hours the Arts and Culture, Repertory Theatre, (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, before showtime. 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street, Fridays: 6PM– 8PM. (212) 410 – 6030. Bronx, NY. 7PM. $10. For information and The Queens Museum presents the film tickets call the box office: (718) 518-4455 or Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture CUBAN STORY (1959), directed by Victor visit Hostos Box Office on Monday - Friday, presents Hostos Repertory Company’s Pahlen, 50 min. A real historical curiosity, 12:30PM - 6:30PM and two hours before production Song of Extinction by EM Lewis. presented and narrated by Errol Flynn (in showtime. Max, a musically gifted high school student, his last film appearance), this propaganda is falling off the edge of the world — and piece for Fidel Castro was made before he his biology teacher is the only one who’s declared Cuba’s alliance with the Soviet noticed. A new play about the science of life 70 and loss, the relationships between fathers for adult audiences.The Gramercy Arts coalition to organize the 14th annual and sons, Cambodian fields, Bolivian Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between Muevete! Youth Conference: My Movement! rainforests and redemption. Winner of the Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Our Voice! Interested in facilitaing a prestigious Steinberg New Play Award and Tickets begin at $33, with discounts workshop, tabling at the plaza, exhibiting the Los Angeles Drama Critic’s Award for available for seniors, students, and groups. your art in the gallery, advertisign in the Outstanding New Play. Hostos Center for For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or conference journal, joining outreach effors, the Arts and Culture, Repertory Theatre, www.repertorio.org. volunteerifng the day of event, networking 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street in with other community organizing groups? the Bronx. 7PM. $10. For information and The Americas Society presents lutist Paul Join the circle! BronxWorks Betances tickets call the box office: (718) 518-4455 or O’Dette. One of the most influential figures Community center, 547 East 146th Street, visit Hostos Box Office on Monday - Friday, in the early music field, Paul O’Dette is best (corner of St. Ann’s) Bronx, NY Interested 12:30PM- 6:30PM and two hours before known for his recitals and recordings of Organizations meeting: 11AM-1PM, lunch showtime. virtuoso solo lute music. O’Dette maintains will be provided; Interested individuals: an active international career as an 2PM-4PM. For more imnformation, Pan American Musical Art Research, ensemble musician as well, performing with [email protected], facebook: Inc (PAMAR) presents Latin American many of the leading early music soloists and mueveteyouthconference. Cultural Week Opening Celebration with ensembles such as the acclaimed continuo GlamourTango. GlamourTango, conceived ensemble Tragicomedia. In his Americas La Casa de la Herencia Cultural and directed by Uruguayan pianist and Society debut, O’Dette will perform music Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s SPANISH GUITAR Musical Director Polly Ferman, is a by Santiago de Murcia, Manuel Alvarez, Classes, Beginners: Saturdays 10AM landmark multimedia show of music and and anonymous Afro-Brazilian composers. to 11AM; Advanced: Saturdays 11AM to dance, theatrical sets and lighting, created The Americas Society, 680 Park Avenue, 12:30PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 as a tribute to those women who wrote the NYC. 7PM. Members/FREE, Non- Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, pages of Tango from its very beginning. members; $20. For more information visit Course Fee: $15 per class, (212) 410 – GlamourTango takes the audience on a www.americas-society.org. 6030 musical journey through the 20th century, showcasing a fresh and renewed vision Nuyorican Poets Café presents Friday Night La Casa de la Herencia Cultural of the role of women in Tango. This Poetry Slam. The Nuyorican Friday Night Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s SALSA Dance passionate celebration of women in Tango Poetry Slam is pretty popular and fills up Classes. Learn the Basics of Salsa music consists of an internationally renowned fast, so please get in line early. (suggested and dancing. Learn the key elements of musical quintet as well as dancers and a arrival latest 9:15pm). Nuyorican Poets body movements. Bring your dancing vocalist, all female. New York Society For Cafe 236 East 3rd Street (Between B & C). shoes, and later enjoy dancing the New Ethical Culture, 2 West 64th St. at Central 10PM. $10 and $20 VIP seating. For more York Style at clubs. Instructor: Jennifer Park West, NYC, 7:30PM. $30. Tickets at information, please call (212) 505-8183 or Silva. La Casa, 1230 Fifth Avenue Suite door, cash only (opens 7PM) or purchase visit www.nuyorican.org. 458 (between 104th & 105th Street), NYC online at www.pamar.org. Beginner/Intermediate Classes (New York Saturday, November 10, 2012 Style) Saturdays, from 12:30PM – 2PM; Thalia Spanish Theatre presents Course Fee: $15 per class. Contact Leticia COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Rodriguez, (212) 722 – 2600. Company with Harold Gutierrez and his Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s Cuatro Music Band return in a new program of music & Institute/Rondalla de Cuatro. In its CAFÉ, TERTULIAS Y MUCHO MÁS dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. continuing efforts to preserve the musical (Coffee, Discussions, and more). This Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint culture of Puerto Rico, and introduce it to workshop is specifically designed for Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8PM. $25. For diverse groups in the community, La Casa seniors and their families. Café, Tertulias y information call (718) 729-3880 or visit provides professional Cuatro (National Mucho Más is a creative journey into music, www.thaliatheatre.org. Puerto Rican Instrument) lessons, for dance, poetry and other expressive and beginners and advanced participants every artistic forms. This workshop provides an El Instituto Cervantes presents The Rebeca Saturday. La Casa’s Cuatro Music Institute opportunity for seniors and their families to Vallejo Trio. Influenced by Flamenco and introduces participants to the history and meet on a weekend basis, at a time that is Latin-Jazz music, Rebeca Vallejo uncovers traditions connected to this century old form convenient for them, to express themselves the emotional beauty and rhythmic of musical interpretation, its construction, through the educational, cultural and complexity of Brazilian music. Instituto and on how to read and play music in a recreational mediums of music, dance, Cervantes, 211-215 East 49th Street, NYC. hands-on environment. Instructor: Luis poetry, literature and other artistic forms. 7PM. Tickets: $15 / Members $10. For Rodríguez who for the past 15 years, has Facilitator: Leticia Rodríguez, Executive information call (212) 308-7720 or www. played the Puerto Rican Cuatro and the Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural nyork.cervantes.es. Cuban Tres with the re-known Conjunto of Puertorriqueña, Inc. Every Saturdays: 2PM Johnny Pacheco. He has played with the – 4PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 Repertorio Español presents El amor late Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, Pete “El Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, en los tiempos del cólera. Based on Conde” Rodriguez, Ruben Blades and many (212) 410 – 6030 Gabriel García Márquez’s Nobel Prize others. He can be heard on the soundtrack Winning novel, this lyrical, imagistic play of the motion picture, The Mambo Kings, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural focuses on an extraordinary love story and on the soundtrack for Paul Simon’s Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s Bomba Y Plena between a poetically-inclined man named The Capeman. La Casa, 1230 Fifth Avenue Dance & Percusion. Instructor: Obanilu Ire, Florentino Ariza and a sensual, practical yet Suite 458 (between 104th & 105th Streets), Saturdays 2:30PM – 4:30PM. La Casa, somewhat elusive woman named Fermina NYC; Classes for beginners are every 1230 Fifth Avenue Suite 458 (between Daza. Spanning fifty years of time, the Saturday from 10AM–11PM and Advanced 104th & 105th Street), NYC, Course Fee: story plays out in a series of short scenic classes from 11AM-12:30PM. Course Fee: $15.00 per class episodes filled with poetry, song, movement $15 per class. Contact: Leticia Rodriguez, and heightened moments of theatricality. A (212) 722 – 2600. Repertorio Español Presents: La Gringa, daring four-actor tour-de-force piece for the by Carmen Rivera and directed by Rene theatre. Presented in Spanish with English Muevete Youth Conference hosts: My Buch. María arrives in Puerto Rico and is and Spanish subtitles. Recommended Community Communty Circle. Join the very excited about seeing “her homeland.” 71 As she visits her uncle in Puerto Rico she Company with Harold Gutierrez and his of Puerto Rican plenas with lyrics that is faced with many questions about being Band return in a new program of music & narrate the story of a gluttonous boy and Puerto Rican. La Gringa is a story about dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. the experience that changed his life. Teatro cultural identity and family. The Gramercy Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 4PM. Adults Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8PM. $27/$30. $18. Children $15. For more information: Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 3PM. For information call (718) 729-3880 or visit www.teatrosea.org, www.borimix.com or $25/$55. For reservations, call (212) 225- www.thaliatheatre.org. (212) 529-1545. 9999 or www.repertorio.org. Repertorio Español presents En El Tiempo Pregones Theater presents Dancing In My Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) de las Mariposas, A new play by Caridad Cockroach Killers. A selection of poems presents La Plenópera del Empache/The Svich based on Julia Alvarez’s novel, and monologues written by Magdalena Belly-Ache Opera. A Puerto Rican children’s directed by José Zayas. “In The Time of the Gómez directed by Rosalba Rolón with theatre classic by Leopoldo Santiago Butterflies” is the story of the courageous musical director Desmar Guevara. From Lavandero. It compiles a good number Mirabal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María the breathtaking Fuego en la cocina, the no- of Puerto Rican plenas with lyrics that Teresa) from the Dominican Republic. The nonsense Why I Lost The Popularity Contest narrate the story of a gluttonous boy and sisters inspired resistance cells throughout to the hilarious and daring Soap and Water, the experience that changed his life. Teatro the country against the dictatorial regime the actors and musicians of Pregones SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 3PM. Adults of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The Ensemble stage a sizzling tribute to poet, $18. Children $15. For more information: ‘butterflies’, their secret code name, storyteller and playwright Magdalena www.teatrosea.org, www.borimix.com or were brutally murdered by the regime in Gómez. Pregones Theatre,571-575 Walton (212) 529-1545. 1960. Presented in Spanish. Live English Avenue, Bronx, NY. 8PM. $24, Students translation available. Recommended and Seniors, $15. For more information Pablo Mayor and Anna Povich presents for adult audiences. The Gramercy Arts call (718) 585-1202 or visit http://www. the 9th Annual Encuentro NYC Colombian Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between pregones.org. Music Festival with Sebastián Cruz Cheap Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Landscape Trio, Martin Vejarano-Chia’s Tickets begin at $30, with discounts Repertorio Español presents Locuras Dance Party, Nilko Andreas Guarín, available for seniors, students, and groups. en Wichita by Lina Gallegos, directed Alejandro Flórez- Tibaguí,Alejandro Zuleta For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or by Luis Fernández. Winner of the 2009 Vallenato Collective Pablo Mayor’s Folklore www.repertorio.org. MetLife ‘Nuestras Voces’ National Latino Urbano Orchestra, Daniel Fetecua and Plays Initiative, “Locuras en Wichita” is Pajarillo Pinta’o Dance Company, Gregorio KHORIKOS Premieres “Cantos de vida an unconventional romantic comedy. Uribe Big Band and M.A.K.U. Sound nueva” by Javier Farias. The choral group An elegant Puerto Rican woman and an System. This annual New York music sings Chilean composer Javier Farias’ irreverent Mexican man fall in love when festival continues to provide a platform for newest work, along with a wide range of they meet at an assisted living center in Colombian artists in New York to present stunning musical selections from Spain Wichita, Kansas. Despite their children’s their art, while bringing these treasures to to the Americas. Church of the Blessed disapproval and fueled by their newfound the attention of the international audience. Sacrament, 152 West 71st Street, NYC. love, the couple embarks on adventures Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street, 7:30PM. Suggested donation $30 reserved that disrupt the center’s assumed tranquility. NYC. 4PM. Admission: $15 standing event prime seating, $20, $10 student/senior. For The play explores the lives and loves of two Contact: (212) 505-FISH or visit www. more information: www.khorikos.com. Americans who were warehoused but who lprnyc.com. find happiness. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington Lehman College presents Salsa Palooza Sunday, November 11, 2012 & Third Avenues, NYC. 6:30PM. Tickets featuring India, Tito Rojas and Frankie begin at $25, with discounts available for Negron. Salsa Palooza is back with three Repertorio Español presents El amor seniors, students, children and groups. For of the most successful and popular Salsa en los tiempos del cólera. Based on reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or www. artists who will perform hit after hit of their Gabriel García Márquez’s Nobel Prize repertorio.org. amazing careers. Lehman Center for the Winning novel, this lyrical, imagistic play Performing Arts, Bedford Park Blvd West, focuses on an extraordinary love story Thalia Spanish Theatre presents Bronx, NY. 8PM. Tickets $60, $55, $45. For between a poetically-inclined man named COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance more information or to purchase tickets, Florentino Ariza and a sensual, practical yet Company with Harold Gutierrez and his visit www.lehmancenter.org. somewhat elusive woman named Fermina Band return in a new program of music & Daza. Spanning fifty years of time, the dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. Pregones Theater presents Dancing story plays out in a series of short scenic Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint In My Cockroach Killers. A selection episodes filled with poetry, song, movement Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 4PM. Admission: of poems and monologues written by and heightened moments of theatricality. A $27-$30. For information call (718) 729- Magdalena Gómez directed by Rosalba daring four-actor tour-de-force piece for the 3880 or visit www.thaliatheatre.org. Rolón with musical director Desmar theatre. Presented in Spanish with English Guevara. From the breathtaking Fuego and Spanish subtitles. Recommended Monday, November 12, 2012 en la cocina, the no-nonsense Why I Lost for adult audiences.The Gramercy Arts The Popularity Contest to the hilarious and Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between The Institute for The Puerto Rican/ daring Soap and Water, the actors and Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 2:30 Hispanic Elderly presents: Herencia musicians of Pregones Ensemble stage PM. Tickets begin at $33, with discounts Puertorriqueña…Nuestros Pioneros in a sizzling tribute to poet, storyteller and available for seniors, students, and groups. honor of Puerto Rican Heriatge Month. playwright Magdalena Gómez. Pregones For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or IPRHE, 105 E. 22nd Street, 4th fl., NYC. Theatre,571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, www.repertorio.org. 10AM – 12PM. Free. For more information NY. 8PM. $24, $15 students/seniors. For call (212)-677-4181. more information call (718) 585-1202 or Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) visit http://www.pregones.org. presents La Plenópera del Empache/The Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Belly-Ache Opera. A Puerto Rican children’s Thalia Spanish Theatre presents theatre classic by Leopoldo Santiago Repertorio Español presents Nobel Prize COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance Lavandero. It compiles a good number Winner Gabriel García Márquez’ Cronica 72 de una Muerte Anunciada (Chronicle of Wednesday, November 14, 2012 El Museo and the Haiti Cultural Exchange a Death Foretold). Directed by Jorge Alí presents VOCES: Edouard Duval Carrié. Triana.A spectacular wedding, a savage Repertorio Español presents La Casa In an evening of conversation with Haitian- scandal, and a murder to which an entire de Bernarda Alba by García Lorca, born, Miami based artist, Edouard Duval Latin American town appears to be an directed by René Buch. Bernarda Alba Carrié and Jerry Philogene, Assistant accessory to the fact.The Gramercy Art attempts to dominate and control her five Professor of American studies at Dickinson Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between unmarried daughters. In this repressed College, Duval discusses his work, Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 11AM. environment, Lorca creates an explosion which combines African fables, classical $25-$50 with discounts available for of hatred, jealousy, despair and passion. mythology, Haitian and world history with Seniors, Students,and Groups. For Performances presented in Spanish contemporary events, and the personal reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or www. simultaneous English translation via experiences that have shaped his trajectory. repertorio.org. headphones available for an additional $3. El Museo del Barrio- Black Box Theater, The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th 3rd Floor,1230 Fifth Avenue, NYC. 6:30PM. The Americas Society presents Harpist Street (between Lexington & Third Avenue), Free/RSVP Required. Visit www.elmuseo. Edmar Castañeda. Since his move to NYC. 11AM. $25-$50 with discounts org or www.haiticulturalx.org for details. the United States from Colombia in 1994, available for seniors, students, children and Castañeda has taken New York and groups. For reservations, call (212) 225- Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) the world stage by storm with the sheer 9999 or www.repertorio.org. presents Short Night/Noche de Cortos. force of his virtuosic command of the An evening of short films showcasing: harp—revolutionizing the way audiences Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture MI SANTA MIRADA (MY HOLY GAZE), and critics alike consider an instrument presents Hostos Repertory Company’s directed by Álvaro Aponte-Centeno. commonly relegated to the “unusual production Song of Extinction by EM Lewis. Selección oficial de Cannes. Samy is a category.” A master at realizing beautiful Max, a musically gifted high school student, quiet and solitary man who lives from the complexities of time while skillfully drawing is falling off the edge of the world — and drug business. The most important things out lush colors and dynamic spirit, The his biology teacher is the only one who’s in his life are his younger brother and his New York Times characterized Castañeda noticed. A new play about the science of life horse. Tired of being a drug trafficking as “almost a world unto himself.” The and loss, the relationships between fathers subordinate, he decides to betray his Americas Society, 680 Park Avenue, NYC. and sons, Cambodian fields, Bolivian boss, Papo. FRACTURAS MÚLTIPLES, 7PM. Members Free, Non-members $20. rainforests and redemption. Winner of the directed by Joaquín Octavio. An injured For more information visit www.americas- prestigious Steinberg New Play Award and patient awakens from a coma to find that, at society.org. the Los Angeles Drama Critic’s Award for that instant, his love is about to jump from Outstanding New Play. Hostos Center for the roof of a tall building. Determined to The College Academy presents the Arts and Culture, Repertory Theatre, stop her, the patient escapes the hospital “Celebracion de la Cultura Hispana en 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street in the to save her. But will he make it on time? Washington Heights”, featuring dance Bronx. 12:30PM. $10. For information and MEDIO MINUTO, directed and written by performances (Merengue, Bachata and tickets call the box office: (718) 518-4455 or David Norris. In the night of her fifty-fourth Salsa) and a Piano and Voice Duo. The visit Hostos Box Office on Monday - Friday, wedding anniversary, Rafaela finds out that College Academy, 549 Audubon Avenue, 12:30PM - 6:30PM and two hours before Angel, her husband, has recently visited NYC. 1PM - 4 PM. Free. showtime. his ex-lover. This incident awakes old emotions, but at the same time, brings a big Pregones Theater presents Dancing In My Pregones Theater presents El Apagón / surprise. THE LOVE PARADOX, directed by Cockroach Killers. A selection of poems The Blackout. Pregones Theater’s much- Guillermo Campos. Dr. Guillermo Campos, and monologues written by Magdalena acclaimed adaptation of the story “The a respected astrophysicist in the 80’s, loses Gómez directed by Rosalba Rolón with Night We Became People Again” by José his wife in a car accident and collapses into musical director Desmar Guevara. From Luis González, performed in Spanish and a downward spiral. His obsession to prove the breathtaking Fuego en la cocina, the English, and set to the beat of popular Latin his theory regarding time travel consumes no-nonsense Why I Lost The Popularity songs from the 1950’s and 60’s. While riding him. SÁBADO DE GLORIA, directed by Contest to the hilarious and daring Soap the New York subway uptown from Brooklyn Karen Rossi. Gloria and Diana do not have and Water, the actors and musicians to El Barrio, and eager to witness the birth of the best mother-daughter relationship. of Pregones Ensemble stage a sizzling his firstborn, a Puerto Rican factory worker Diana fantasizes about the reactions that tribute to poet, storyteller and playwright and his best friend Trompoloco are caught in reflect her feelings toward her mother. Magdalena Gómez. Pregones Theatre, the Great Northeastern Blackout. Pregones During a visit to the supermarket, Diana 571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, NYC. 8PM. Theatre, 571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, loses Gloria and discovers what she really $24, Students and Seniors, $15. For more NY. 1:30PM. $24, Students and Seniors, feels about her. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk information call (718) 585-1202 or visit $15. For more information call (718) 585- Street, NYC. 7PM. Free. For information: http://www.pregones.org. 1202 or visit http://www.pregones.org. www.teatrosea.org, www.borimix.com or call (212) 529-1545. Zinc Bar presents Pedro Giraudo La Casa de la Herencia Cultural “Expansions” Big Band. Led by acclaimed Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s CUATRO MUSIC Centro De Estudios Puertorriqueños Argentine-born composer/bassist Pedro WORKSHOP. Cuatro Music Lessons for presents the film Válvula de Escape/ Escape Giraudo, this award-winning 17-piece big beginners and advanced participants. La Valve. A view of Puerto Rican migration band combines Argentine underpinnings Casa’s Cuatro Music Instruction Program from the departure of Puerto Rico’s workers with a sound that’s subtly suggestive of introduces participants to the history and to Hawaii in the early 20th Century to composers like Ellington and Mingus, traditions connected to this century old form the more recent movement to Central masterfully weaving together pre- of musical interpretation, its construction, Florida. Presenter: Mariel Marrero García, composed and improvised elementsZinc and how to read and play music in a hands- producer. Hunter College, 68th Street and Bar, 82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson and on environment. Every Wednesdays: Lexington Avenue, West Building, Faculty Sullivan Streets), NYC. 8PM and 10PM. 6:30PM – 8PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East Dining Room, 8th Fl., NYC. 6PM. Free. For $15. Contact: (212) 477-9462 or www. 121 Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), information visit www.centropr.hunter.cuny. pedrogiraudo.com. NYC. To register contact: Leticia Rodríguez edu or call (212) 396-6545. at (212) 470-8228.

73 Thursday, November 15, 2012 Brooklyn, NY. 5:15PM. Free. Visit: www. Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College latinopiano.blogspot.com. present the symposium Plenas en Cadenas/ SEA, R.Evolución Latina and Salgado Plenas in a Chain. Panelists will look at the Productions presents Latin Fusion. Repertorio Español Presents: La Gringa, “chain” of plena performances and songs Luis Salgado, Founder and Director by Carmen Rivera and directed by Rene in New York City from the 1920s to the of R.Evolución Latina and Salgado Buch. María arrives in Puerto Rico and is present time; looking at the current revival Productions, is bringing his LATIN FUSION very excited about seeing “her homeland.” and how it is being transmitted to a new to P.S. 140 with SEA! Kids will experience As she visits her uncle in Puerto Rico she generation of pleneros. A demonstration of tradition, empowerment and the magic is faced with many questions about being plena by the panelists will follow. Organized of DANCE. P.S. 140, 123 Ridge Street, Puerto Rican. La Gringa is a story about by Elena Martínez and Bobby Sanabria NYC. 9:30AM. Free. For information: www. cultural identity and family. The Gramercy as part of Bronx Rising!: Music, Film. & teatrosea.org, www.borimix.com or call Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between Spoken Word of the Borough, their curation (212) 529-1545. Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 7PM. of the BMHC Laboratory, Fall 2012 – Jan. $25/$55. For reservations, call (212) 225- 2013. The BMHC Laboratory, 1303 Louis La Casa de la Herencia Cultural 9999 or www.repertorio.org. Niñe Blvd., Bronx (2 or 5 trains to Freeman Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s CREATIVE Street). 8PM. Free. For information: www. PAINTING WORKSHOP. Focus on the The Queens Museum presents the film teatrosea.org, www.borimix.com or call creativity and understanding of painting. OUR MAN IN HAVANA (UK/Cuba, 1960), (212) 529-1545. Become knowleadgeable of the physical directed by Carol Reed, 107 min. A satirical appearance of the subject, and its inner life, spy story adaptation by Graham Greene Friday, November 16, 2012 as it relates to the growth and development from his novel about a vacuum cleaner of the artist. Emphasis will also be placed salesman (Alec Guinness) recruited to Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) on the psychological value of color, form become a British secret service agent presents La Plenópera del Empache/ and expression. This will enable the artist in Cuba. With Maureen O’Hara, Ernie The Belly-Ache Opera. A Puerto Rican to understand the work of other artists, and Kovacs, Burl Ives, Noel Coward and Ralph children’s theatre classic by Leopoldo the different periods, from the most primitive Richardson. Discussion afterwards with Santiago Lavandero. It compiles a good form of art to the most modern creations. Mark Ethan. Queens Museum, Flushing number of Puerto Rican plenas with lyrics Throughout this workshop, we will stress Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY. that narrate the story of a gluttonous boy heavily on Acrylic Painting, including seven 2PM. $10. For more information call and the experience that changed his life. different techniques to help the participants (718) 592-9700 or visit the website www. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. express themselves in different artistic queensmuseum.org. 10:30AM and 8PM. Adults $18. Children ways. In addition to the arrangements $15. For more information: www.teatrosea. prepared in the studio, participants will have Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture org, www.borimix.com or (212) 529-1545. an opportunity to paint outdoors. Still lives, presents Hostos Repertory Company’s landscapes, flower and portrait painting will production Song of Extinction by EM Lewis. La Casa de la Herencia Cultural be covered. The main goal of this workshop Max, a musically gifted high school student, Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s PUERTO RICO is to encourage creativity, self confidence, is falling off the edge of the world — and HISTORY II. Celebrate with us the and knowledge of the various schools of his biology teacher is the only one who’s contributions pioneered by the Puerto art. Instructor: Eli Alvarado, President, noticed. A new play about the science of life Rican community of NYC and beyond. Join Board of Directors, La Casa de la Herencia and loss, the relationships between fathers us for a journey through Puerto Rico’s major Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc., Casabe and sons, Cambodian fields, Bolivian historical events, culture and literature. Houses, 150 East 121 Street (Corner of rainforests and redemption. Winner of the Instructor: Leticia Rodriguez, Executive Lexington Avenue), NYC. Intermediate prestigious Steinberg New Play Award and Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Class, Thursdays: 10AM–12PM, (212) 470- the Los Angeles Drama Critic’s Award for Puertorriqueña, Inc. Casabe Houses, 8228 Outstanding New Play. Hostos Center for 150 East 121 Street (Corner of Lexington the Arts and Culture, Repertory Theatre, Avenue), NYC, Fridays: 4PM – 5:30PM; Repertorio Español presents El Quijote. 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street in (212) 410 – 6030. A carnivalesque adaptation of Cervantes’ the Bronx. 7 PM. Admission: $10. For masterpiece. Through Don Quijote’s information and tickets call the box office: Centro De Estudios Puertorriqueños and adventures, the production presents the (718) 518-4455 or visit Hostos Box Office the University of Puerto Rico presents illusion of an utopian world with a festive on Monday - Friday, 12:30PM - 6:30PM, Digital Resources in Puerto Rico. Highlight and colorful spirit. El Quijote is a polyphonic and two hours before showtime. of digital resources from University of Puerto play in which many different genres such as Rico campuses available to librarians, comedy, tragedy and farce collide to form a Pregones Theater presents El Apagón / teachers, researchers and students on line. carnival-like and vibrant Don Quijote that is The Blackout. Pregones Theater’s much- Presenter: Mariel Marrero García, producer. rich in its musicality.” The play is a collection acclaimed adaptation of the story “The Hunter College, 68th Street and Lexington of 12 scenes that present different stories Night We Became People Again” by José Avenue, North Building, Room C105, NYC. based on the original text of Cervantes. Luis González, performed in Spanish and 10AM – 12PM. Free. For information visit The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East English, and set to the beat of popular Latin centropr.hunter.cuny.edu or call (212) 396- 27th Street (between Lexington & Third songs from the 1950’s and 60’s. While riding 6545. Avenue), NYC. 11AM. Admission: $25- the New York subway uptown from Brooklyn $50 with discounts available for Seniors, to El Barrio, and eager to witness the birth PINTA Art Fair 2012. PINTA is a unique Students,and Groups. For reservations, call of his firstborn, a Puerto Rican factory event exhibiting annually – for sale through (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. worker and his best friend Trompoloco are participating galleries – the best of Latin caught in the Great Northeastern Blackout. American art, coinciding with Christie’s and The 5th Annual Latin American Piano and Pregones Theatre,571-575 Walton Avenue, Sotheby’s Latin American art auctions and Song Festival NYC. Cesar Reyes, Director Bronx, NY. 8PM. $24, Students and Seniors with important exhibitions in museums and and Founder. A musical journey from South $15. For more information call (718) 585- cultural institutions in New York City. 7 West America to the Caribbean of the most 1202 or visit http://www.pregones.org. 34th Street, at 5th Avenue, NYC. 1PM-8 powerful composers and troubadours. PM. General Admission $25, Student $10, Woody Tanger Auditorium, Brooklyn SEA, the Bronx Music Heritage Center Groups (8+) Reduced price $15. For more College Library, 900 Bedford Avenue, (BMHC), City Lore, and The Center for information, visit www.pintaart.com. 74 SEA and Los Pleneros de la 21 presents 518-4455, email [email protected]. traditional holiday songs. Hostos “Somos Boricuas.” LP21 brings its edu or visit www.hostos.cuny.edu/ Community College, Hostos Center for educational performance series to learn fallconcert. the Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse of the Puerto Rican traditions of Bomba at 149th Street, Bronx, NY. 7PM. & Plena. The In the House series gives a Repertorio Español presents Xavier $10/$15. For more information call (914) great opportunity for students, teachers Montsalvatge A Celebration in Music and 263-6599 or (212) 677-4181 please visit and explorers of cultural arts a chance to Dance. Musical Ensemble Suite Hispania www.comitenoviembre.org. live, learn and witness art forms in NYC’s returns to Repertorio with a once-in-a- communities. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk lifetime opportunity to enjoy the music of El Puente Leadership Center at Taylor- Street, NYC. 1PM. $5. TICKETS VERY one of Spain’s musical prodigies, Xavier Wythe Houses presents: No Control LIMITED. RSVP ASAP: 212-427-4221 or Montsalvatge. The program includes Bboy/Bgirl Battle. A break dancing battle/ [email protected]. performances by world renowned artists competition for youth/young adult teams. such as pianist and music director Ignacio Event Time: TBA, Free, Event: El Puente Pregones Theater presents El Apagón / Prego, violoncellist María Martínez, tenor Leadership Center at Taylor-Wythe Houses, The Blackout. Pregones Theater’s much- Israel Lozano and flamenco dancer Nélida 80 Clymer Street Brooklyn, NY. For more acclaimed adaptation of the story “The Tirado. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 information: [email protected] or Night We Became People Again” by José East 27th Street, between Lexington & (718) 783-555 Luis González, performed in Spanish and Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Tickets begin English, and set to the beat of popular Latin at $33, with discounts available for seniors, El Museo presents SUPER SABADO! – songs from the 1950’s and 60’s. While riding students, and groups. For reservations, call Gran Caribe. Themed after El Museo del the New York subway uptown from Brooklyn (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Barrio’s wide-ranging Permanent Collection to El Barrio, and eager to witness the birth of currently on view – Gran Caribe, bring his firstborn, a Puerto Rican factory worker Thalia Spanish Theatre presents your Familia and enjoy a fun-filled day of and his best friend Trompoloco are caught in COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance free concerts, gallery tours, art making the Great Northeastern Blackout. Pregones Company with Harold Gutierrez and his workshops, storytelling and much more! Theatre,571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, Band return in a new program of music & This event is part of Target® Free Third NY. 1;30PM. $24, Students and Seniors dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. Saturdays at El Museo. El Museo del $15. For more information call (718) 585- Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint Barrio. 1230 Fifth Avenue, NYC. 11AM- 1202 or visit http://www.pregones.org. Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8PM. $25. For 6PM. Free. Visit www.elmuseo.org or call information call (718) 729-3880 or visit (212) 831-7272 for details. La Casa de la Herencia Cultural www.thaliatheatre.org. Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s LIVING HISTORY PINTA Art Fair 2012. PINTA is a unique THEATER. Intergenerational workshop Nuyorican Poets Café presents Friday event exhibiting annually – for sale through combines theater, journal writing, Night Poetry Slam.Hosted by Mahogany participating galleries – the best of Latin interviewing and oral history. Interviewing Browne. The Nuyorican Friday Night Poetry American art, coinciding with Christie’s and fun theater exercises will allow Slam is pretty popular and fills up fast, so and Sotheby’s Latin American art auctions participants to tell their own life stories in a please get in line early. (suggested arrival and with important exhibitions in museums creative manner, to develop understanding latest 9:15pm). Nuyorican Poets Cafe 236 and cultural institutions in New York City. and strengthen intergenerational East 3rd Street (Between B & C). 10PM. 7 West 34th Street, at 5th Avenue, NYC. relationships. Instructor: Gloria Zelaya. $10/$20 VIP seating. For more information, 12PM-8PM. $25, student $10, groups (8+) Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 Street please call (212) 505-8183 or visit www. Reduced price $15. For more information, (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, nuyorican.org. visit www.pintaart.com. Fridays: 6PM– 8PM. (212) 410 – 6030. Saturday, November 17, 2012 Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) PAMAR and NoMMA presents Tango in presents La Plenópera del Empache/The Heights. World-class musicians Daniel Comité Noviembre presents the 7th Belly-Ache Opera. A Puerto Rican children’s Binelli (bandoneon) and Polly Ferman Annual Puerto Rican Artisans Fair and theatre classic by Leopoldo Santiago (piano) have united their talents to develop 1st Annual Book Fair. In keeping with its Lavandero. It compiles a good number and further the appreciation of the tango, mission to promote Puerto Rican culture of Puerto Rican plenas with lyrics that milonga, candombe, and other Latin and art, Comité Noviembre has invited narrate the story of a gluttonous boy and American musical forms in the rarely heard Puerto Rican artisans from Puerto Rico the experience that changed his life. Teatro partnership of the bandoneón and piano. and the United States to participate in SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 3PM. Adults Their performances reflect the elegance its seventh annual Puerto Rican Artisans $18/ Children $15. For more information: and the subtlety of the traditional tango, Fair. The Fair will have live entertainment www.teatrosea.org, www.borimix.com or the sauciness of the milonga, the romance and educational cultural workshops (212) 529-1545. of the waltz, and the temperament and for children and adults such as mask power of the contemporary tango. Our making, the history of the Three Kings’ El Museo presents the Yosvany Terry Saviour’s Atonement Lutheran Church celebration, Taino story telling and much Quintet. Part of Carnegie Hall’s Voices at Cornerstone Center, 178 Bennett Ave, more! This year CN will also conduct a from Latin America series, Cuban-born NYC. 7PM. Suggested Donation $15. For Book Fair of Puerto Rican authors. Come, saxophonist Yosvany Terry takes listeners more information: www.binelli-ferman.com. have fun, learn about our culture, and do on a wild ride from the hard-driving New your holiday shopping purchasing unique York avant-garde to the lyricism and soul of Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture gifts. Hostos Community College, Hostos Afro-Cuban jazz. The new, trailblazing voice presents Cheo Feliciano and Danny Rivera: Center for the Arts & Culture, 450 Grand of Cuban jazz, Terry teaches at The New One Night Together On Stage. A concert Concourse at 149th Street, Bronx, NY. School and has played with jazz hot shots benefiting The Hostos Center For The Arts & 10AM–7PM. Free. For more information Chucho Valdés, Silvio Rodríguez, and Fito Culture and honoring Wally Edgecombe for please visit www.comitenoviembre.org. Páez. El Museo del Barrio–El Teatro, 1230 40 years of extraordianry service. Hostos Fifth Avenue, NYC. 4PM. Free. Visit www. Center for the Arts and Culture, 450 Grand Comité Noviembre presents La Tuna elmuseo.org or www.carnegiehall.org for Concourse at 149th Street in the Bronx. de Cayey. Puerto Rico’s most famous details. Silent Auction and Reception 5:30PM. group of trobadours from the University Concert 7:30PM. For information call (718) of Puerto Rico Cayey Campus, sing Repertorio Español presents Xavier 75 Montsalvatge A Celebration in Music and contact: Teresa A. Santiago (914) 263- dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. Dance. Musical Ensemble Suite Hispania 6599, Alicia Rodriguez, (347) 675 5490, Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint returns to Repertorio with a once-in-a- Iris Ramirez, [email protected], to Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 4PM. $27-$30. lifetime opportunity to enjoy the music of confirm other locations. 11AM - 4PM. For information call (718) 729-3880 or visit one of Spain’s musical prodigies, Xavier www.thaliatheatre.org. Montsalvatge. The program includes PINTA Art Fair 2012. PINTA is a unique performances by world renowned artists event exhibiting annually – for sale through Madison Square Garden presents Serrat such as pianist and music director Ignacio participating galleries – the best of Latin And Sabina - Dos Pajaros Contraatacan. Prego, violoncellist María Martínez, tenor American art, coinciding with Christie’s Following the success of their first tour Israel Lozano and flamenco dancer Nélida and Sotheby’s Latin American art auctions together “Dos Pájaros De Un Tiro”, Joan Tirado. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 and with important exhibitions in museums Manuel Serrat and Joaquin Sabina embark East 27th Street, between Lexington & and cultural institutions in New York City. on a second tour . Both have solo careers Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Tickets begin 7 West 34th Street, at 5th Avenue, NYC. stretching back to the 70s. Despite their at $33, with discounts available for seniors, 12PM-7PM. $25, student $10, groups (8+) different styles and voices, they share n students, and groups. For reservations, call Reduced price $15. For more information, “Dos Pajaros Contraatacan”. The Theater (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. visit www.pintaart.com. at Madison Square Garden, 7th Ave and 32nd Street, NYC. 7PM. $65-$255. For Dr. Antonia Pantoja Fellowship presents Repertorio Español presents Xavier tickets: www.thegarden.com. Annual Theatre and Dinner Fundraiser Montsalvatge A Celebration in Music and Baile Cangrejero: Bomba, Plena & Poesía. Dance. Musical Ensemble Suite Hispania Monday, November 19, 2012 Rhythmic treasures of our Afro Caribe returns to Repertorio with a once-in-a- heritage, from Palés to Guillén, Baile lifetime opportunity to enjoy the music of The Americas Society presents Harpist Cangrejero sets the great masters of Afro- one of Spain’s musical prodigies, Xavier Edmar Castañeda. Since his move to Latino poetry to the dynamic rhythms of Montsalvatge. The program includes the United States from Colombia in 1994, bomba, plena and bolero. 4PM - 11:59PM. performances by world renowned artists Castañeda has taken New York and Dinner: Giovanni’s Restaurant, 579 Grand such as pianist and music director Ignacio the world stage by storm with the sheer Concourse, Bronx, NY. Performance: Teatro Prego, violoncellist María Martínez, tenor force of his virtuosic command of the Pregones, 575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, NY. Israel Lozano and flamenco dancer Nélida harp—revolutionizing the way audiences Tickets: $100—Dinner & Theater; $50— Tirado. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 and critics alike consider an instrument Theater; $40—Theater (Student). For East 27th Street, between Lexington & commonly relegated to the “unusual Information or to purchase tickets via Pay Third Avenues, NYC. 2:30PM. Tickets begin category.” A master at realizing beautiful Pal, visit www.drantoniapantojafellowship. at $33, with discounts available for seniors, complexities of time while skillfully drawing org. students, and groups. For reservations, call out lush colors and dynamic spirit, The (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. New York Times characterized Castañeda Thalia Spanish Theatre presents as “almost a world unto himself.” The COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance Los Pleneros de La 21 & SEA In Association Americas Society, 680 Park Avenue, NYC. Company with Harold Gutierrez and his With Bruckner Bar & Grill Presents 7PM. Members Free, Non-members $20. Band return in a new program of music & ¡EL SANCOCHO MUSICAL DE LOS For more information visit www.americas- dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. PLENEROS DE LA 21! Los Pleneros de la society.org. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint 21 brew up a special batch of its delectable Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8PM. $27/$30. musical stew for Puerto Rican Heritage Tuesday, November 20, 2012 For information call (718) 729-3880 or visit Month, bringing Bomba, Plena and more www.thaliatheatre.org. LIVE music! Join these musical masters The Americas Society presents Alejandro where you can sing, play, dance, and get Escuer: Flying. An audio-visual concert Sunday, November 18, 2012 down Boricua style all night long. Bruckner experience where ancient and new music Bar & Grill, 1 Bruckner Blvd., Bronx, interact with art photography, electronic COMITE NOVIEMBRE EIGHTEENTH NYC. 3PM. $10 (call for special offers.) music, classical music composition, sonic ANNUAL DAY OF COMMUNITY Tickets available at the door or call/email art, and improvisation. Featuring Alejandro SERVICE AND SOCIAL in advance: 212.427.5221, pleneros21@ Escuer as a flutist-composer, “One of the RESPONSIBILITY. For the past eighteen gmail.com. best performers and multidisciplinary artists years, Comité Noviembre has set aside today.” (El Universal), and guest artists the Sunday before Thanksgiving as a Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) from Mexico and the US. Escuer has day of community service and social presents A 3 Voces. A musical revue of been the recipient of numerous prizes and responsibility. The purpose of the day some of the most romantic songs from Latin awards, including a Rockefeller Foundation is to show the spirit of commitment and America’s greatest “TRIOS.” Audiences Award in 1995 and several from Mexican the power of action. This year CN has experience a nostalgic and charming love institutions. The Americas Society, 680 partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters’ story through such songs as “El Almanaque” Park Avenue, NYC. 7PM. Members Free, Latino Bigs as well as ASPIRA, el Puente and “Piel Canela.” Never before has a Non-members, $20. For more information and other organizations to conduct food compilation of the most beloved Latin visit www.americas-society.org. drives of non-perishable foods to create American love songs been so elegantly Thanksgiving dinner baskets for the poor brought back to life. Performed in Spanish Musica de Camara celebrates its Thirty- of New York. CN is working to provide but understood by everyone who has loved! third Anniversary Season with Musica de 300 needy families with food baskets Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. 4PM. Camara String Orchestra under the direction and turkeys which will be distributed by Admission: $30 online and in advance; $40 of Maestro Roselin Pabon, Conductor volunteers on the 18th. TURKEYS ARE at the door. For more information: www. Emeritus of the Puerto Rico Symphony. The NEEDED, as well as non-perishable teatrosea.org, www.borimix.com or (212) concert features works by contemporary foods. Several food drop-off points have 529-1545. composers from the Caribbean and Latin been determined, UPACA Senior Center/ America including the World Premiere of IPRHE, 1940 Lexington Avenue (between Thalia Spanish Theatre presents “Tres Secretos en Plena; Encantos de 119th and 120th Street), NYC; Elmhurst COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance Puerto Rico” by Puerto Rican composer Jackson Heights/IPRHE Senior Center, Company with Harold Gutierrez and his Manuel Calzada, commissioned by Musica 75-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY. Please Band return in a new program of music & de Camara for this celebration. This work 76 integrates the Plena, a Puerto Rican urban participants to tell their own life stories in a latest 9:15pm). Nuyorican Poets Cafe 236 folk music, within the traditional classical creative manner, to develop understanding East 3rd Street (Between B & C). 10PM. music forms and features the renowned and strengthen intergenerational $10/$20 VIP seating. For more information, Plena ensemble Siembra Maestra. Merkin relationships. Instructor: Gloria Zelaya. please call (212) 505-8183 or visit www. Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street, NYC. Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 Street nuyorican.org. 8PM. $20 with a reception to follow. For (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, more information: (212) 410-5612, Musica Fridays: 6PM– 8PM. (212) 410 – 6030. Thalia Spanish Theatre presents de [email protected], or visit www. COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance MusicaDeCamara25.com. Repertorio Español presents El amor Company with Harold Gutierrez and his en los tiempos del cólera. Based on Band return in a new program of music & Wednesday, November 21, 2012 Gabriel García Márquez’s Nobel Prize dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. Winning novel, this lyrical, imagistic play Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint La Casa de la Herencia Cultural focuses on an extraordinary love story Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8PM. $25. For Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s CUATRO MUSIC between a poetically-inclined man named information call (718) 729-3880 or visit WORKSHOP. Cuatro Music Lessons for Florentino Ariza and a sensual, practical yet www.thaliatheatre.org. beginners and advanced participants. La somewhat elusive woman named Fermina Casa’s Cuatro Music Instruction Program Daza. Spanning fifty years of time, the Saturday, November 24, 2012 introduces participants to the history and story plays out in a series of short scenic traditions connected to this century old form episodes filled with poetry, song, movement La Casa de la Herencia Cultural of musical interpretation, its construction, and heightened moments of theatricality. A Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s Cuatro Music and how to read and play music in a hands- daring four-actor tour-de-force piece for the Institute/Rondalla de Cuatro. In its on environment. Every Wednesdays: theatre. Presented in Spanish with English continuing efforts to preserve the musical 6:30PM – 8PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East and Spanish subtitles. Recommended culture of Puerto Rico, and introduce it to 121 Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), for adult audiences.The Gramercy Arts diverse groups in the community, La Casa NYC. To register contact: Leticia Rodríguez Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between provides professional Cuatro (National at (212) 470-8228 Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Puerto Rican Instrument) lessons, for Tickets begin at $33, with discounts beginners and advanced participants every Marketing & Advertising Solutions, Inc. available for seniors, students, and groups. Saturday. La Casa’s Cuatro Music Institute (MAS) & The Bronx Puerto Rican Day For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or introduces participants to the history and Parade present The 3rd Annual MAS- www.repertorio.org. traditions connected to this century old form Querade Ball in Madrid ~ A Salute To Puerto of musical interpretation, its construction, Rican Heritage. This special evening is Pregones Theater presents Dancing In My and on how to read and play music in a hosted by Rhina Valentin “La Reina del Cockroach Killers. A selection of poems hands-on environment. Instructor: Luis Barrio”, and will feature a buffet dinner, and monologues written by Magdalena Rodríguez who for the past 15 years, has open bar, and performances by Adalberto Gómez directed by Rosalba Rolón with played the Puerto Rican Cuatro and the Santiago and “La Bruja”. Free raffles & musical director Desmar Guevara. From Cuban Tres with the re-known Conjunto prizes, as well as a special appearance the breathtaking Fuego en la cocina, the of Johnny Pacheco. He has played with by Psychic Reader Eva. The Villa Barone no-nonsense Why I Lost The Popularity the late Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, Pete Manor, Throggs Neck section of the Bronx. Contest to the hilarious and daring Soap “El Conde” Rodriguez, Ruben Blades 7PM. Tickets: $100/2 for $180/table of ten and Water, the actors and musicians and many others. He can be heard on for $800. To purchase tickets: http://mas- of Pregones Ensemble stage a sizzling the soundtrack of the motion picture, The queradeball-Maribel.eventbrite.com. For tribute to poet, storyteller and playwright Mambo Kings, and on the soundtrack for more information: (718) 828-2880 or info@ Magdalena Gómez. Pregones Theatre, Paul Simon’s The Capeman. La Casa, 1230 masmarketingny.com. 571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, NY. 8PM. Fifth Avenue Suite 458 (between 104th & $24, students and seniors $15. For more 105th Street), NYC; Classes for beginners Thursday, November 22, 2012 information call (718) 585-1202 or visit are every Saturday from 10AM–11PM and http://www.pregones.org. Advanced classes from 11AM to 12:30PM; ¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias! Course Fee: $15.00 per class, Contact Happy Thanksgiving! Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. Leticia Rodriguez, (212) 722 – 2600. (SEA), Tunga Productions, Rybin Talent Friday, November 23, 2012 Management LLC and My Ticket Sponsors La Casa de la Herencia Cultural presents In Joela’s Tongue/En La Tunga de Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s SPANISH GUITAR La Casa de la Herencia Cultural la Joela. The play is a scintillating comedy Classes, Beginners: Saturdays 10AM Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s PUERTO RICO about the relationship between a producer/ to 11AM; Advanced: Saturdays 11AM- HISTORY II. Celebrate with us the director and the actors cast in the daytime 12:30PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 contributions pioneered by the Puerto radio soap opera, “En la Tunga de Joela.” Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, Rican community of NYC and beyond. Join “La Joela” is, in real life, a famous radio show Course Fee: $15.00 per class, (212) 410 – us for a journey through Puerto Rico’s major character created by radio show host and 6030. historical events, culture and literature. actor, Joel Santiago, of the MEGA Station Instructor: Leticia Rodriguez, Executive (97.7FM) in NYC. Written & Directed by: La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Luis Caballero. Cast: Joel Santiago, Susan Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s SALSA Dance Puertorriqueña, Inc. Casabe Houses, Rybin, Josean Ortiz, Anthony Cotto & Jesus Classes. Learn the Basics of Salsa music 150 East 121 Street (Corner of Lexington Rodriguez. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, and dancing. Learn the key elements of Avenue), NYC, Fridays: 4PM – 5:30PM; NYC. 9PM. $30. For tickets visit www. body movements. Bring your dancing (212) 410 – 6030. myticketspremium.com/(347) 806-1617 / shoes, and later enjoy dancing the New (866) 679-3242.. York Style at clubs. Instructor: Jennifer La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Silva. La Casa, 1230 Fifth Avenue Suite Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s LIVING HISTORY Nuyorican Poets Café presents Friday 458 (between 104th & 105th Street), NYC THEATER. Intergenerational workshop Night Poetry Slam.Hosted by Mahogany Beginner/Intermediate Classes (New York combines theater, journal writing, Browne. The Nuyorican Friday Night Poetry Style) Saturdays, from 12:30PM – 2PM; interviewing and oral history. Interviewing Slam is pretty popular and fills up fast, so Course Fee: $15.00 per class. Contact and fun theater exercises will allow please get in line early. (suggested arrival Leticia Rodriguez, (212) 722 – 2600. 77 CAFÉ, TERTULIAS Y MUCHO MÁS to El Barrio, and eager to witness the birth Theatre, 571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, (Coffee, Discussions, and more). This of his firstborn, a Puerto Rican factory NY. 3PM. $24, Students and Seniors, $15. workshop is specifically designed for worker and his best friend Trompoloco are For more information call (718) 585-1202 or seniors and their families. Café, Tertulias y caught in the Great Northeastern Blackout. visit http://www.pregones.org. Mucho Más is a creative journey into music, Pregones Theatre,571-575 Walton Avenue, dance, poetry and other expressive and Bronx, NY. 8PM. $24, Students and Seniors Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. artistic forms. This workshop provides an $15. For more information call (718) 585- (SEA), Tunga Productions, Rybin Talent opportunity for seniors and their families to 1202 or visit http://www.pregones.org. Management LLC and My Ticket Sponsors meet on a weekend basis, at a time that is presents In Joela’s Tongue/En La Tunga de convenient for them, to express themselves Repertorio Español presents Doña Flor la Joela. The play is a scintillating comedy through the educational, cultural and y sus dos maridos. Doña Flor misses her about the relationship between a producer/ recreational mediums of music, dance, late husband’s passionate intimacy. She re- director and the actors cast in the daytime poetry, literature and other artistic forms. marries and magical realism allows her to radio soap opera, “En la Tunga de Joela.” Facilitator: Leticia Rodríguez, Executive live (and sleep) with her two husbands. The “La Joela” is, in real life, a famous radio show Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Gramercy Art Theatre, 138 East 27th Street character created by radio show host and Puertorriqueña, Inc. Every Saturdays: (between Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. actor, Joel Santiago, of the MEGA Station 2PM–4PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 8PM. $25 - $55. For reservations, call (212) (97.7FM) in NYC. Written & Directed by: Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Luis Caballero. Cast: Joel Santiago, Susan (212) 410 – 6030. Rybin, Josean Ortiz, Anthony Cotto & Jesus SEA, Boricuation Cultural Foundation Rodriguez. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural and International Coquito Federation in NYC. 3PM and 6PM. $30. For tickets visit Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s Bomba Y Plena association with the Clemente Soto Vélez www.myticketspremium.com/(347) 806- Dance & Percusion. Instructor: Obanilu Ire, Cultural & Educational Center presents LES 1617/(866) 679-3242. Saturdays 2:30PM – 4:30PM. La Casa, “FIESTA NAVIDENA” Celebration:Hosting 1230 Fifth Avenue Suite 458 (between the LES Coquito Master Qualifier 2012. Thalia Spanish Theatre presents 104th & 105th Street), NYC, Course Fee: Enjoy the commencement of traditional COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance $15 per class. Puerto Rican “Fiestas Navideñas” by tasting Company with Harold Gutierrez and his the famous Puerto Rican “Coquito” (Rum Band return in a new program of music & Repertorio Español presents Mi Bebe Coconut) Holiday drink! Event participants dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. es un Héroe (My Baby is a Hero) by the will vote to choose the best recipe. Holiday Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint Scaramouches Theatre. A puppet play for dance, music, food and cultural artisan Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. children about a prince named Azulito, who vendors will be present. Clemente Soto 4PM. $27-$30. For information along with his beloved Princess Perlita, Vélez Cultural & Educational Center, 107 call (718) 729-3880 or visit who happily await the arrival of their first Suffolk Street, NYC. 6PM–8:30PM. $5 www.thaliatheatre.org. baby. Not But not all is happiness when suggested donation. For information: www. the villainous and mischievous Cuchiflin, teatrosea.org, www.borimix.com or call Monday, November 26, 2012 plans to steal the Prince’s baby. Presented (212) 529-1545. in Spanish with Simultaneous English The Americas Society presents Harpist translation available.The Gramercy Art Thalia Spanish Theatre presents Edmar Castañeda. Since his move to Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance the United States from Colombia in 1994, Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 12Noon. Company with Harold Gutierrez and his Castañeda has taken New York and $25 with discounts available for seniors, Band return in a new program of music & the world stage by storm with the sheer students,and groups. For reservations, call dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. force of his virtuosic command of the (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint harp—revolutionizing the way audiences Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8PM. $27-$30. and critics alike consider an instrument Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. For information call (718) 729-3880 or visit commonly relegated to the “unusual (SEA), Tunga Productions, Rybin Talent www.thaliatheatre.org. category.” A master at realizing beautiful Management LLC and My Ticket Sponsors complexities of time while skillfully drawing presents In Joela’s Tongue/En La Tunga de Sunday, November 25, 2012 out lush colors and dynamic spirit, The la Joela. The play is a scintillating comedy New York Times characterized Castañeda about the relationship between a producer/ Repertorio Español presents Doña Flor as “almost a world unto himself.” The director and the actors cast in the daytime y sus dos maridos. Doña Flor misses her Americas Society, 680 Park Avenue, NYC. radio soap opera, “En la Tunga de Joela.” late husband’s passionate intimacy. She re- 7PM. Members Free, Non-members $20. “La Joela” is, in real life, a famous radio show marries and magical realism allows her to For more information visit www.americas- character created by radio show host and live (and sleep) with her two husbands. The society.org. actor, Joel Santiago, of the MEGA Station Gramercy Art Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (97.7FM) in NYC. Written & Directed by: (between Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. Tuesday, November 27, 2012 Luis Caballero. Cast: Joel Santiago, Susan 2:30PM. $25 - $55. For reservations, call Rybin, Josean Ortiz, Anthony Cotto & Jesus (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Pregones Theater presents El Apagón / Rodriguez. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street, The Blackout. Pregones Theater’s much- NYC. 6 PM and 9PM. $30. For tickets visit Pregones Theater presents El Apagón / acclaimed adaptation of the story “The www.myticketspremium.com/(347) 806- The Blackout. Pregones Theater’s much- Night We Became People Again” by José 1617/(866) 679-3242. acclaimed adaptation of the story “The Luis González, performed in Spanish and Night We Became People Again” by José English, and set to the beat of popular Latin Pregones Theater presents El Apagón / Luis González, performed in Spanish and songs from the 1950’s and 60’s. While riding The Blackout. Pregones Theater’s much- English, and set to the beat of popular Latin the New York subway uptown from Brooklyn acclaimed adaptation of the story “The songs from the 1950’s and 60’s. While riding to El Barrio, and eager to witness the birth Night We Became People Again” by José the New York subway uptown from Brooklyn of his firstborn, a Puerto Rican factory Luis González, performed in Spanish and to El Barrio, and eager to witness the birth of worker and his best friend Trompoloco are English, and set to the beat of popular Latin his firstborn, a Puerto Rican factory worker caught in the Great Northeastern Blackout. songs from the 1950’s and 60’s. While riding and his best friend Trompoloco are caught in Pregones Theatre,571-575 Walton Avenue, the New York subway uptown from Brooklyn the Great Northeastern Blackout. Pregones Bronx, New York. 11 AM. $24, Students 78 and Seniors $15. For more information landscapes, flower and portrait painting will Friday, November 30, 2012 call (718) 585-1202 or visit http://www. be covered. The main goal of this workshop pregones.org. is to encourage creativity, self confidence, NOVIEMBRE SEVENTEETH ANNUAL and knowledge of the various schools of BENEFIT CELEBRATING TWENTY Repertorio Español presents El Quijote. art. Instructor: Eli Alvarado, President, SIX YEARS OF PUERTO RICAN A carnivalesque adaptation of Cervantes’ Board of Directors, La Casa de la Herencia HERITAGE MONTH. Honoring Dr. Caleb masterpiece. Through Don Quijote’s Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc., Casabe Gonzalez, MD, Professor Emeritus adventures, the production presents the Houses, 150 East 121 Street (Corner of of Ophthalmology, Department of illusion of an utopian world with a festive Lexington Avenue), NYC. Intermediate Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale and colorful spirit. El Quijote is a polyphonic Class, Thursdays: 10AM–12PM, (212) 470- University School of Medicine & Founder play in which many different genres such 8228. of the University of Puerto Rico School as comedy, tragedy and farce collide to of Medicine, Eva de La O, Soprano and form a carnival-like and vibrant Don Quijote The Queens Museum presents the film Director, Música de Camara, Bobby that is rich in its musicality.” The play is Strawberry and Chocolate (Cuba, 1994), Sanabria, renowned Latin Jazz Musician a collection of 12 scenes that present directed by Tomas Gutierrez Alea & Juan and Roger Juan Maldonado, Litigation different stories based on the original text Carlos Tabio, 108 min. This Academy- Partner, Balber Pickard Maldonado & of Cervantes. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, Award nominee for best foreign film portrays Van Der Tuin, PC. for reinstating the Latin 138 East 27th Street (between Lexington & the relationship between a cultivated Jazz category to the Grammy Awards, Third Avenue), NYC. 11AM. $25-$50 with homosexual art aficionado (Cuban star Lourdes Robles, singer-songwriter and discounts available for Seniors, Students, Jorge Perugorria) and a heterosexual actress and Juan Gonzalez, author, and Groups. For reservations, call (212) Communist. Discussion afterwards with progressive broadcast journalist and 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Mark Ethan. Queens Museum, Flushing investigative reporter, NY Daily News Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY. columnist, and CN’s 2012 Spokesperson. Wednesday, November 28, 2012 2PM. $10. For more information call Black Tie. Reception 7PM followed by (718) 592-9700 or visit the website www. Dinner 8PM. New York Hilton, 1335 Repertorio Español presents Carmen queensmuseum.org. Avenue of the Americas (between W Rivera’s La Gringa, directed by René Buch. 53rd Street and W 54th Street), NYC. A young woman travels from NYC to Puerto Repertorio Español presents La Casa For more information or tickets contact Rico to meet her family and discovers her de Bernarda Alba by García Lorca, Teresa Santiago at (914)263-6599. roots. Her misconceptions are transformed directed by René Buch. Bernarda Alba as she learns that being Puerto Rican is a attempts to dominate and control her five Repertorio Español presents En El Tiempo matter of the heart and spirit. The Gramercy unmarried daughters. In this repressed de las Mariposas, A new play by Caridad Art Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between environment, Lorca creates an explosion Svich based on Julia Alvarez’s novel, Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 11AM. of hatred, jealousy, despair and passion. directed by José Zayas. “In The Time of the $20 - $35. For reservations, call (212) 225- Performances presented in Spanish Butterflies” is the story of the courageous 9999 or www.repertorio.org. simultaneous English translation via Mirabal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María headphones available for an additional $3. Teresa) from the Dominican Republic. The Centro De Estudios Puertorriqueños The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th sisters inspired resistance cells throughout presents Vito Marcantonio and the Puerto Street (between Lexington & Third Avenue), the country against the dictatorial regime Rican People: Solidarity and Progress. NYC. 11AM. $25-$50 with discounts of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The Forum with Presenters: Gerald Meyer, available for seniors, students, children and ‘butterflies’, their secret code name, Edgardo Meléndez, Moderator: Gil Fagiani groups. For reservations, call (212) 225- were brutally murdered by the regime in and performance pieces by Roberto 9999 or www.repertorio.org. 1960. Presented in Spanish. Live English Ragone and LuLu Pascale. Hunter College, translation available. Recommended 68th Street and Lexington Avenue, West SEA and O.P. Art presents Perfume para for adult audiences. The Gramercy Arts Building, Faculty Dining Room, 8th Fl., entes o veneno pa’la gente. A Spanish- Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between NYC. 6PM. Free. For information visit www. language piece in which the audience Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 11AM. centropr.hunter.cuny.edu or call (212) 396- participates and testifies to a shamanic Tickets begin at $30, with discounts 6545. ritual. Performance by Carlos Manuel available for seniors, students, and groups. Rivera. Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or Thursday, November 29, 2012 Educational Center, 107 Suffolk Street, www.repertorio.org. Room 309, NYC. 8PM. Suggested La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Donation. For information: www.teatrosea. La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s CREATIVE org, www.borimix.com or call (212) 529- Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s LIVING HISTORY PAINTING WORKSHOP. Focus on the 1545. THEATER. Intergenerational workshop creativity and understanding of painting. combines theater, journal writing, Become knowleadgeable of the physical Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz interviewing and oral history. Interviewing appearance of the subject, and its inner life, will celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage and fun theater exercises will allow as it relates to the growth and development on Thursday, November 29, 2012 from participants to tell their own life stories in a of the artist. Emphasis will also be placed 5:30 – 8:30 pm at Side Street Catering, creative manner, to develop understanding on the psychological value of color, form located at 1332 Blondell Avenue, a unique and strengthen intergenerational and expression. This will enable the artist catering hall that keeps the spirit, culture relationships. Instructor: Gloria Zelaya. to understand the work of other artists, and and heritage of Puertorriqueños alive in Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 Street the different periods, from the most primitive the borough of the Bronx, “El Condado de (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, form of art to the most modern creations. La Salsa”. For additional information or to Fridays: 6PM– 8PM. (212) 410 – 6030. Throughout this workshop, we will stress confirm you attendance, please call 718- heavily on Acrylic Painting, including seven 590-3522 . El Puente presents: “Fiesta de Musica different techniques to help the participants accordion Folkorico de Republica express themselves in different artistic Dominicana,” Musical workshop and ways. In addition to the arrangements concert featuring singer, song writer and prepared in the studio, participants will have folklorist, Irka Mateo and two traditional an opportunity to paint outdoors. Still lives, Liborista music ensembles. El Puente 211 79 South 4th Street, Brooklyn, NY. 6PM-8PM; Scaramouches Theatre. A puppet play for available for seniors, students, and groups. Free. Contact: [email protected] or children about a prince named Azulito, who For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or 718 384-0404. along with his beloved Princess Perlita, www.repertorio.org. who happily await the arrival of their first Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) baby. Not But not all is happiness when Sunday, December 2, 2012 and Baruch College presents the film the villainous and mischievous Cuchiflin, Plenazos Callejeros. Director: Mariana plans to steal the Prince’s baby. Presented Repertorio Español presents El amor Reyes Angleró. A production by Viento de in Spanish with Simultaneous English en los tiempos del cólera. Based on Agua Inc. The Plenazos Callejeros covered translation available.The Gramercy Art Gabriel García Márquez’s Nobel Prize more than 30 boroughs with 71 events over Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between Winning novel, this lyrical, imagistic play a period of 7 years. Once a month, pleneros Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 12PM. focuses on an extraordinary love story fans and experts would gather to play on $25 with discounts available for Seniors, between a poetically-inclined man named a street corner, which helped spark the Students,and Groups. For reservations, call Florentino Ariza and a sensual, practical yet Plena movement throughout the Island. In (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. somewhat elusive woman named Fermina Plenazos Callejeros, the protagonists tell Daza. Spanning fifty years of time, the their story about the movement. Baruch Repertorio Español presents Carmen story plays out in a series of short scenic College, 55 Lexington Avenue (entrance Rivera’s La Gringa, directed by René Buch. episodes filled with poetry, song, movement on 25th St.) Room VC3-150, NYC. 7PM. A young woman travels from NYC to Puerto and heightened moments of theatricality. A Free. For information: www.teatrosea.org, Rico to meet her family and discovers her daring four-actor tour-de-force piece for the www.borimix.com or call (212) 529-1545. roots. Her misconceptions are transformed theatre. Presented in Spanish with English as she learns that being Puerto Rican and Spanish subtitles. Recommended Repertorio Español presents Nobel Prize is a matter of the heart and spirit. The for adult audiences.The Gramercy Arts Winner Gabriel García Márquez’ Cronica Gramercy Art Theatre, 138 East 27th Street Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between de una Muerte Anunciada (Chronicle of (between Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 2:30 a Death Foretold). Directed by Jorge Alí 3PM. $25-$35. For reservations, call (212) PM. Tickets begin at $33, with discounts Triana.A spectacular wedding, a savage 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. available for seniors, students, and groups. scandal, and a murder to which an entire For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or Latin American town appears to be an Pregones Theater presents Dancing In My www.repertorio.org. accessory to the fact.The Gramercy Art Cockroach Killers. A selection of poems Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between and monologues written by Magdalena Pregones Theater presents Dancing In My Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 8PM. Gómez directed by Rosalba Rolón with Cockroach Killers. A selection of poems Admission: $25-$50 with discounts musical director Desmar Guevara. From and monologues written by Magdalena available for seniors, students,and groups. the breathtaking Fuego en la cocina, the Gómez directed by Rosalba Rolón with For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or no-nonsense Why I Lost The Popularity musical director Desmar Guevara. From www.repertorio.org. Contest to the hilarious and daring Soap the breathtaking Fuego en la cocina, the and Water, the actors and musicians no-nonsense Why I Lost The Popularity The 5th Annual Latin American Piano and of Pregones Ensemble stage a sizzling Contest to the hilarious and daring Soap Song Festival NYC. Cesar Reyes, Director tribute to poet, storyteller and playwright and Water, the actors and musicians and Founder. A celebration of the centennial Magdalena Gómez. Pregones Theatre, of Pregones Ensemble stage a sizzling of the birth of José Pablo Moncayo: Mexico’s 571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, NY. 8PM. tribute to poet, storyteller and playwright most beloved composer of classical $24, students and seniors $15. For more Magdalena Gómez. Pregones Theatre, music. Pianists: Arturo Rodriguez, Michiyo information call (718) 585-1202 or visit 571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, NY. 8PM. Morikawa and Cesar Reyes. Greenwich http://www.pregones.org. $24, students and seniors $15. For more House Music School, 46 Barrow Street, information call (718) 585-1202 or visit NYC. 8 PM. $15, students $10. Visit: www. Thalia Spanish Theatre presents http://www.pregones.org. latinopiano.blogspot.com. COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance Company with Harold Gutierrez and his Thalia Spanish Theatre presents Thalia Spanish Theatre presents Band return in a new program of music & COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. Company with Harold Gutierrez and his Company with Harold Gutierrez and his Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint Band return in a new program of music & Band return in a new program of music & Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8PM. $27-$30. dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. For information call (718) 729-3880 or visit Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint www.thaliatheatre.org. Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 4PM. $27-$30. Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8PM. Admisson: For information call (718) 729-3880 or visit $25. For information call (718) 729-3880 or Repertorio Español presents En El Tiempo www.thaliatheatre.org. visit www.thaliatheatre.org. de las Mariposas, a new play by Caridad Svich based on Julia Alvarez’s novel, Monday, December 3, 2012 Nuyorican Poets Café presents Friday directed by José Zayas. “In The Time of the Night Poetry Slam.Hosted by Mahogany Butterflies” is the story of the courageous Repertorio Español presents Carmen Browne. The Nuyorican Friday Night Poetry Mirabal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María Rivera’s La Gringa, directed by René Buch. Slam is pretty popular and fills up fast, so Teresa) from the Dominican Republic. The A young woman travels from NYC to Puerto please get in line early. (suggested arrival sisters inspired resistance cells throughout Rico to meet her family and discovers her latest 9:15pm). Nuyorican Poets Cafe 236 the country against the dictatorial regime roots. Her misconceptions are transformed East 3rd Street (Between B & C), NYC. of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The as she learns that being Puerto Rican is a 10PM. $10/$20 VIP seating. For more ‘butterflies’, their secret code name, matter of the heart and spirit. The Gramercy information, please call (212) 505-8183 or were brutally murdered by the regime in Art Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between visit www.nuyorican.org. 1960. Presented in Spanish. Live English Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 11AM. translation available. Recommended $25-$35. For reservations, call (212) 225- Saturday, December 1, 2012 for adult audiences. The Gramercy Arts 9999 or www.repertorio.org. Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between Repertorio Español presents Mi Bebe Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. es un Héroe (My Baby is a Hero) by the Tickets begin at $30, with discounts 80 Tuesday, December 4, 2012 sisters inspired resistance cells throughout Friday, December 7, 2012 the country against the dictatorial regime Repertorio Español presents El Quijote. of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The La Casa de la Herencia Cultural A carnivalesque adaptation of Cervantes’ ‘butterflies’, their secret code name, Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s PUERTO RICO masterpiece. Through Don Quijote’s were brutally murdered by the regime in HISTORY II. Celebrate with us the adventures, the production presents the 1960. Presented in Spanish. Live English contributions pioneered by the Puerto illusion of an utopian world with a festive translation available. Recommended Rican community of NYC and beyond. Join and colorful spirit. El Quijote is a polyphonic for adult audiences. The Gramercy Arts us for a journey through Puerto Rico’s major play in which many different genres such as Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between historical events, culture and literature. comedy, tragedy and farce collide to form a Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 7PM. Instructor: Leticia Rodriguez, Executive carnival-like and vibrant Don Quijote that is Tickets begin at $30, with discounts Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural rich in its musicality.” The play is a collection available for seniors, students, and groups. Puertorriqueña, Inc. Casabe Houses, of 12 scenes that present different stories For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or 150 East 121 Street (Corner of Lexington based on the original text of Cervantes. www.repertorio.org. Avenue), NYC, Fridays: 4PM – 5:30PM; The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th (212) 410 – 6030. Street (between Lexington & Third Avenue), Thursday, December 6, 2012 NYC. 11AM. $25-$50 with discounts Repertorio Español presents La Casa available for Seniors, Students,and Groups. Repertorio Español presents En El Tiempo de Bernarda Alba by García Lorca, For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or de las Mariposas, a new play by Caridad directed by René Buch.Bernarda Alba www.repertorio.org. Svich based on Julia Alvarez’s novel, attempts to dominate and control her five directed by José Zayas. “In The Time of the unmarried daughters. In this repressed Wednesday, December 5, 2012 Butterflies” is the story of the courageous environment, Lorca creates an explosion Mirabal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María of hatred, jealousy, despair and passion. Repertorio Español presents Nobel Prize Teresa) from the Dominican Republic. The Performances presented in Spanish Winner Gabriel García Márquez’ Cronica sisters inspired resistance cells throughout simultaneous English translation via de una Muerte Anunciada (Chronicle of the country against the dictatorial regime headphones available for an additional a Death Foretold). Directed by Jorge Alí of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The $3.00. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 Triana. A spectacular wedding, a savage ‘butterflies’, their secret code name, East 27th Street (between Lexington & scandal, and a murder to which an entire were brutally murdered by the regime in Third Avenue), NYC. 11AM. $25-$50 with Latin American town appears to be an 1960. Presented in Spanish. Live English discounts available for seniors, students, accessory to the fact.The Gramercy Art translation available. Recommended children and groups. For reservations, call Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between for adult audiences. The Gramercy Arts (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 11AM. Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between Admission: $25-$50 with discounts Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 11AM. Trinity Lutheran Church presents Common available for seniors, students and groups. Tickets begin at $30, with discounts Ground and Common Hope Black/Latino For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or available for seniors, students, and groups. Dialogue with Cornel West and Sam Cruz. www.repertorio.org. For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or There has been a long and positive history www.repertorio.org. of Black/Latino collaboration. Dr. Cornel La Casa de la Herencia Cultural West and Dr. Samuel Cruz will discuss and Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s CUATRO MUSIC La Casa de la Herencia Cultural engage the audience in exploring the many WORKSHOP. Cuatro Music Lessons for Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s CREATIVE ways we can fortify this relationship with the beginners and advanced participants. La PAINTING WORKSHOP. Focus on the hope of building stronger social, economic Casa’s Cuatro Music Instruction Program creativity and understanding of painting. and political alliances. Trinity Lutheran introduces participants to the history and Become knowleadgeable of the physical Church, 411-46th Street (entrance on 4th traditions connected to this century old form appearance of the subject, and its inner life, Ave bet. 45th and 46th Streets), Brooklyn, of musical interpretation, its construction, as it relates to the growth and development NY. 7:30PM. Free. Seating is limited and and how to read and play music in a hands- of the artist. Emphasis will also be placed must be reserved at a link found on www. on environment. Every Wednesdays: on the psychological value of color, form facebook.com/trinitylutheransunsetpark or 6:30PM–8PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East and expression. This will enable the artist call 718-854-6040. 121 Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), to understand the work of other artists, and NYC. To register contact: Leticia Rodríguez the different periods, from the most primitive Thalia Spanish Theatre presents at (212) 470-8228. form of art to the most modern creations. COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance Throughout this workshop, we will stress Company with Harold Gutierrez and his National Institute for Latino Policy celebrates heavily on Acrylic Painting, including seven Band return in a new program of music & its 30th Anniversary Fundraising Reception. different techniques to help the participants dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. This fundraising event is also a Roast to express themselves in different artistic Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint Angelo Falcon. 25 West 18th Street, 5th ways. In addition to the arrangements Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8PM. $25. For Floor, NYC. If you are interested in helping prepared in the studio, participants will have information call (718) 729-3880 or visit out with the planning and promotion of an opportunity to paint outdoors. Still lives, www.thaliatheatre.org. this event, please contact the Chair, José landscapes, flower and portrait painting will Sanchez, at [email protected]. For be covered. The main goal of this workshop Repertorio Español presents El Quijote. more information or tickets, contact 800- is to encourage creativity, self confidence, A carnivalesque adaptation of Cervantes’ 590-2516, [email protected], or and knowledge of the various schools of masterpiece. Through Don Quijote’s visit: www.latinopolicy.org. art. Instructor: Eli Alvarado, President, adventures, the production presents the Board of Directors, La Casa de la Herencia illusion of an utopian world with a festive Repertorio Español presents En El Tiempo Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc., Casabe and colorful spirit. El Quijote is a polyphonic de las Mariposas, a new play by Caridad Houses, 150 East 121 Street (Corner of play in which many different genres such as Svich based on Julia Alvarez’s novel, Lexington Avenue), NYC. Intermediate comedy, tragedy and farce collide to form a directed by José Zayas. “In The Time of the Class, Thursdays: 10AM–12PM, (212) 470- carnival-like and vibrant Don Quijote that is Butterflies” is the story of the courageous 8228 rich in its musicality.” The play is a collection Mirabal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María of 12 scenes that present different stories Teresa) from the Dominican Republic. The based on the original text of Cervantes. 81 The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Classes. Learn the Basics of Salsa music Street (between Lexington & Third Avenue), and dancing. Learn the key elements of Sunday, December 9, 2012 NYC. 8PM. $25-$50 with discounts body movements. Bring your dancing available for seniors, students and groups. shoes, and later enjoy dancing the New Repertorio Español presents En El Tiempo For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or York Style at clubs. Instructor: Jennifer de las Mariposas, A new play by Caridad www.repertorio.org. Silva. La Casa, 1230 Fifth Avenue Suite Svich based on Julia Alvarez’s novel, 458 (between 104th & 105th Street), NYC directed by José Zayas. “In The Time of the Nuyorican Poets Café presents Friday Beginner/Intermediate Classes (New York Butterflies” is the story of the courageous Night Poetry Slam.Hosted by Mahogany Style) Saturdays, from 12:30PM –2PM; Mirabal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María Browne. The Nuyorican Friday Night Poetry Course Fee: $15 per class. Contact Leticia Teresa) from the Dominican Republic. The Slam is pretty popular and fills up fast, so Rodriguez, (212) 722 – 2600. sisters inspired resistance cells throughout please get in line early. (suggested arrival the country against the dictatorial regime latest 9:15pm). Nuyorican Poets El Puente CAFÉ, TERTULIAS Y MUCHO MÁS of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The Leadership Center at Taylor-Wythe Houses (Coffee, Discussions, and more). This ‘butterflies’, their secret code name, presents: El Puente Hip-Hop/Arts Flea workshop is specifically designed for were brutally murdered by the regime in Market.A flea-market featuring the works seniors and their families. Café, Tertulias y 1960. Presented in Spanish. Live English of local artists and artisans, with a Hip- Mucho Más is a creative journey into music, translation available. Recommended Hop/urban arts focus…just in time for the dance, poetry and other expressive and for adult audiences. The Gramercy Arts holidays! El Puente Leadership Center at artistic forms. This workshop provides an Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between Taylor-Wythe Houses, 80 Clymer Street opportunity for seniors and their families to Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 2:30PM. Brooklyn,NY. Time: TBA. Free. Contact meet on a weekend basis, at a time that is Tickets begin at $30, with discounts info: [email protected] or (718) 783- convenient for them, to express themselves available for seniors, students, and groups. 5553. Cafe 236 East 3rd Street (Between through the educational, cultural and For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or B & C). 10PM. $10/$20 VIP seating. For recreational mediums of music, dance, www.repertorio.org. more information, please call (212) 505- poetry, literature and other artistic forms. 8183 or visit www.nuyorican.org. Facilitator: Leticia Rodríguez, Executive Thalia Spanish Theatre presents Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance Saturday, December 8, 2012 Puertorriqueña, Inc. Every Saturdays: 2PM Company with Harold Gutierrez and his – 4PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 Band return in a new program of music & La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s Cuatro Music (212) 410 – 6030. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint Institute/Rondalla de Cuatro. In its Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 4PM. $27-$30. continuing efforts to preserve the musical La Casa de la Herencia Cultural For information call (718) 729-3880 or visit culture of Puerto Rico, and introduce it to Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s Bomba Y Plena www.thaliatheatre.org. diverse groups in the community, La Casa Dance & Percusion. Instructor: Obanilu provides professional Cuatro (National Ire, Saturdays 2:30PM–4:30PM. La Casa, Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Puerto Rican Instrument) lessons, for 1230 Fifth Avenue Suite 458 (between beginners and advanced participants every 104th & 105th Street), NYC, Course Fee: Repertorio Español presents La Casa Saturday. La Casa’s Cuatro Music Institute $15 per class. de Bernarda Alba by García Lorca, introduces participants to the history and directed by René Buch. Bernarda Alba traditions connected to this century old form Repertorio Español presents El amor attempts to dominate and control her five of musical interpretation, its construction, en los tiempos del cólera. Based on unmarried daughters. In this repressed and on how to read and play music in a Gabriel García Márquez’s Nobel Prize environment, Lorca creates an explosion hands-on environment. Instructor: Luis Winning novel, this lyrical, imagistic play of hatred, jealousy, despair and passion. Rodríguez who for the past 15 years, has focuses on an extraordinary love story Performances presented in Spanish played the Puerto Rican Cuatro and the between a poetically-inclined man named simultaneous English translation via Cuban Tres with the re-known Conjunto Florentino Ariza and a sensual, practical yet headphones available for an additional of Johnny Pacheco. He has played with somewhat elusive woman named Fermina $3.00. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 the late Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, Pete Daza. Spanning fifty years of time, the East 27th Street (between Lexington & “El Conde” Rodriguez, Ruben Blades story plays out in a series of short scenic Third Avenue), NYC. 11AM. $25-$50 with and many others. He can be heard on episodes filled with poetry, song, movement discounts available for seniors, students, the soundtrack of the motion picture, The and heightened moments of theatricality. A children and groups. For reservations, call Mambo Kings, and on the soundtrack for daring four-actor tour-de-force piece for the (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Paul Simon’s The Capeman. La Casa, 1230 theatre. Presented in Spanish with English Fifth Avenue Suite 458 (between 104th & and Spanish subtitles. Recommended The Americas Society presents Limón. The 105th Street), NYC; Classes for beginners for adult audiences.The Gramercy Arts Limón Dance Company is renowned for its are every Saturday from 10AM – 11PM and Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between dramatic expression and technical mastery. Advanced classes from 11AM-12:30PM; Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Now in its sixty-third year, the company Course Fee: $15 per class, Contact Leticia Tickets begin at $33, with discounts demonstrates both the timelessness of Rodriguez, (212) 722 – 2600. available for seniors, students, and groups. José Limón’s works and the strength of the For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or vision that leads the Company. In this salon, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural www.repertorio.org. members of the Company will showcase Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s SPANISH GUITAR the revival of Limón’s 1958 work Mazurkas. Classes, Beginners: Saturdays 10AM Thalia Spanish Theatre presents The discussion will focus on the reasoning to 11AM; Advanced: Saturdays 11AM- COLOMBIA DE FIESTA. Mestizo Dance behind the choreographer’s musical 12:30PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 Company with Harold Gutierrez and his choices. The Americas Society, 680 Park Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, Band return in a new program of music & Avenue, NYC. 7PM. Members Free, Non- Course Fee: $15 per class, (212) 410 – dance celebrating the diversity of Colombia. members $10. For more information visit 6030. Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41–17 Greenpoint www.americas-society.org. Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. 8PM. $27-$30. La Casa de la Herencia Cultural For information call (718) 729-3880 or visit Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s SALSA Dance www.thaliatheatre.org. 82 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 available for seniors, students, and groups. children and groups. For reservations, call For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. El Museo presents LIBROFORUM: Las www.repertorio.org. Sabias Mujeres de la Habana (The Wise Saturday, December 15, 2012 Women of Havana) by José Raúl Bernardo. Thursday, December 13, 2012 Book discussion in Spanish. Set against La Casa de la Herencia Cultural the exotic background of Cuba in 1938, Repertorio Español presents En El Tiempo Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s Cuatro Music The Wise Women of Havana is the deeply de las Mariposas, A new play by Caridad Institute/Rondalla de Cuatro. In its moving, lyrical, and yet earthy story of Svich based on Julia Alvarez’s novel, continuing efforts to preserve the musical three remarkable women whose lives are directed by José Zayas. “In The Time of the culture of Puerto Rico, and introduce it to suddenly intricately intertwined. When Butterflies” is the story of the courageous diverse groups in the community, La Casa Marguita, a beautiful and voluptuous young Mirabal sisters (Patria, Minerva and María provides professional Cuatro (National girl, marries Lorenzo, they find their dream Teresa) from the Dominican Republic. The Puerto Rican Instrument) lessons, for home in a cozy apartment in Havana. But sisters inspired resistance cells throughout beginners and advanced participants every that dream is soon shattered. Lorenzo’s the country against the dictatorial regime Saturday. La Casa’s Cuatro Music Institute once-wealthy parents, now in dire need of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The introduces participants to the history and of financial help because of the Great ‘butterflies’, their secret code name, traditions connected to this century old form Depression, ask the newlyweds to move were brutally murdered by the regime in of musical interpretation, its construction, into the family’s crumbling mansion with 1960. Presented in Spanish. Live English and on how to read and play music in a them. Marguita is hardly settled with her translation available. Recommended hands-on environment. Instructor: Luis in-laws when Lorenzo’s older sister, the for adult audiences. The Gramercy Arts Rodríguez who for the past 15 years, has spinster Lolo, behaves in a shocking way Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between played the Puerto Rican Cuatro and the toward the young couple, seriously injuring Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 11 Cuban Tres with the re-known Conjunto of Marguita’s sense of honor and causing a AM. Tickets begin at $30, with discounts Johnny Pacheco. He has played with the dangerous rift between the two. In despair, available for seniors, students, and groups. late Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, Pete “El Marguita, flees to her mother, Dolores, a For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or Conde” Rodriguez, Ruben Blades and many truly wise woman, whose love, generosity, www.repertorio.org. others. He can be heard on the soundtrack and resourcefulness provide the glue that of the motion picture, The Mambo Kings, promises to mend the break. El Museo Friday, December 14, 2012 and on the soundtrack for Paul Simon’s del Barrio– Black Box Theater, 1230 Fifth The Capeman. La Casa, 1230 Fifth Avenue Avenue, NYC. 11AM. Free/RSVP required. La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Suite 458 (between 104th & 105th Street), Visit www.elmuseo.org or call: (212) 831- Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s PUERTO RICO NYC; Classes for beginners are every 7272 for details. HISTORY II. Celebrate with us the Saturday from 10AM–11PM and Advanced contributions pioneered by the Puerto classes from 11AM-12:30PM; Course Fee: Repertorio Español presents El Quijote. Rican community of NYC and beyond. Join $15 per class, Contact Leticia Rodriguez, A carnivalesque adaptation of Cervantes’ us for a journey through Puerto Rico’s major (212) 722 – 2600 masterpiece. Through Don Quijote’s historical events, culture and literature. adventures, the production presents the Instructor: Leticia Rodriguez, Executive La Casa de la Herencia Cultural illusion of an utopian world with a festive Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s SPANISH GUITAR and colorful spirit. El Quijote is a polyphonic Puertorriqueña, Inc. Casabe Houses, Classes, Beginners: Saturdays 10AM play in which many different genres such as 150 East 121 Street (Corner of Lexington to 11AM; Advanced: Saturdays 11AM to comedy, tragedy and farce collide to form a Avenue), NYC, Fridays: 4PM–5:30PM; 12:30PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 carnival-like and vibrant Don Quijote that is (212) 410 – 6030. Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, rich in its musicality.” The play is a collection Course Fee: $15 per class, (212) 410 – of 12 scenes that present different stories La Casa de la Herencia Cultural 6030. based on the original text of Cervantes. Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s LIVING HISTORY The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th THEATER. Intergenerational workshop El Puente Leadership Center at Taylor Street (between Lexington & Third Avenue), combines theater, journal writing, Wythe Houses presents: El Puente Hip/ NYC. 11AM. $25-$50 with discounts interviewing and oral history. Interviewing Hop/Arts Flea Market. A flea market available for seniors, students, and groups. and fun theater exercises will allow featuring the works of local artists and For reservations, call (212) 225-9999 or participants to tell their own life stories in a artisans with a Hip Hop/urban arts focus. www.repertorio.org. creative manner, to develop understanding Just in time for the holidays! El Puente and strengthen intergenerational Leadership Center at Taylor Wythe Houses, Repertorio Español presents El amor relationships. Instructor: Gloria Zelaya. 80 Clymer Street, Brooklyn, NY. Time: TBD. en los tiempos del cólera. Based on Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 Street Free. Contact:(718) 783-5553. Gabriel García Márquez’s Nobel Prize (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, Winning novel, this lyrical, imagistic play Fridays: 6PM–8PM. (212) 410 – 6030 El Puente Leadership Center at MS 50 focuses on an extraordinary love story presents: Beacon Saturday Arts Program between a poetically-inclined man named Repertorio Español presents La Casa Winter Showcase. A showcase of visual Florentino Ariza and a sensual, practical yet de Bernarda Alba by García Lorca, and performing arts. El Puente, 211 South somewhat elusive woman named Fermina directed by René Buch. Bernarda Alba 4th Street, Brooklyn, NY. Time: TBD. Free. Daza. Spanning fifty years of time, the attempts to dominate and control her five Contact:(718) 486-3936. story plays out in a series of short scenic unmarried daughters. In this repressed episodes filled with poetry, song, movement environment, Lorca creates an explosion La Casa de la Herencia Cultural and heightened moments of theatricality. A of hatred, jealousy, despair and passion. Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s SALSA Dance daring four-actor tour-de-force piece for the Performances presented in Spanish Classes. Learn the Basics of Salsa music theatre. Presented in Spanish with English simultaneous English translation via and dancing. Learn the key elements of and Spanish subtitles. Recommended headphones available for an additional body movements. Bring your dancing for adult audiences.The Gramercy Arts $3.00. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 shoes, and later enjoy dancing the New Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between East 27th Street (between Lexington & York Style at clubs. Instructor: Jennifer Lexington & Third Avenues, NYC. 7PM. Third Avenue), NYC. 8PM. $25-$50 with Silva. La Casa, 1230 Fifth Avenue Suite Tickets begin at $33, with discounts discounts available for seniors, students, 458 (between 104th & 105th Street), NYC 83 Beginner/Intermediate Classes (New York Saulo ventures into themes such as Isolina Carrillo and Ernestina Lecuona Style) Saturdays, from 12:30PM–2PM; religion, politics, death, marital lies and (Cuba), Chabuca Granda (Perú), Violeta Course Fee: $15 per class. Contact Leticia parent-teenager relationships. Presented Parra (Chile) and Eladia Blázquez and María Rodriguez, (212) 722 – 2600. in Spanish only. (No English translation Elena Walsh (Argentina).The program available). Recommended for adult includes beloved songs such as “Bésame CAFÉ, TERTULIAS Y MUCHO MÁS audiences.The Gramercy Arts Theatre, mucho,” “Dos gardenias,” “Júrame,” (Coffee, Discussions, and more). This 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington “Cachito,” “Olas y arena” and “Gracias a la workshop is specifically designed for & Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Tickets begin vida,” performed by extraordinary singers seniors and their families. Café, Tertulias y at $33, with discounts available for seniors, with live music. Recommended for adult Mucho Más is a creative journey into music, students, and groups. For reservations, call audiences.The Gramercy Arts Theatre, dance, poetry and other expressive and (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington artistic forms. This workshop provides an & Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Tickets begin opportunity for seniors and their families to Sunday, December 16, 2012 at $33, with discounts available for seniors, meet on a weekend basis, at a time that is students, and groups. For reservations, call convenient for them, to express themselves Repertorio Español presents Entrada (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. through the educational, cultural and Gratis: Gratis no hay nada! A hilarious recreational mediums of music, dance, one-man show by Saulo García, the gifted Saturday, December 22, 2012 poetry, literature and other artistic forms. comedian who has delighted thousands Facilitator: Leticia Rodríguez, Executive with his shows “Life in the United Slaves” Repertorio Español presents Bésame Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural and “American Insomnia.” ENTRADA Mucho: Latinas sing Latinas. Pablo Zinger, Puertorriqueña, Inc. Every Saturdays: 2PM GRATIS* (FREE) roams between political musical director, celebrates the musical – 4PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East 121 satire and an absurdist dramatic piece. contributions of female composers from Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), NYC, Saulo ventures into themes such as Latin America. This anthology of songs by (212) 410 – 6030 religion, politics, death, marital lies and female Latin American composers includes parent-teenager relationships. Presented songs by Sylvia Rexach (Puerto Rico), María La Casa de la Herencia Cultural in Spanish only. (No English translation Grever and Consuelo Velásquez (México), Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s Bomba Y Plena available). Recommended for adult Isolina Carrillo and Ernestina Lecuona Dance & Percusion. Instructor: Obanilu Ire, audiences. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, (Cuba), Chabuca Granda (Perú), Violeta Saturdays 2:30PM – 4:30PM. La Casa, 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington & Parra (Chile) and Eladia Blázquez and María 1230 Fifth Avenue Suite 458 (between Third Avenues, NYC. 2:30PM. Tickets begin Elena Walsh (Argentina).The program 104th & 105th Street), NYC, Course Fee: at $33, with discounts available for seniors, includes beloved songs such as “Bésame $15.00 per class students, and groups. For reservations, call mucho,” “Dos gardenias,” “Júrame,” El Museo presents SUPER SABADO! (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. “Cachito,” “Olas y arena” and “Gracias a la Super Holidays! Add flair to your Holiday vida,” performed by extraordinary singers line-up by sharing Latino traditions with Monday, December 17, 2012 with live music. Recommended for adult your Familia. Our Super Holiday inspired audiences.The Gramercy Arts Theatre, activities include maraca making, a Three Repertorio Español presents Carmen 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington Kings photo booth, storytelling, meet the Rivera’s La Gringa, directed by René Buch. & Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Tickets begin Three Kings, Madrinas and Padrinos, A young woman travels from NYC to Puerto at $33, with discounts available for seniors, entertaining concerts and much more! El Rico to meet her family and discovers her students, and groups. For reservations, call Museo del Barrio, 1230 5th Avenue, NYC. roots. Her misconceptions are transformed (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. 11AM-6PM. Free. Visit www.elmuseo.org or as she learns that being Puerto Rican is a call (212) 831-7272 for details. matter of the heart and spirit. The Gramercy Sunday, December 23, 2012 Art Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between Lehman College presents PARRANDA Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 11AM. Repertorio Español presents Bésame NAVIDEÑA featuring Felito Felix Y El Trio $25/$35. For reservations, call (212) 225- Mucho: Latinas sing Latinas. Pablo Zinger, Los Antares, Odilio Gonzalez “El Jibarito de 9999 or www.repertorio.org. musical director, celebrates the musical Lares,” and José Miguel Class “El Gallito de contributions of female composers from Manatí”. This must-see concert features the Friday, December 21, 2012 Latin America. This anthology of songs unique jíbaro music from the mountains of by female Latin American composers Puerto Rico with three celebrated masters La Casa de la Herencia Cultural includes songs by Sylvia Rexach (Puerto of the genre: Felito Felix Y El Trio Los Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s PUERTO RICO Rico), María Grever and Consuelo Antares in a tribute to Felipe Rodríguez, HISTORY II. Celebrate with us the Velásquez (México), Isolina Carrillo and José Miguel Class “El Gallito de Manatí” contributions pioneered by the Puerto Ernestina Lecuona (Cuba), Chabuca and Odilio Gonzalez “El Jibarito de Lares.” Rican community of NYC and beyond. Join Granda (Perú), Violeta Parra (Chile) and Joining them will also be Estampas de us for a journey through Puerto Rico’s major Eladia Blázquez and María Elena Walsh Borinquen, Estercita Figueroa, William historical events, culture and literature. (Argentina).The program includes beloved Guzmán, and many more. Lehman Center Instructor: Leticia Rodriguez, Executive songs such as “Bésame mucho,” “Dos for the Performing Arts, Bedford Park Blvd Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural gardenias,” “Júrame,” “Cachito,” “Olas y West, Bronx, NY. 8PM. Tickets: $45, $40, Puertorriqueña, Inc. Casabe Houses, arena” and “Gracias a la vida,” performed $25. Children 12 and under, $10 any seat. 150 East 121 Street (Corner of Lexington by extraordinary singers with live music. For more information or to purchase tickets, Avenue), NYC, Fridays: 4PM–5:30PM; Recommended for adult audiences.The visit www.lehmancenter.org. (212) 410 – 6030. Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington & Third Avenues, Repertorio Español presents Entrada Repertorio Español presents Bésame NYC. 2:30PM. Tickets begin at $33, with Gratis: Gratis no hay nada! A hilarious Mucho: Latinas sing Latinas. Pablo Zinger, discounts available for seniors, students, one-man show by Saulo García, the gifted musical director, celebrates the musical and groups. For reservations, call (212) comedian who has delighted thousands contributions of female composers from 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. with his shows “Life in the United Slaves” Latin America. This anthology of songs by and “American Insomnia.” ENTRADA female Latin American composers includes Tuesday, December 25, 2012 GRATIS* (FREE) roams between political songs by Sylvia Rexach (Puerto Rico), María satire and an absurdist dramatic piece. Grever and Consuelo Velásquez (México), ¡FELIZ NAVIDAD! 84 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 Class, Thursdays: 10AM–12PM, (212) 470- the villainous and mischievous Cuchiflin, 8228 plans to steal the Prince’s baby. Presented La Casa de la Herencia Cultural in Spanish with Simultaneous English Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s CUATRO MUSIC Repertorio Español presents Entrada translation available.The Gramercy Art WORKSHOP. Cuatro Music Lessons for Gratis: Gratis no hay nada! A hilarious Theatre, 138 East 27th Street (between beginners and advanced participants. La one-man show by Saulo García, the gifted Lexington & Third Avenue), NYC. 12Noon. Casa’s Cuatro Music Instruction Program comedian who has delighted thousands $25 with discounts available for seniors, introduces participants to the history and with his shows “Life in the United Slaves” students,and groups. For reservations, call traditions connected to this century old form and “American Insomnia.” ENTRADA (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. of musical interpretation, its construction, GRATIS* (FREE) roams between political and how to read and play music in a hands- satire and an absurdist dramatic piece. Repertorio Español presents Entrada on environment. Every Wednesdays: Saulo ventures into themes such as Gratis: Gratis no hay nada! A hilarious 6:30PM–8PM. Casabe Houses, 150 East religion, politics, death, marital lies and one-man show by Saulo García, the gifted 121 Street (Corner of Lexington Avenue), parent-teenager relationships. Presented comedian who has delighted thousands NYC. To register contact: Leticia Rodríguez in Spanish only. (No English translation with his shows “Life in the United Slaves” at (212) 470-8228 available). Recommended for adult and “American Insomnia.” ENTRADA audiences. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, GRATIS* (FREE) roams between political Repertorio Español presents Bésame 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington satire and an absurdist dramatic piece. Mucho: Latinas sing Latinas. Pablo Zinger, & Third Avenues, NYC. 7PM. Tickets begin Saulo ventures into themes such as musical director, celebrates the musical at $33, with discounts available for seniors, religion, politics, death, marital lies and contributions of female composers from students, and groups. For reservations, call parent-teenager relationships. Presented Latin America. This anthology of songs by (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. in Spanish only. (No English translation female Latin American composers includes available). Recommended for adult songs by Sylvia Rexach (Puerto Rico), María Friday, December 28, 2012 audiences.The Gramercy Arts Theatre, Grever and Consuelo Velásquez (México), 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington Isolina Carrillo and Ernestina Lecuona La Casa de la Herencia Cultural & Third Avenues, NYC. 4PM. Tickets begin (Cuba), Chabuca Granda (Perú), Violeta Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s PUERTO RICO at $33, with discounts available for seniors, Parra (Chile) and Eladia Blázquez and María HISTORY II. Celebrate with us the students, and groups. For reservations, call Elena Walsh (Argentina).The program contributions pioneered by the Puerto (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. includes beloved songs such as “Bésame Rican community of NYC and beyond. Join mucho,” “Dos gardenias,” “Júrame,” us for a journey through Puerto Rico’s major Repertorio Español presents Entrada “Cachito,” “Olas y arena” and “Gracias a la historical events, culture and literature. Gratis: Gratis no hay nada! A hilarious vida,” performed by extraordinary singers Instructor: Leticia Rodriguez, Executive one-man show by Saulo García, the gifted with live music. Recommended for adult Director, La Casa de la Herencia Cultural comedian who has delighted thousands audiences.The Gramercy Arts Theatre, Puertorriqueña, Inc. Casabe Houses, with his shows “Life in the United Slaves” 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington 150 East 121 Street (Corner of Lexington and “American Insomnia.” ENTRADA & Third Avenues, NYC. 7PM. Tickets begin Avenue), NYC, Fridays: 4PM–5:30PM; GRATIS* (FREE) roams between political at $33, with discounts available for seniors, (212) 410 – 6030. satire and an absurdist dramatic piece. students, and groups. For reservations, call Saulo ventures into themes such as (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Repertorio Español presents Bésame religion, politics, death, marital lies and Mucho: Latinas sing Latinas. Pablo Zinger, parent-teenager relationships. Presented Thursday, December 27, 2012 musical director, celebrates the musical in Spanish only. (No English translation contributions of female composers from available). Recommended for adult La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Latin America. This anthology of songs by audiences. The Gramercy Arts Theatre, Puertorriqueña, Inc.’s CREATIVE female Latin American composers includes 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington PAINTING WORKSHOP. Focus on the songs by Sylvia Rexach (Puerto Rico), María & Third Avenues, NYC. 7PM. Tickets begin creativity and understanding of painting. Grever and Consuelo Velásquez (México), at $33, with discounts available for seniors, Become knowleadgeable of the physical Isolina Carrillo and Ernestina Lecuona students, and groups. For reservations, call appearance of the subject, and its inner life, (Cuba), Chabuca Granda (Perú), Violeta (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. as it relates to the growth and development Parra (Chile) and Eladia Blázquez and María of the artist. Emphasis will also be placed Elena Walsh (Argentina).The program Repertorio Español presents Entrada on the psychological value of color, form includes beloved songs such as “Bésame Gratis: Gratis no hay nada! A hilarious and expression. This will enable the artist mucho,” “Dos gardenias,” “Júrame,” one-man show by Saulo García, the gifted to understand the work of other artists, and “Cachito,” “Olas y arena” and “Gracias a la comedian who has delighted thousands the different periods, from the most primitive vida,” performed by extraordinary singers with his shows “Life in the United Slaves” form of art to the most modern creations. with live music. Recommended for adult and “American Insomnia.” ENTRADA Throughout this workshop, we will stress audiences.The Gramercy Arts Theatre, GRATIS* (FREE) roams between political heavily on Acrylic Painting, including seven 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington satire and an absurdist dramatic piece. different techniques to help the participants & Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Tickets begin Saulo ventures into themes such as express themselves in different artistic at $33, with discounts available for seniors, religion, politics, death, marital lies and ways. In addition to the arrangements students, and groups. For reservations, call parent-teenager relationships. Presented prepared in the studio, participants will have (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. in Spanish only. (No English translation an opportunity to paint outdoors. Still lives, available). Recommended for adult landscapes, flower and portrait painting will Saturday, December 29, 2012 audiences.The Gramercy Arts Theatre, be covered. The main goal of this workshop 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington & is to encourage creativity, self confidence, Repertorio Español presents Mi Bebe Third Avenues, NYC. 9:30PM. Tickets begin and knowledge of the various schools of es un Héroe (My Baby is a Hero) by the at $33, with discounts available for seniors, art. Instructor: Eli Alvarado, President, Scaramouches Theatre. A puppet play for students, and groups. For reservations, call Board of Directors, La Casa de la Herencia children about a prince named Azulito, who (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc., Casabe along with his beloved Princess Perlita, Houses, 150 East 121 Street (Corner of who happily await the arrival of their first Lexington Avenue), NYC. Intermediate baby. Not But not all is happiness when 85 Sunday, December 30, 2012 GRATIS* (FREE) roams between political Sunday, January 6, 2013 satire and an absurdist dramatic piece. Repertorio Español presents Bésame Saulo ventures into themes such as The Society of the Educational Arts/La Mucho: Latinas sing Latinas. Pablo Zinger, religion, politics, death, marital lies and Sociedad Educativa de las Artes, (SEA) musical director, celebrates the musical parent-teenager relationships. Presented presents Los Tres Reyes Magos/The Three contributions of female composers from in Spanish only. (No English translation Kings. On January 6th, the light from a star Latin America. This anthology of songs available). Recommended for adult will lead the Three Kings to Teatro Sea to by female Latin American composers audiences.The Gramercy Arts Theatre, celebrate one of the most important Latin includes songs by Sylvia Rexach (Puerto 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington American Holidays for children, El Día Rico), María Grever and Consuelo de Los Tres Reyes Magos/Three Kings & Third Avenues, NYC. 8PM. Tickets begin Velásquez (México), Isolina Carrillo and Day. On this day, the first thousand kids at $33, with discounts available for seniors, Ernestina Lecuona (Cuba), Chabuca to arrive at Teatro Sea will personally meet Granda (Perú), Violeta Parra (Chile) and students, and groups. For reservations, call The Three Kings as well as receive a free Eladia Blázquez and María Elena Walsh (212) 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. gift/toy. Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street (Argentina).The program includes beloved (between Rivington Street and Delancy songs such as “Bésame mucho,” “Dos Tuesday, January 1, 2013 Street), NYC. 3PM–6:00 PM. Free. For gardenias,” “Júrame,” “Cachito,” “Olas y more information visit www.sea-online.info arena” and “Gracias a la vida,” performed ¡FELIZ AÑO NUEVO! or call (212) 529 – 1545. by extraordinary singers with live music. Recommended for adult audiences.The Friday, January 4, 2013 January 2013 Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, between Lexington & Third Avenues, El Museo de Barrio presents 36th Annual EL PUENTE presents its 26th Annual Three Three Kings Day Parade. Join El Museo NYC. 2:30PM. Tickets begin at $33, with Kings Celebration. El Puente celebrates as they celebrate the 36th Anniversary of discounts available for seniors, students, with food, music and a stage performance and groups. For reservations, call (212) this time-honored procession through the retelling the story of the Three Kings, 225-9999 or www.repertorio.org. Streets of El Barrio. Spirit and joy abound as celebrants parade with music, colorful teaching our children the values of sharing Repertorio Español presents Entrada puppets, dancing and live camels on this and caring in our community and preserving Gratis: Gratis no hay nada! A hilarious magical day. Parade kicks off at 106th our cultural traditions. Every child leaves one-man show by Saulo García, the gifted Street and Lexington Avenue, NYC. Free. with an age appropriate gift. Location/ comedian who has delighted thousands 10:30AM–12PM. For more information call Time:TBD Free. For more information (212) 831-7272 or visit www.elmuseo.org. with his shows “Life in the United Slaves” call (718) 387-0404. and “American Insomnia.” ENTRADA

86

COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE mes de la herencia puertorriqueña

in partnership with

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS’ LATINO BIGS GROUP Present the

18TH ANNUAL DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2012

11AM TO 4PM FOOD DRIVE NON-PERISHABLE FOODS

IN MANHATTAN IN QUEENS IN MANHATTAN IN BROOKLYNIN BROOKLYN IN THE BRONX EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO ELMHURST JACKSON HEIGHTS EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO EL PUENTEEL PUENTE HOLY CROSS CHURCH 1230 FIFTH AVENUE IPRHE SENIOR CENTER TH 1230 Fifth Avenue 211211 SOUTH South F OURTHFourth SStreetTREET 620 Thierot Ave. & Soundview Ave. (@ 104 STREET) NYC 10029 75-01 BROADWAY (@ 104th Street) NYC 10029 BROOKLYNBrooklyn,, NY N Y 11211 Bronx, NY 10473 ELMHURST, NEW YORK UPACA – IPR/HE IN QUEENS IN THE BRONX SUPACAENIOR C –ENTER IPR/HE SENIOR CENTER Elmhurst Jackson Heights LOCATION TBD 19401940 LEXINGTON Lexington A VENUEAve., N, NYCYC 10035 IPR/HE SENIOR CENTER 75-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373

ITEMS NEEDED TO CREATE A TYPICAL PUERTO RICAN THANKSGIVING MEAL: RICE 5 LB BAG OF POTATOES COOKIES GANDULES MAYONNAISE PARMALAT MILK BOXES CANNED HAMS CRANBERRY SAUCE SODA BROWN SUGAR/MAPLE SYRUP GRAVY COFFEE CLOVES STUFFING (BOX) SUGAR CANNED SLICED PINEAPPLES CANNED FRUITS MEDIUM/LARGE BASKETS CANNED YAMS (PINEAPPLES, PEACHES, FRUIT NAPKINS CANNED VEGETABLES COCKTAIL) (CORN, GREEN BEANS MIXED) CRACKERS

For the past eighteen years, Comité noviembre has set aside the sunday before thanksgiving as a day of community service and social responsibility in commemoration of November 19th, traditionally known as Puerto rican discovery day, or as we like to call it ,Puerto Rican “encounter” day. The purpose of the day is to show the spirit of commitment and the power of action. Over the past years, this event has been a great success and organizations throughout the city have benefited from this collaboration, including homeless and battered women’s shelters and senior centers as well as individual families.

Community service and social responsibility are the strongholds of the Puerto rican community. throughout the years our experience has shown us that when we dedicate ourselves to improving the quality of life of those around us, we build a more unified and stronger society. Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC has been serving NYC’s children through mentoring for over 105 years. Latino Bigs as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NyC works to raise awareness and recruit latino Mentors to ensure that all children in nYC have access to a positive role model.

Comite Noviembre and Big Brothers Big sisters of nYC urge you to Join Us!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED BEFORE AND AFTER THIS DATE FOR FOOD COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION!

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO VOLUNTEER PLEASE CONTACT: Alicia Rodriguez, Centro Library, [email protected] Reyes, El Museo, (347) 212 -675660 5490-7160, • [email protected] W. Ramirez, Latino Bigs, Big Brother Big Sisters, [email protected] • MarthaMichael Laureano, Coughlin, [email protected], Big Brothers Big sisters (917) of nYC, 803 2367mcoughlin@big • Jose Rodriguez,snyc.org AS PIRA of NY, jrodriguez@ nyaspira.org, (212) 564-6880Iris • ramirez,Suleika Cabrera latino DBigs,rinane, Big IP BrotherRHE, suleika@iprhe,org, Big sisters, [email protected] (212) 677-4182, • T eresa A. Santiago, CN, teresa a. santiago,[email protected], Cn, (914) 263-6599, [email protected] (914) 263-6599, 87 88