May 2007 English La Voz - La Voz del Paseo Boricua

Transcription

Batey Urbano:
Film Review and Recap:
5 Years of Youth
Activism and Culture
El Clown and
Cimarron
page 3
page 3
Free
Bilingual
Gratis
“El Chupacabra
Sightings”
¡Boricuas
Presente!
st
May 1 Youth-Led
Humboldt Park
Feeder March
on Division Street
page 4
La Voz del Paseo Boricua
page 8
www.prcc-chgo.org
[email protected]
May 2007
Vol. 4 • No. 3
Informing and Advocating for the Preservation of our “Pedacito de Patria” in Chicago
Congressman Luis Gutiérrez Outlines Latin@ Agenda:
Self-Determination for Puerto Rico and Legalization for Undocumented Workers
Chicago:
One Trip,
One Experience,
Many Hopes
José Elías Torres
The following reflection was published in the
newspaper Claridad by a well known journalist,
radio show host, and editor of “Filiberto Ojeda
Ríos: su propuesta, su vision.” Torres participated in a series of events that took place as a
Jornada in commemoration of the Puerto Rican
political prisoners and Filiberto Ojeda Rios, all
part of the work in the Puerto Rican community of Chicago. The National Boricua Human
Rights Network and the Union for Puerto Rican Students at UIC and NEIU sponsored the
events during the week of April 9-13, 2007.
We started the events on Monday at the Rafael
Cintrón Ortiz Latino Cultural Center at the
University of Illinois, in the presence of a large
group of college students and students from
Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School, with
the presentation by William Ramirez “Colonialism and Political Repression: The Case
of Filiberto Ojeda Ríos.” Following was a
panel discussion on the case of Filiberto from
Many hopes... continued on page 14
Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act of 2007
On February 28 Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez joined with his Puerto Rican Colleague from
New York, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez in
introducing HR 1230, The “Puerto Rico SelfDetermination Act of 2007.”
The Constitutional Convention would be composed of delegates elected by the direct vote of
the people. HR 1230 allows Puerto Ricans who
reside outside the island, whether they were
born on the island or their children, to partici-
The bill recognizes the natural right of the
Latin@ Agenda... page 2
Over 200 Attend:
Vida/SIDA Cacique and
Cacica Pageant 2007
A Celebration of LGBTQ Life in the Barrio
Juan Calderón
Youth leadership in the Barrio:
B.A.C.C.A.
An Innovative After-School
Program Mixing Culture,
Community and Technology
Xavier “Xavi” Luis Burgos
In a community like Humboldt Park, where stigmas
abound, the youth are the primary targets of discrimination and distrust. Yes, there are high dropout rates
in our high schools, gangs, and other social problems,
but there are also alternatives. There are also youth
actively engaged in community-building and interested in obtaining skills to enhance their lives and their
communities. Earlier this year, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center in collaboration with Café Teatro Batey
Urbano, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High
School, and the Humboldt Park Participatory Democracy Project, initiated an after school program–
29th Annual Puerto Rican
People’s Parade
B.A.C.C.A.... page 6
Vida/SIDA, a project of the
Puerto Rican Cultural Center,
for the first time in its history
hosted the Cacique & Cacica
Pageant, dedicated to Bartolo
Hernández de Jesús. The purpose of the pageant was to create a safe environment in which
young Latino MSM can feel
comfortable assessing HIV/
AIDS and STD prevention
education. The pageant was
partially funded by the Chicago
Department of Public Health
(CDPH) and the AIDS foundation of Chicago.
On the evening of April 28,
community members and youth
from the Chicagoland area, attended this event that reflects
the diversity and empowerment
of Paseo Boricua. The event started
with a small introduction of safer sex
Credito: Xavier Luis Burgos
During the 13th Annual Pa’lante Conference
organized by the Union for Puerto Rican Students at the University of Illinois at Chicago,
Elma Beatriz Rosado, Farrique Pesquera,
William Ramírez, from the American Civil
Liberties Union (ACLU) and I participated
in three intense working days in conjunction
with the Puerto Rican community living in
the Windy City. The conference was entitled:
“Problematizing the Case of Puerto Rico:
Political Repression and Human Rights in a
Colonial Context—on the Island and in the
Diaspora.”
People of Puerto Rico to call a Constitutional
Convention for the purpose of proposing a SelfDetermination Option for a non-colonial and
non-territorial status option. Because the bill is
based on the recognition of the natural right of
the Puerto Rican people to their self-determination, it does not “order” the people of Puerto
Rico to do anything, as that would constitute an
imperial action over a colony under the guise of
“promoting self-determination.”
Since elected to the U.S. Congress in 1992, Luis
Gutiérrez has, without a doubt, made some significant contributions to the Latin@ community.
Through his hard and intense legislative work in
Congress, Gutiérrez has helped outline the contours of a national Latin@ Agenda. In the spirit
of dialogue, La Voz is pleased to highlight two of
his most recent legislative proposals.
presentations, followed by an HIV/
AIDS Workshop which targeted young
Cacica/Cacique Pageant... page 6
“Retire #21” and Dedicated to the 30th Anniversary of the Division Street Riots, 1977-2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 2:00 pm • Division St. and Western Ave
Latin@ Agenda...continued from front page
pate in the process, as the bill recognizes them to be part of the People of
Puerto Rico.
According to H.R. 1230, the Constitutional Convention would produce
a proposal which, if approved by the
people of Puerto Rico in a referendum,
would be presented to Congress, which
shall enact a joint resolution approving
it and providing for its implementation. Congress could accept, reject or
amend the proposal, and resubmit it to
the people of Puerto Rico for approval
in a referendum before it shall become
effective.
The bill provides for the Constitutional
Convention to reconvene for the purpose of deliberating to adopt another
proposal if a self-determination proposal is rejected by Congress or by the
people of Puerto Rico, and to remain in
session until a proposal is enacted.
Congresspersons Gutiérrez and Velázquez obtained the cooperation and
support for the bill of the Constitutional
Development Committee of the Puerto
Rico Bar Association, first, and then of
the Puerto Rico Bar Association proper.
Governor Acevedo Vilá, Movimiento
Independentista Nacional Hostosiano,
and others have endorsed the bill.
STRIVE Act
On March 22, Congressman Luis V.
Gutiérrez (IL-4-D) and his Republican
colleague from Arizona, Jeff Flake, introduced HR 1645, the STRIVE Act
(Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy.) It is
a realistic, responsible approach that
is capable of obtaining the bi-partisan
support of the 218 votes needed for
passage in the House of Representatives
and the 60 votes needed for passage in
the Senate.
STRIVE is the most progressive Congressional proposal for comprehensive
immigration reform. We did not expect
anything less from Congressman Gutierrez who for the last 14 years has been
the national leader in the defense of immigrant workers’ rights.
STRIVE includes (1) A legalization
program, “conditional nonimmigrant
status” that will allow most undocu-
Congratulations to Janeida Rivera
of Café Teatro Batey Urbano,
for receiving the Amigas Latinas 2007
Aixa Díaz Latina Youth scholarship award.
Retire 21
Campaign in Chicago
In the February issue of La Voz, we informed our readers
about the ongoing campaign to urge Major League
Baseball (MLB) to retire Roberto Clemente’s number 21
signing petitions throughout the business and
community-based organizations on Paseo Boricua.
The following locations will have petitions:
La Bruquena Restaurant (2726 W. Division)
Café Colao (2638 W. Division)
Nellie’s Restaurant (2458 W. Division)
Paseo Boricua Business Center (2459 W. Division)
Papa’s Cache Sabroso (2517 W. Division)
Gamerz (2627 W. Division)
Puerto Rican Cultural Center (2739-41 W. Division)
Latin American Restaurant (2743 W. Division)
El Quijote Bookstore (2546 W. Division)
For more information, go to: retire21.org
or latinosport.com
Mark your calendar: Monday, June 11, Roberto Clemente
auditorium (1147 N. Western), Chicago premier of
“The Legend of #21,” a film about the life and legacy
of Clemente.
¿Qué Pasó?
mented workers to work, travel, and
eventually apply for permanent residency and later, for U.S. citizenship, (2)
a New Worker Program (as opposed to
a guest worker program) with 400,000
worker visas per year (3) the elimination of the family reunification backlog
in a six year period.
Undocumented workers who were
working in the U.S. prior to June 1st,
2006, who committed no crimes (outside of violation of immigration law),
will qualify for the legalization program
by paying a $500 fine (adults only.)
In future editions of La Voz, more details about this great bill will be provided.
Congresspersons Rush, Jackson, Davis, Emmanuel and Schakowsky, from
Chicago are co-sponsors of the bill. La
Voz urges its readers to call both Illinois
U.S. Senators to support the principles
outlined in STRIVE in the debate on
immigration reform in the Senate, and
Representatives from the Chicago area
to ACTIVELY support STRIVE.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday • June 8 • 6:30 pm
An Invitation to the Annual Rudy Lozano Dinner
A Tribute to: Elvira Arellano, Rafael “Pistolero” Pulido,
Cong. Luis V. Gutierrez, and Cong. Bobby L. Rush
Hosted by Centro Sin Fronteras, La Familia Latina Unida
Westside Tech 2800 S. Western Ave
For more information: (773) 671-1755
in Boricua History
Saúl F. Meléndez
May 13, 1829:
Birth of Segundo Ruíz Belvís in Hormigueros,
Puerto Rico. Belvis was a dedicated abolitionist who also fought for Puerto Rico’s independence. Ruíz Belvis and other Puerto Ricans
in exile, formed the “Comité Revolucionario
de Puerto Rico” (Revolutionary Committee of
Puerto Rico) for the independence of Puerto Rico. The committee
planned “El Grito de Lares,” the first proclamation of the Republic of Puerto Rico that took place on September 23, 1868. Prior
to “El Grito de Lares,” Ruíz Belvis was mysteriously murdered on
November 3, 1867 in the City of Valparaíso, Chile.
May 14, 1876:
Birth of Luis Lloréns Torres, in Juana Díaz,
Puerto Rico. A poet, journalist, playwright,
and politician, he is best remembered for his
works: “Sonetos Sinfónicos,” “Voces de la
Campana Major,” and “Alturas de América.”
Lloréns Torres, among other prominent figures, founded the first pro-independence political party in the history of Puerto Rico.
May 16, 1857:
Birth of Juan Morel Campos, in Ponce,
Puerto Rico. Morel Campos, a composer
of danzas who took the musical genre
to its highest level, was also one of the
founders and directors of ‘La Banda de
Bomberos del Parque de Bombas de
Ponce.’ Among his best-known compositions are: “Felices Días,” “No Me Toques,” “Idilio,” and “Maldito Amor.”
May 21, 1912:
Birth of Pedro Ortíz Dávila a.k.a. “Davilita,” in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. A popular
singer of boleros, “Davilita” migrated
with his parents to New York when he
was only a child. “Davilita” recorded
over 3,000 songs before his death in
Bayamón, Puerto Rico on July 8, 1986.
Mon.-Fri. • June 11-15 • 8:30 am – 4 pm
National Men’s Health Week
Free Comprehensive Screenings for Cholesterol, Diabetes,
Hypertension, HIV, and Prostate Cancer
Near North Health Service Corporations Health Center
Sunday • June 10 • 9 am
The Puerto Rican Parade Committee of Chicago Presents:
XVII Annual San Juan 8k Run/2 M Fitness Walk
Humboldt Park
Award Ceremony, Raffle and Live Music
Proceeds benefit Roberto Clemente
High School Track & Field
Monday • June 11 • 7 pm
Chicago premiere of “The Legend of #21,”
a film about the life and legacy of Clemente
Roberto Clemente High School auditorium (1147 N. Western)
is a grassroots newsletter of the Juan Antonio Corretjer Puerto Rican Cultural
Center. We work in collaboration with various community organizations to
stabilize and strengthen the Puerto Rican community in Humboldt Park.
During this historic moment, our objective is to provide our community with
regular and reliable news and updates on community programs.
Contact us at: [email protected]
The views expressed in the pages of La Voz del Paseo Boricua do not necessarily reflect the views of the Juan Antonio Corretjer Puerto Rican Cultural
Center and/or the editorial board of La Voz del Paseo Boricua.
May 19, l979:
Twenty-one people were arrested during a
civil disobedience activity against the U.S.
Navy’s military occupation and bombing of
the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Caracas
beach was shortly after named in honor of
Angel Rodríguez Cristóbal, one of the 21
arrested for civil disobedience and jailed
in Tallahassee, Florida. On November 11, 1979, Rodríguez was
brutally assassinated in his cell. Rodríguez has become a symbol of the 60 years of the Puerto Rican struggle to free Vieques
and Puerto Rico from U.S. militarization. The struggle resulted
in the exit of the U.S Navy from Vieques on May 1, 2003.
Editor: Michael Rodríguez Muñiz
Production Manager: Jodene Velázquez
Photography Coordinator: Jonathan R. Lizardi
Advertisement Coordinator: Saúl F. Meléndez
Designers: Alejandro Luis Molina, Xavier Luis Burgos, Jonathan R. Lizardi
Staff: Xavier Luis Burgos, Saúl Meléndez, Melissa Cintrón, Nilmari Donate Ruíz,
José Rivera, Vanessa Claudio, Juanita García, Manelik Gutiérrez, Jessica Camacho
Translations and proofing: Norma Torres, Agnes Justiniano,
Madeline Troche-Rodríguez, Nanette K. Toro, Gloria Alonzo, Zoriada Tañon,
Maria Ramos, Lorna Morales Amill, Erika Abad, Luis Padial
Café Teatro Batey Urbano Reaches Five-Year Milestone
Janeida Rivera
April 13, 2007 celebrated a milestone for the advancement of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community. It will
solidify what Humboldt Park’s youth has perpetually
worked so diligently at attaining.
Café Teatro Batey Urbano, in collaboration with the
Near Northwest Neighborhood Network (NNNN),
celebrated its five-year run of
youth involvement in performance arts, community development, youth enrichment and
empowerment. The crowd was
mesmerized as Bomba dancers
from Nuestro Tambó snapped
their skirts to the rhythm of
Puerto Rican barriles and timbales. Students traveled far and
wide from Tucson, Arizona to
perform poetry about their realities as Mexicans in
the US, their solidarity with the Puerto Rican community, and the oppression they face on a daily basis. The crowd roared for underground Puerto Rican
emcee Luis Díaz of the group Intifada, who flew in
“El Cimarrón”
A Film About the Past
with an Eye for the Future
“Ignorance is
bliss,” as the
saying
goes.
However, to face
the future blind,
ignoring history
and collective
experiences is to
fall into disaster.
In the case of
Puerto Rico, if one ignores the history
of slavery in Puerto Rico and its brutal
consequences or the roots of our “up-inthe-air” political status, one is destined
to bear the struggles of history yearning
to be solved. The film “El Cimarrón” or
“The Maroon” is not only filling the gap
in Puerto Rico’s collective memory, but
also contributing to the island’s cinematic renaissance.
The film, “El Cimarrón,” produced in
Puerto Rico and directed by Iván Daniel
Ortiz, tells the tale of Puerto Rican life
during the turn of the 19th century. Puerto Rico was a strategic Spanish colony, its
population a mix of the elite Spanish settlers, the emerging and restless Criollo
elite, the marginalized peasantry, the enslaved Africans, and those who escaped
to create a new society: the maroons.
“El Cimarrón” depicts the barbarism
and dehumanizing goal of chattel slavery through the separated love of an
African husband and wife. The partners
live under the same master, a Spanish
settler who wants to profit off the island
at the expense of the revolting Criollos,
but they can never speak to each other.
They eventually escape, and live with
other maroons, but their past returns
Only through Café Teatro Batey Urbano’s efforts is
there a constant opportunity in Humboldt Park for
an inter-generational bonding and growing experience for the Puerto Ricans/Latinos of the community. Adoringly called, “The Batey,” this
satellite project of the Juan
Antonio Corretjer Puerto Rican Cultural Center is a youth
lead, non-profit organization.
Uniquely, it serves as a medium
for Boricua/Latina/o youth to
express themselves creatively,
while also providing a platform
for community action. If the community of Humboldt Park is depending on its youth to preserve its
history and legacy, looking at the successes that Batey
has accomplished in just its rudimentary stages, they
will not be let down.
to destroy them. The film is a colorful,
melodramatic, and detailed period piece
with panoramic views of an island before
concrete. Although, the film takes place
nearly 200 years ago, the dilemmas of
racism, political autonomy, and identity
ring true. One line from the film that
foreshadowed the purgatory of Puerto
Rico’s political status is when the slave
master proudly stated at a meeting of
foreign settlers: “This island will always
be a colony.”
“El Cimarrón” was also featured at the
Roberto Clemente H.S. Auditorium before parents, students and community
residents. Afterwards, an educational
dialogue took place between the director
and the audience. Quite notably, members of the Puerto Rican community
showed their support by attending all of
the showings of “El Cimarrón” and “El
Clown.” In particular, the Puerto Rican
Cultural Center rented buses to attend
the showings at the Landmark Theater.
“El Clown”
success. This is exactly what Xavier del
Monte- (Main Character) better known
as ‘Flacotroco’- (His Clown Name) discovers when he abandons his circus ‘CirCaribe.’
Xavier del Monte cannot see the happiness that lies within his close friends,
those who make up ‘CirCaribe’, and decides that he is tired of his gig and wants
a more economic prosperity out of life.
So he opts out of his humble surroundings by abandoning his circus community and decides to go to the big city. After
serveral tryouts with different candidates, a public relations corporation that
produces “Hot Dog Town” chooses as
their main feature Xavier del Monte. At
the top of his success, Xavier feels empty
inside and does not know why. Now he
will have to choose between affluence
and happiness.
The movie was also shown in Batey Urbano (2620 W. Division). Thanks to the
Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC)
and the Puerto Rican Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) who sponsored all
of the Puerto
Rican Films in
this years 23rd
Annual Latino
Film Festival,
the Puerto Rican
community was able
to engage with
Emilio Rodríguez, one of the directors of ‘El Clown’
about the subtle messages throughout
the movie.
“This is clearly one of the reasons why
Puerto Rico is so important to the United States”-stated José López, (Executive
Director of The Puerto Rican Cultural
Center) who compared the movie as a
modern tool to educate people on not
only our colonial status, but how Puerto
Rico is used to experiment the globalizing process, which finds its way to Latin
America. El Clown is an visionary work
that provides a realistic perspective of
the lives of Puerto Ricans in a modernizing world.
One of the Most Successful Movies of the 23rd
s
famou
e
h
t
f
Latino Film Festival
o
Home a de Coco”
Jonathan Rivera Lizardi
El Clown, which was presented at
Chicago’s Landmark Theater as part
of the 2007 Chicago Latino Film Festival, was one of the most successful
movies of the festival. El Clown won
two awards and was purchased by
WTTW (channel 11),
The movie directed by brilliant filmmakers, Emilio Rodríguez and Pedro
Adorno, speaks about finding one’s
happiness. Happiness that can come
in different forms and not necessarily determine by ones economic
Try t
“Tort he special
illa B
oricua
”
“Aven
Puerto Rican Breakfast & Lunch Restaurant
2458 W. Division Street • 773/252.5520
Now Hiring!
Looking for:
Cook and Waiter
Come enjoy great food and company
in the heart of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community!
Latino Film Festival- Puerto Rican Film Reviews
from Puerto Rico to be a part of this event, as well
as Rebel Diaz, a Latino hip-hop group directly from
New York.
DePaul University’s Primer Acto Theater Company presents:
“The Block: A Young Lords Story”
Melissa Cintrón
As the audience filed into the Batey Urbano youth space on April 21, for a soldout
matinee, they encountered young people
scattered about the room in black and red
berets standing stone-faced with hands
clasped behind them, setting the stage for
what came. “El Bloque” (The Block: A
Young Lords Story) is a play written by Dr.
Jacqueline Lazú, presented by Primer Acto
Theater Company of DePaul University and
directed by Ciara Medina.
It tells the story of The Young Lords, a political organization based out of Lincoln Park
in the 1960s, through the perspective of a
young journalist. She is on a mission to write
what should be a simple article about the
group, but gets sidetracked by outside influences and her own questions about who the
Young Lords really were. This leads her to
discover the amazing impact that the Young
Lords had in the Puerto Rican community,
and the potential impact the youth of the
community can have today. While she does
her research there are several flashbacks that
illustrate from the most poignant to the very
human moments, showing the members
hanging out and playing dominoes.
The Young Lords organization came from
the need to address the oppression and exploitation faced in the Puerto Rican community. They strived to achieve the building of
institutions in which the community could
self-determine what they needed in terms of
social, economic, and political development.
The play not only addresses issues faced in
our history but directly links the social injustices still faced today; such as the displacement of Puerto Ricans out of their community, and the lack of alternatives for Puerto
Rican youth.
The Batey Urbano was very pleased to collaborate with Primer Acto for this special
presentation. Primer Acto focuses on works
that share its mission of educating and entertaining, with a particular dedication to
themes relevant to the Latin American, Latino, Caribbean, and the African Diaspora, as
well as messages of social responsibility and
political consciousness. The Primer Acto
group is currently seeking play and project
proposals from dramaturges, directors, and/
or producers for their 2007-2008 season.
The deadline for submissions is September
1, 2007.
For more information write to: primeracto_
[email protected] or DePaul University,
Dr. Jacqueline Lazú, Department of Modern Languages, 802 West Belden Avenue,
Chicago, Il. 60614
“Boricua y Mexicano, Luchando Mano a Mano” – Latin@ Solidarity
Elvira Arellano and Attorney Wanda Resto
Deliver Moving and Compelling Testimony
Jodene Velázquez
Over 150,000 Attend Immigrant Rights March:
Batey Urbano/ NNNN Youth Action Team
Organize Feeder March from Humboldt Park
Once again, on May 1, hundreds of thousands of people peacefully took to the streets
of Chicago to demand amnesty for the nearly 12 million undocumented immigrants in
this country – over 400,000 in the Chicago
area alone. The unexpected magnitude of
the May 1 march was also made possible by
Homeland Security raids a week before in
the Mexican community of La Villita. Nonetheless, a strategy of fear was turned into a
mass mobilization of people around the city,
led by youth.
Two feeder marches were organized – in
Pilsen and Humboldt Park – by two youthled organizations. From Paseo Boricua, located in Humboldt Park, the youth of the
Puerto Rican/Latina/o youth space of Café
Teatro Batey Urbano responded to the call
for justice and solidarity by organizing over
400 people for the Humboldt Park feeder
march. El Zócalo Urbano organized over
400 people in Pilsen’s feeder march, which
took place at Benito Juarez High School.
As a Puerto Rican community, we have the
responsibility and opportunity to support
the undocumented immigrant population.
Just like Mexicans and other Latinas/os, we
continue to be cursed at because of our language, culture, skin color, and for proudly
carrying our flag. Therefore, as a people
who have suffered the horrors of forced migration, we must stand strong alongside our
Mexican, Chicana/o, and Latina/o sisters
and brothers.
Again, we had the opportunity to show all
of Chicago that our support not only goes to
Elvira Arellano, but for all undocumented
immigrants living, working, and struggling
in this country. Let us hope that the US government responds to the demands of the
people.
Nearly nine months have
passed since Elvira Arellano took sanctuary in the
Adalberto United Methodist Church on Paseo Boricua, the thriving Puerto
Rican community in Chicago. However, reliving
her decision to stay is still
difficult for her to share.
On April 12, 2007, people
gathered at the Church to
discuss the issue of immigration in the context of gender. Attorney
at law, Wanda I. Resto, from Washington
D.C., flew in to be a part of this extraordinary event as a keynote speaker. As immigration to the US rises, so do the number of
undocumented women living and working
in this country who struggle
to provide food and shelter
as single mothers. Some,
like Arellano, have given
birth to children in this
country, facing even more
challenges when faced with
deportation. The testimony
provided by Arellano and
legal anecdotes by Resto
drew tears from the audience lining the church’s
packed pews. Elvira Arellano’s compelling story has put a human face
on immigrant struggles in the US, providing
a space for Latin@s to speakout against the
injustices and to create the necessary changes in our society for all immigrants to live in
peace and not in fear.
The Community of Paseo Boricua
Jonathan Rivera Lizardi
As every month that passes, I try to spotlight the very
best that Puerto Ricans have contributed over the years
to the development, empowerment and acknowledgment of our “Pedacito de Patria” known as Paseo Boricua, despite one’s political beliefs. The individuals I
have mentioned in the past have contributed greatly,
but there is one crucial element; the names that I have
mentioned in past articles, would not matter, for the
substance that gives them the acknowledgment they deserve lies in our community. For without the community
there’s no sense of who we are (a people of hope). See,
everything that lies within Paseo Boricua is what Paseo
Boricua is and ultimately gives meaning to all of us.
Paseo Boricua is more than the beautiful steel flags that
cross from one sidewalk to the other and gives every
Puerto Rican who sees them a sense of pride. It’s more
than the businesses from flag to flag. Paseo Boricua is,
the ‘viejitos’ playing dominoes in front of Eddie’s bodega. Paseo Boricua is Eddie telling Israel that the Cubs
are going to win the World Series and that the Sox’s
suck. Paseo Boricua is the music blaring rhythmic melodies from Lily’s Record Shop into our ears. Paseo Boricua
is Lily fighting those who park in her parking spot and
don’t come into her store. Paseo Boricua is ‘Tito’ putting flags on the poles that are in front of Lily’s Record
Shop. Paseo Boricua is the reggaeton one hears when
getting a hair cut at Jayuya, Sports Kuttz or Luquillo.
Paseo Boricua is going to Café Colao and purchasing ‘el
cafecito de la tarde’ or going to La Casita de Don Pedro
and listening to a ‘Bombazo o Plenazo.’ Paseo Boricua is
‘Pucho’ sitting on the banquito trying to sell you ‘Bolitas’
the churches, the clinics, the trees, the sun, the sidewalks
and the struggle to find a parking spot. Paseo Boricua is
the ‘bochincheras’ and ‘bochincheros’ who have nothing
better to do than ‘bochinchar’. Paseo Boricua is Humboldt Park, La Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas, and
El Desfile del Pueblo. Paseo Boricua is Lourdes Lugo
walking her dogs, dreaming one day she’ll be walking
along with her uncle Oscar López Rivera. Paseo Boricua
ranges from Luis Gutiérrez, Billy Ocasio, to ‘Carlitos’
having a seizure in front of the currency exchange.
for six dollars a piece. Paseo Boricua is Betty taking the
kids from the Barrio to Barreto Boy’s and Girls Club.
Paseo Boricua is Elvira Allerano taking sanctuary at
Adalberto’s United Methodist Church. Paseo Boricua is
the solidarity of Puerto Ricans and Mexicans. Paseo Boricua are the political prisoners, Pedro Albizu Campos
Boulevard and Humboldt Park. Paseo Boricua is the
nightlife one can see in front of Coco’s, Latin American,
and La Bruquena Restaurant. Paseo Boricua is the tours
given to our fellow Puerto Ricans from another state or
to outsiders that are intrigued by how we have claimed a
space of our own. Paseo Boricua is Fiesta Boricua, Three
Kings Day Winter Festival, and Haunted Paseo Boricua.
Paseo Boricua is the Walk of Fame, murals, the ‘banquitos,’ and the flower planters found along the strip.
Paseo Boricua is the beggars, the borachito’s, the bars,
Ald. Ocasio takes an aggressive stand
for affordable housing in City Council
Over the past month the Chicago City Council has intensely debated the state of affordable housing in the City of Chicago. The debates surfaced when Mayor Richard Daley
revealed a new citywide affordable housing plan.
The Mayor’s plan would
call for developers to set
aside 10% of their units for
affordable housing but only
in projects with 10 units or
more. This, Aldermen Ocasio argued, would produce
very few affordable units in
our community.
“The vast majority of the residents in my
ward can not afford these units. In fact most
families in my ward would have to make
double their current salary to qualify for an
To help make the plan truly
affordable Alderman Ocasio introduced an amendment to the proposed ordinance that would use the
median income for only the
City of Chicago in determining the sales prices for
the affordable units. This
would reduce the sales price
considerably ensuring more
members of our community
would be able to become
first time homeowners.
Unfortunately this amendment was voted
down by some of the other members of the
City Council. The mayor’s proposal was also
approved moments later with Alderman
Ocasio voting no on the measure. He was
one of only two Aldermen that stood up to
the mayor against this unaffordable plan.
“Although I am disappointed that the City
Council did not approve my amendments…
I will continue to fight hard to make sure
our great city is affordable to all of our residents,” stated Alderman Ocasio.
Paseo Boricua are those who dream of one day returning to their beloved island. Paseo Boricua is ultimately
you and me.
Letter from Luz Nereida
Dear compatriots:
“I would like to thank you all for the care and warmth you had for me during my stay in Chicago.
Days in which verified what people in Puerto Rico anticipated for
me before I left: “the Puerto Ricans in Chicago are something
else.” They were right. My admiration stays with you all due to your
capacity to work, the marvelous achievements you have obtained,
and the profound commitment and delivery of the struggle for the
motherland and for your community… In reality, your work is a
professorship and school for many on how one should carry-out a
struggle, on how one should contribute to a dignified life for our
Puerto Rican compatriots and for our Latin American brothers and sisters.”
To all of you, my boricua embraces of solidarity and patriotism.
Luz Nereida
Farhan &
Associates, P.C.
Attorneys and Counselors at Law
Se habla español
Tajani Vázquez Farhan
Attorney
[email protected]
www.farhanlaw.com
2332 N. Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60647
Ph: (773) 276-8888
F: (773) 276-8863
“The reality in my ward,
declared Alderman Ocasio
at the City Council meeting, is that the majority of the projects going up on our blocks
are not 10 unit developments. The projects
that are gentrifying my community are high
priced 3 and 4 unit condo buildings being
built on single lots.” By only requiring affordable homeownership opportunities on
projects with 10 units or more you completely ignore the majority of the development taking place in my ward.”
“affordable” unit. We must ask ourselves
who does this affordable housing plan really
help.” Alderman Ocasio told his colleagues
at the City Council meeting before the final
vote.
Paseo Boricua is that everyone knows your name and
salutes you with a ‘buenos dia.’ Paseo Boricua are the
‘dons’ playing the lotto hoping one day they ‘se pegan’
to ease their economic pain. Paseo Boricua are the kids
skateboarding along the strip or going to Batey Urbano
to perform their latest tricks. Paseo Boricua are those
Puerto Ricans who think that there are better than those
who do not attain an education. Paseo Boricua is the
Puerto Rican Cultural Center, La Casa Puertorriqueña,
Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School and Roberto Clemente High School. Paseo Boricua is officer Jackson
walking and stopping to talk to the owners of the businesses on the strip. Paseo Boricua is spreading the insane rumors that our steel flags are going to be sold to
New York. Paseo Boricua are the people who go into
Botánica Victoria to buy candles, ‘collares,’ and statues
to honor the dead.
Puerto Rican History and
Culture Saturday Academy
a program of the Barrio Arts, Culture
and Communications Academy (B.A.C.C.A.)
Want your child to learn Puerto Rican history?
immerse themselves in the Spanish Language?
learn about Puerto Rican cultural expressions?
Starting June 2 until July 21
(Special 8-week program)
Space Available now!!
Program for youth from grades 6-8th.
$20 registration & program materials (limited scholarship available)
Contact the Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC)
at 773-342-8023 for more details or to apply.
the Barrio Arts, Culture and Communication
Academy (BACCA) designed to fill a void in
student development in Humboldt Park.
distributed in their community that speaks to
the history and experience of Puerto Ricans
in Chicago.
About 30 students have had the opportunity to choose a specific program during the
week, including theater, radio, and journalism/newspaper design. The Theater project,
done in coordination with Nuyorican poet
and playwright Tato Laviera, produced a play
that spoke to the reality (and urban legends)
of Humboldt Park’s Puerto Rican community.
The final product, was the funny and exciting “Chupacabra Sightings,” which sold-out
in each of its four shows. (See page 8 in this
edition for more on this play.) As for the Radio and Journalism/Newspaper Design programs, not only are skills in technology and
writing learned, but also a space for critical
analysis on how these mediums of expression
and communication serve the community.
A dialogue has been initiated on the importance of having members of the Puerto Rican
community participate and own the media
Another important aspect of the BACCA after school program is the integration into the
Participatory Democracy Project, in which all
the students from the different programs are
given a space of reflection on their community
and its struggles, assets, and future of the community. Therefore, it is nonetheless important
to again acknowledge that there are youth of
this community active in strengthening it.
If you are interested contact: Café Teatro
Batey Urbano at 2620 W. Division St., open
Mon. – Thurs. 2:30-7 pm, (773) 342-1714 or
visit myspace.com/bateyurbano. For more on
B.A.C.C.A. please contact: 773-342-8023 and
see the ad above, for more on our newest youth
program, the Puerto Rican Culture and History
Summer Academy!
Pageant...continued from front page
The contestants that participated in this pageant challenged the homophobia in
the community by being the
first transgender and homosexual males to have the opportunity to represent the
Puerto Rican Cultural Center and be an ambassador
of Vida/SIDA. The talents
consisted of performances reflecting the cultural identity of
being a Puerto Rican/Latin@.
Moreover, the voice of each
participant was a stimulus
Dear Neighbor,
The Mothers’ who have suffered the loss of their sons due to gang violence,
The Neighborhood Chapel and The Alliance of Local Service Organizations
invites you to the “12th Annual Memorial Service and Peace Walk,” Saturday,
June 2, 2007 in Humboldt Park. We will gather at 10 a.m. on the corner of Division and California. From this staging area, we will begin our Walk for Peace
into Humboldt Park.
Jeremiah 29:7 encourages us, “To Seek
the Peace of the City... And to Pray to the
Lord for the City… For in the Peace of the
City,You will find your Peace!”
See you on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 10:00
a.m. on the corner of California & Division!
BACCA...continued from front page
adults under the age 24, presented
by Project Vida (Carlos and Héctor).
The CDPH Mobil Unit’s Maritxa
and José, were also present providing HIV/AIDS and STD testing.
After the workshops/presentation,
a typical exquisite Puerto Rican and
Mexican dinner was served. After
dinner, our very own host “Latin
Soul” started the introduction of the pageant.
“12th Annual
Memorial Service
and Walk for Peace”
In Humboldt Park
The Neighborhood Chapel the peoples’ pastor,
Rev. Pedro J. Windsor
3058 West Armitage Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60647
773.486.9439 • Fax: 773.486,9476
Condolences from La Voz del Paseo Boricua
Our staff member, Juanita García has been an advocate and member of this community, committed to the progress of Paseo Boricua. In this difficult time, the Puerto Rican
Cultural Center and La Voz del Paseo Boricua would like to extend our condolences
and support to the family of Jorge García, father of Juanita García, Joli García, Janette
García, Jorge García, Jr., Jason García, and life partner of Monserrate García on their
recent loss. Jorge García is loved and remembered by many.
Judith Díaz, one of the leaders of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Dr. Pedro Albizu
Campos High School, and the Humboldt Park Participatory Democracy Project, is a
committed member of her community and cared for by many on Paseo Boricua. The
Puerto Rican Cultural Center and La Voz del Paseo Boricua would like to express our
deepest sympathy to Judith Díaz, Marco Díaz, David Díaz, Rocky Díaz, and Wilfredo
Díaz on the loss of Evaristo Díaz Rosa, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle,
brother, son and husband who is deeply loved and missed.
CACICA/ CACIQUE Pageant dedicated to Bartolo Hernández de Jesús:
because, they provided a speech
that reflected the health issues that
affects our Puerto Rican/Latino
community. In addition, the contestants would become community
role models. The pageant included
the presentation of a crown to Juan
Calderon, an active member of the
community, for being involved in
the Puerto Rican community
since his days in the Consuelo Lee Corretjer Day Care.
Reina Valentino, a transgender woman, performed a
number that brought joy to
the crowd and empowered
participants to be involved
in the community in whichever way possible. The event
concluded with the announcement of the winners,
which with great honor and
privilege, our very own executive director of the PRCC,
presented to the winners.
Bartolo Hernández de Jesús, as young Puerto Rican who grew up in New
York City. He became active in the campaign to free the Puerto Rican
political prisoners and advocated for Puerto Rican independence, later
passing from an HIV complication. He was a major figure in the campaign
to eradicate HIV in the Puerto Rican/Latin@ community in New York, but
also challenged the Puerto Rican independence movement on their homophobic sentiments. In 1989, he was instrumental in including the issue
of homophobia as well as developed a human perspective in sexuality.
These ideas where included in the political program of the Puerto Rican
independence organization, MLN (Movimiento de Liberación Nacional.)
Contestants:
Cacica:
Monica Beverly, Verónica,
Chanel Diamonds,
Matty Calderón, and Jade
Cacique:
Quincy Raggs, Dre Valentino,
and Ausencio Rivera
Winners: CACICA/ CACIQUE
Jade- Queen • Ausencio Rivera – King
Matty Calderón- Princess
Dre Valentino- Prince
Thank you to the sponsors:
Jason Booth, Howard Brown Health Center, Dr.
Fregoso, John R. Wozniak, Leslie Villaseñor,
George D. Bickford, Jonathan Rosa, Dr. Estrada,
Mario & Cesar’s Jewelry, Margarita Chavez, Louis
Deiss, J-LB Lesant, Remote Pharmacy inc, Kira
Adicheva, Lamille Sanders, Adriana TapanesInojosa, Latoya Hansley, Shoe Fetish, Gay Mart,
Chipotle Restaurant, and Cupid’s Treasures.
La Voz del Paseo Boricua Briefs:
Paseo Boricua Annual Street Cleaning
Enrique Salgado Jr.
Want
to
Live
2725 W. Division
1 bedroom
2636 W. Division
in el
Barrio?
$575
773-252-7008
3bedrooms
$800 773-415-4353
2735 W. Division
2bedrooms
$600 773-805-9509
2515 W. Division
2 bedrooms
$850
773-297-4131
2648 W. Division
2bedrooms
$650 773-520-5035
2648 W. Division
3bedrooms
$850 773-520-5035
For over 10 years, the Division Street Business Development Association (DSBDA) has sponsored a
year round street cleaning program. With contributions from local Paseo Boricua Businesses, DSBDA
is able to subsidize the $19,000 a year program.
The program includes employing a street cleaner
who sweeps the sidewalks four hours a day, six
days a week from Western Ave. to California, and
the side streets that feed into Division Street up to
the alleys. Every spring the 16 flower basins on Paseo Boricua are filled with fresh flowers. The program
also insures that graffiti is quickly erased from the
light poles and walls. DSBDA also sponsors once
a month volunteer clean up during the spring and
summer months. The next volunteer clean up will
be on Saturday, May 26. If you would like to volunteer please call our office at 773-782-0454. DSBDA
would like to thank the Beautification Program
Sponsors: Paseo Boricua Businesses, The Puerto
Rican Cultural Center, Alderman Billy Ocasio (26th
Ward) and Fiesta Boricua (de Bandera a Bandera).
IPRAC Selects Manny Vega
as Designer of Courtyard Map of Puerto Rico
The Institute for Puerto Rican Arts and Culture received proposals from Puerto Rico and New York on
designs for the courtyard map to replicate the shape of Puerto Rico. After long deliberation, Manny Vega,
a Nuyorican artist, was chosen to provide the artistic vision, which will be unveiled later this year. If you
would like to participate in this historic creation, purchase a personalized brick and be a part of IPRAC.
Regular bricks are $150, larger bricks are $300 and Circle of Honor bricks are $500. For more information,
visit www.iprac.org or call 773-486-8345.
35th Ward Alderman Rey Colón Re-elected
For more information, or if you would like to announce
your apartments for free, please contact: 773/384-7695.
¡Regresa al Barrio!
In February, Aldermanic elections took place for all
of the wards in the City of Chicago. Many Aldermen running for re-election did not receive victory
because of run-offs and had to run their campaigns
through until their next chance for victory in April.
In the 35th ward, which inlcudes the areas of Humboldt Park and Logan Square, this was the case for
Alderman Rey Colón, who was up against former
Alderman Vilma Colóm. On April 17, the taste of
victory was sweet for Alderman Rey Colón, when
he received the news that the residents of the 35th
ward cast their votes to once again have Alderman
Colón work hard at improving their ward. Congratulations to Alderman Rey Colón on his re-election.
‘Community as Intellectual Space’
2007 Conference
Presented by:
Juan Antonio Corretjer Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Chicago • University of Illinois Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Our Barrio, Our Stories, Ourselves:
The Role of Oral History
in Community Building
http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/CIS2007
“Individuals’ experiences are encapsulated in community members’ stories and narratives. These
include important historical, cultural, and familial knowledge and memories that play a crucial role in the
development, maintenance, and survival
of the Puerto Rican community.”
Performances by two internationally acclaimed figures in the arts:
• Ramon López, renowned for his expertise in Afro-Caribbean
and Puerto Rican culture
• Tato Laviera, a leading figure in the Nuyorican poetry movement
Panels include:
Children as Oral Historians; Narratives in Community Health; Construction of a Diasporic Puerto Rican
Identity through Community Narratives
Speakers include:
Ramon López (Artisan); Alejandro Luis Molina (Puerto Rican Cultural Center) & Irma M. Olmedo (Latin
American and Latino Studies Dept., University of Illinois, Chicago); Laura Ruth Johnson (Department of
Educational Technology, Research and Assessment, Northern Illinois University); Michele Kelley (School of
Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago); Margaret Power (Department of Humanities, Illinois Institute
of Technology); Betsy Hearne (GSLIS, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign); Ellen Cushman (Writing in
Digital Environments, Michigan State); Sarai Lastra (Turabo University, PR)
When: June 15-17, 2007
Where: Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Paseo Boricua, Chicago, USA
2700-2704 West Haddon Street
Contact: Dr. Ann Bishop | 217.244.3299 | [email protected]
Dr. Pedro Albizu
Campos High School
Countries are strong to the extent they
love their children... Countries are free to
the extent they respect their children.
Militarization
Taking Over
Schools and
Students
Angel Luis Miranda
Have you ever been asked to join the
army? There are seventy-two military
schools currently in Chicago. Forty-five
are high schools with JROTC programs
and twenty-seven are middle schools Cadet Corps programs. Out of those seventy-two schools, 98 percent of the students
are Latino and Black.
Militarization is a process that makes
schools or organizations like a military. In
my personal opinion, I disagree with militarization. The reason is because I find
militarization as a brain washing game
that the government brings to our schools
and organizations. Some students are in
the JROTC programs and do not realize what their (military recruiters) trying
to do with them because their stuck inside the box of these programs, however
they’re told to think outside of the box.
Students that are part of the JROTC programs do not realize what is being done
because they don’t have an alternative or
another choice to find out information.
Students need places like the Batey Urbano that will give them resources the real
truth of this world and let know of what is
really going on outside of the box. (2620
W. Division Street, 773-342-1714).
The Batey Urbano youth attend a conference addressing the ratification of a
Youth Bill of Rights during the weekend
of April 28, 2007. The conference was
held in Tennessee at the Alex Haley
Farm where they met with youth from
around the United States, such as New
York to California. This trip was made
possible with the support of Dr. Nilda
Flores-González and the Research Collaborative on Youth Activism.
El Chupacabra Sightings
A Play by Tato Laviera
Samantha Castellanos
One of the greatest things about the
Paseo Boricua community is a space
called Batey Urbano. The Batey is a free
space where the youth can get off the
streets, spit some poetry, have Internet
access and quiet time to do some homework. On top of all these great things
being done in the space is the Batey Urbano Theater, which is part of the Barrio Art, Culture and Communication
Academy, an after school program for
high school students. It recently produced a play called “El Chupcacabra Sightings,” played by Samuel Rivera as the Jibaro and
The Martian, Jose Perez as the street dude, FBI agent, and Chupacabra, Jose Rodriguez as
the Ghost/Devil and the protester, Samantha Castellanos as the Mad scientist and customer,
Armando Hernandez as the geek and the preacher, Melissa Cintron as the Bochinchosa and
the catholic, Yesenia Rivera as the Santera and the beach reggeatonera, Angel Miranda as the
drunk, the professor, and the Spanish preacher, April Fernandez as the street vendor and the
baseball fanatic, Gabriel Esquivel as the domino guy, and Manny Cortez as Toño Bicicleta.
The play was written by Nuyorican Poet and Playwright, Tato
Laviera, and was directed by Michael Reyes of the Batey Urbano, with the help of Janeida Rivera, Jose Perez, Myra Rodriguez, Lebster Pabon, Enrique Velazquez and Jose Rivera.
Based on the sightings of the Chupacabra, each character had
their own version of what they had seen, whether or not they
believed in it, and what they thought about the accusations
toward the Chupacabra. One of the greatest things about this
play was the fact that most of the actors and actresses did
not speak Spanish, and it was extremely difficult to learn the
lines, understand the meaning, and match the lines with the
character’s role; as well as perfecting it. The production was played by a diverse group of
students from Roberto Clemente, Carl Schurz, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos and Lafayette.
Others are a part of Batey Urbano.
One of the greatest things about being in this play was working with Tato Laviera, the playwright; a blind man with so many great ideas and demands. Although he may be harsh to
perfection, the process of inspiration was great! Seeing and feeling his ideas as one, knowing exactly what he meant without explaining, was the most powerful privilege I have ever
encountered. To be able to see what he saw was great. It was a pleasure working with him,
and I look forward to working with Tato and the rest of the crew again.
PACHS Director and Students
Support YCCS Charter Renewal
Armando Hernández
On April 23 of 2007, Dr Pedro Albizu Campos High School
and 18 other schools attended a hearing at the CPS Headquarters in downtown Chicago for YCCS. The hearing was for a
5-year renewal charter contract. This contract will determine
whether or not 23 charter schools will remain open. YCCS is
a Charter School for alternative education, “where a second
chance is never too late.” Armando Hernandez and Samantha
Castellanos were Student Representatives for PACHS. The
facts that came across from the students were remarkable and
articulate. With Armando’s well received quote, “big schools
have a big budget and do little things where as little schools
have a little budget and do big things.”
Students Explore
Impact of Gentrification
in Humboldt Park
Vanessa Claudio
The deterioration of a neighborhood by incoming wealthier residents increases housing development and displaces long-term
poorer residents in the process.
That definition you just read is something
that is presently taking place in the following areas: Humboldt Park, Logan Square,
Pilsen, Little Village, and other low income
communities. Gentrification is the term; and
many know its happening, but not much is
being done to stop it.
The Puerto Rican history class at Dr. Pedro
Albizu Campos High School will for the last
ten weeks of the school year, go out with a
bang. Taking critical thinking to a whole new
level, guided by the awe-inspiring teacher
Matthew Rodriguez, is a project dedicate to
gentrification in Humboldt Park. It all started with a reading on gentrification and displacement that lead the class to re-living the
1992 debate of the Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos statue, which is now in front of what was
the Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Museum.
Displacement is when the cost of living in a
low-income area increases pushing out community residents and it happens as a process of gentrification. Also many “mom and
pop” stores get bought out by to bring in big
corporations such as: Starbucks, Supercuts,
etc., erasing the history of what has been.
The class is grouping up with some of the
women who attend the Family Learning
Center, to bring major awareness about
gentrification and why it is important to
help fight it. Many ideas are floating around
about what these students are up to, but all
information has been claimed “confidential.” Either way, make sure to keep an eye
out for what these marvelous students are up
to in these upcoming months, and the new
changes taking place in Paseo Boricua.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
CHRISTOPHER PEREZ
Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School would
like to recognize Christopher Perez for his
outstanding achievement for being presented
with the Student Government Association
award from the English Department of Wilbur
Wright College. How extraordinary is it to be
a high school student to receive and accept a
prestigious award only awarded to college students. We applaud Christopher for his exceptional performance and continue to support
his journey into higher education.
Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School (PACHS) 2739-41 W. Division Street • 773-342-8022
A member of Youth Connections Charter Schools (YCCS) and the Alternative Schools Network (ASN)
produced by the students of the Barrio Arts, Culture and Communications Academy (BACCA)
PACHS Student Page Staff:
Vanessa Claudio, Armando Hernández,
Angel Miranda, José Rivera,
Adriana Rosales, Samantha Castellanos
Batey Urbano presents
May 2007 Update: CO-OP Humboldt Park
Community of Wellness
Contact: Miguel Morales • CO-OP Humboldt Park • 773.278.6737 • 2703 W. Division Street
Metabolic Syndrome:
Prevalence and Prevention
Miguel Morales
Diabetes and related illnesses such as kidney disease have been featured in the past few issues
of La Voz del Paseo Boricua in an effort to create
awareness of this disease and its impact on the
Puerto Rican/Latino community. Diabetes was diagnosed in nearly 21% of Puerto Ricans in Humboldt
Park and West Town and deaths from diabetes are
3 times the national average according to a study
released by the Sinai Urban Health Institute (SUHI)
in December 2006.
lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels. It doesn’t take a trip to the gym to experience
this—30 minutes of aerobic activity such as walking
is enough to begin improving health. Dietary changes are also recommended such as cutting back on
carbohydrates and refined sugars, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and reduction of
red meats and poultry. It’s also important to see
a doctor if you have metabolic syndrome or any
other related condition.
Sometimes diseases are related to a greater cluster of symptoms that occur simultaneously. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors that
increase your chance of developing heart disease,
stroke and diabetes. This “cluster” can go by other
names such as syndrome x and insulin resistance
syndrome and not all experts agree on how to define it, but it is becoming more and more prevalent—according to one source one in five Americans
has metabolic syndrome.
If you need more information on resources to help
combat obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome,
please contact Miguel Morales at 773 278-6737.
The above information was taken from mayoclinic.
com, clevelandclinic.org, and americanheart.org.
The SUHI study, “Disproportionate Impact of Diabetes in a Puerto Rican Community of Chicago.” Can
be found at http://www.sinai.org/urban/publications.asp.
Some symptoms of metabolic syndrome are obesity, particularly around your waist (having an “apple shape”); elevated blood pressure; an elevated
level of the blood fat called triglycerides and a low
level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
(“good” cholesterol); and insulin resistance (insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate the amount
of sugar in your body). Some of the health problems and illnesses that can develop as a result of
metabolic syndrome are heart disease, stroke, high
blood pressure, heart attacks, and type-2 diabetes. There are ways to prevent or even reverse
metabolic syndrome. Exercise and losing weight is
key because overweight and physical inactivity are
the main factors in metabolic syndrome. One only
needs to lose 5 to 10 percent of body weight to see
immediate gains such as improving insulin levels,
Save the Date!
Conuco Farmer’s Market
June 16
9pm – 2 pm
2626 W. Division St
Sponsored by Growing Power and the Puerto
Rican Cultural Center’s Conuco Farmer’s Market
will be open every Saturday through October 27
For more information contact:
Miguel Morales (773) 278-6737
FREE PRODUCE
through the PRODUCEMOBILE
You can
receive
June 4, HP Field House & July 2, HP Boat House • 10am
One person per household can pick up food!
For more information:
10
please contact Miguel Morales,
773/278-6737
Additional PRODUCEMOBILES
• McCormick Tribune YMCA parking lot
(1834 N Lawndale Ave)
Every first Tuesday of the month:
This program is
provided to you by:
CO-OP Humboldt Park, Greater
Chicago Food Depository. Space
provided to this program
by the Chicago Park District
(Humboldt Park)
Next Date: Tues, June 5 & July 3, 10:30am
Call 773 235-2525 for more information.
• Humboldt Park Boat House
(sponsored by San Lucas Church)
Every third Monday of the month:
Next Date: Mon., June 18 & July 16, 10am
Call Rosa at 773 227-5747 for more information.
¡Muévete!
CO-OP Humboldt
Park Aerobics
Aerobics
every
Mon.,
Weds. and
Fri., 6:30pm
– 7:30pm
at the
Humboldt
Park
FieldHouse
(1440 N Sacramento).
For more information,
call Leony at (773) 278-6737.
FARM – CITY
MARKET BASKET
PROGRAM
on Paseo Boricua
In collaboration with Growing Power
Rainbow Farmers Cooperative,
CO-OP Humboldt Park will launch
a program that allows residents to
buy an affordable assortment of
fruits and vegetables on a weekly
basis throughout the fall, winter
and spring seasons. We know how
important fresh produce is to our
health and fighting disease, so we
urge residents to subscribe to this
service. You can choose one of the
following baskets.
Link Card is accepted!
Choose The Program
That Works For You!
• Farm-City Market Basket
For $15 a week, we guarantee your home
access to safe, healthy produce. Our basket
contains a variety of fruits and vegetables to
feed a family of 2-4 for a whole week.
• Junior/Senior Market Basket (Singles)
For $8 a week, we offer a basket of fresh,
healthy fruits and vegetables that is half the
size of the Farm-City Market Basket and is
senior-friendly.
• Sustainable Box (Organic)
For $26 a week, enjoy a combination of certified
organic, sustainable and eco-friendly produce
grown by members of our farmer’s co-op. Take
care of the earth and experience a culinary feast
each week.
• Chicken Dinner (Organic)
For $16 add an Amish pasture raised organic
chicken to your order! Just $30 for a market
basket with Chicken or $41 for a sustainable box
with chicken.
Contact Myra Rodríguez at (773) 278-6737
for more information.
9
UIC School of Public Health Urban Health & Diversity Program
and the
Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness
Advanced Pathways to Health Professions Program
Advanced Summer Public Health Institute
This six-week academic enrichment
program is designed to: 1) strengthen
the academic preparation of students
who will be entering grades in 1012 in science, mathematics, writing,
reading, and standardized test-taking;
2) increase students’ chances to enter
college with competitive ACT scores;
3) instill in students the confidence
and ability to succeed in a pre-health
science curriculum in college. Courses
are held at the UIC School of Public
Health UHDP, 1603 W. Taylor, Chicago,
IL 60612 (312) 355-2951.
Areas of instruction include biology,
chemistry,
mathematics,
public
health research, research writing,
laboratory research methods, ACT test
preparation, scientific critical thinking,
research ethics and career exploration.
Each class session will integrate public
health issues into science instructional
modules. As part of the writing
component students will also explore
several public health concepts that may
include: pollution and environment;
behavior and health; and we are what
we eat. These areas will be explored
with complexity increasing by grade
level.
The program also includes an academic
support component that will focus on
special workshops, field trips to public
health sites and local area hospitals,
and weekly presentations. Topics to be
covered will include: how to compete for
the best scholarship offers; the cost of
college education, time management,
preparing for standardized test, and
how to integrate an interest in sports
with excellent performance.
Students will also spend a significant
portion of their time at the Humboldt
Park Vocational Center and at
designated preceptor sites. These two
program components will provide
mentoring opportunities for rising 10th
to 12th graders and motivate them
towards pursuing public health or
any other health professions as a goal.
Throughout the program, students will
be engaged in interactive experiences
within their community/sites. Through
these interactions, students will
develop an understanding of barriers
to health care, access to health care,
poor health outcomes within their
community, the current health status
of their community, projected health
outcomes, and the students’ role and
responsibilities to eliminate racial and
ethnic health disparities.
Parents/Guardians of participating
students will be active members of
the UIC SPH Community of Wellness
Parent Association. Parents/Guardians
must attend at least one workshop
and help administrative/teaching staff
with supplemental events such as
museum tours, special workshops, and
motivational presentations.
Program dates and times
June 25-August 3, 2007
Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm
Application Deadline: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 (*) see note below
The Advanced Summer Public Health Institute is open to current 9th-11th grade student
from the following schools:
Wells Academy, Roberto Clemente, Pedro Albizu Campos and El Cuarto Año
Applications are available at the above four schools and at the
Wright College/Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center, 1645 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL (773) 489-8989
(*) Note: Even though the application deadline was set for May 15th,
there may still be some spaces available for the summer session, so please get your completed applications in as soon as possible.
We are also looking for students to participate in the Saturday College Program which starts in the fall.
Mail completed application to:
Dorothy Washington-Calvin
UIC School of Public Health UHDP
1603 W. Taylor, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 355-2951
(Faxed and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.)
11
National Boricua Human Rights Network (NBHRN) 2739 W. Division Street, Chicago IL 60622
April 2007 • [email protected] • www.boricuahumanrights.org • www.presospoliticospuertorriquenos.org
Puerto Rican Political
Prisioners Workshop
at Young Young Lords
Conference
During the weekend of May 20-22,
an international conference, titled
“Memories and Voices of Hope, Defiance and Solidarity: Struggles for Social Justice and Equality in the USA”
was sponsored by the Center for Latino Research, the Latin American and
Latino studies Department, and the
Steans Center at DePaul. At this conference, the National Boricua Human
Rights Network presented a panel
on the Puerto Rican Human Rights
Agenda which includes the case of the
Puerto Rican Political Prisoners Oscar
Lopez Rivera and Carlos Alberto Torres, as well as the case of Vieques and
the possibility they have on influencing a dialog on the status of Puerto
Rico. The workshop was well received
by those present, and including a
showing of “Dissent is Not a Crime.”
Roy Brown performs
in Philadelphia for
Political Prisoners
Video: “Dissent is Not
a Crime” Wins Award
12
“Dissent is Not a Crime” produced
by Cable Access Network TV (CAN
TV) and the National Boricua Human Rights Network (NBHRN), won
a Certificate of Merit at Hugo Awards
for Excellence in Television, presented by Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago Film Festival on April 12.
Watch online!
“Dissent is Not a Crime”
http://www.cantv.org/watchweb.htm
or http://www.boricuahumanrights.org
The Present Mountain:
Toward the Liberation of our Patriots
By Julio Eduardo Torres, Human Rights Committee Aibonito
On Friday March 30, 2007 the exhibition “Not Enough Space” was inaugurated in Aibonito. The works of the Puerto
Rican Political Prisoners Oscar López
Rivera and Carlos Alberto Torres were
presented. The exhibition is housed in
a historical building, the reconstructed
mansion that today houses the Library
of Aibonito. In the 19th century was the
seat of Spanish colonial government
when in 1887 the ominous Governor
General Romualso Palacios led the compontes. The exhibition was in Aibonito
until April 21. It was being presented
by the National Human Rights Committee which focused on the struggle
for the liberation of these Puerto Rican
political prisoners. It included with 18
paintings along with ceramic works and
sculptures by Oscar and Carlos Alberto.
the liberation of the political prisoners and for the freedom of our country.
The presentation in Aibonito was also
dedicated to the recognized labor lead-
er Dennis Rivera; a native of Aibonito.
He was present at the activity and accompanied by his friends and family.
With the dedication of the act and the
exhibition Dennis was recognized for
his dedication to the causes in Puerto
Rico and his struggles in the United
States defending the workers like the
Puerto Ricans, his accomplishments in
union organizing in the United States
and his dedication to multiple social
justice causes. He was also recognized
for his work in the struggle to remove
the navy from Vieques, showing this
People from all across Puerto Rico attended the activity. Among those
present were the already liberated political prisoners Edwin Cortes, Adolfo
Matos Antongiorgi, and Luís Rosa
Pérez, the representative from the National Human Rights Committee Rita
Zengotita and other personalities distinguished in the struggle for the liberation of Oscar and Carlos Alberto.
A great emotional moment occurred
when the activity was paused to receive a call from Carlos Alberto Torres
from prison. He dedicated a message to
those present signaling that his spirit
could not be jailed. Later he engaged in
a dialogue with those present in which
there was laughter, tears, songs, and
poetry. At his farewell he exhorted everyone to continue the struggle for
NBHRN presents at
Latin American
Solidarity Conference
On Sunday, April 16, 2007, members
from both the Chicago and Orlando
chapters of the National Boricua Human
Rights Network led a workshop on the
history of Puerto Rico’s colonization and
political repression at the Annual Latin
American Solidarity Conference. This
year, the conference was held at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of
Medicine and featured a host of solidarity, activist and political organizations.
The discussion began with the history
of Puerto Rico’s colonization, followed
by origins of El Grito de Lares, Operation Bootstrap, the imprisonment of
the Puerto Rican Political Prisoners,
the release of most of the prisoners by
President Clinton in 1999, the heinous
assassination of Filiberto Ojeda Ríos
and concluded with an update on the
campaign to release the two remaining political prisoners Oscar LópezRivera and Carlos Alberto Torres.
write to the patriots
Carlos Alberto Torres, #88976-024
Born: September 19, 1952
FCI Oxford, PO Box 1000,
Oxford, WI 53952
Oscar López Rivera, #87651-024
Born: January 6, 1943
USP Terre Haute, PO Box 12015,
Terre Haute, IN 47801
La Red on the internet:
www.boricuahumanrights.org
www.presospoliticospuertorriquenos.org
dedication by going to prison for civil
disobedience. Also recognized was his
work in the campaign for the release of
the political prisoners that culminated
with the release of 9 in 1999. In his
remarks he was thankful for the dedication of the activity, and reminisced
about on introduction in the struggle
for his homeland beginning when
he was a young student in Aibonito.
New Resources!!!
• NBHRN on MySpace: myspace.com/nbhrn
• View 7 minute video online “Dissent is Not a
Crime” on Puerto Rican PPs produced by Greg
Bozell and NBHRN
• View NBHRN video on Int’l Human Rights
Day 2006 with Elvira Arellano, the Mexican
woman immigrant who has sought sanctuary
in Adalberto United Methodist Church on Paseo
Boricua, Centro Sin Fronteras and the families of
Carlos Alberto Torres and Oscar López Rivera in
Chicago.
Pick up La Voz del Paseo Boricua
at the following locations:
Division Street (Paseo Boricua)
Pagan Liquor • 3251 W. Division
Sabana Grande • 3217 W. Division
Yauco Foods • 2744 W. Division
Latin American Restaurant • 2743 W. Division
Noble Realty • 2734 W. Division
Lily’s Records • 2733 W. Division
Best Sub • 2729 W. Division
Bruquena Restaurant • 2726 W. Division
The Dance Academy of Salsa • 2725 W. Division
Coco’s Restaurant • 2723 W. Division
Tropical Hair Design • 2721 W. Division
Banco Popular • 2720 W. Division
Jayuya Barber Shop • 2719 W. Division
Salon de Belleza de PR • 2714 W. Division
Paseo Boricua Grocery • 2706 W. Division
Family Dollar • 2700 W.Division
Joe’s Ace Hardware • 2659 W. Division
Sportz Kutz • 2653 W. Division
Bubble Land • 2650 W. Division
Shoe Fetish • 2647 W. Division
XcluXive DeXign • 2646 W. Division
San Pablo Medical Center • 2641 W. Division
Café Colao • 2638 W. Division
Division Oral Surgery • 2632 W. Division
Mario’s and Cesar’s Jewelry • 2629 W. Division
Mi Cantina • 2628 W. Division
Café Teatro Batey Urbano • 2620 W. Division
Pan American Movers • 2612 W. Division
Floristeria Flores de Amor • 2611 W. Division
La Municipal Supermarket • 2559 W. Division
Vino Fino Liquors • 2558 W. Division
Luquillo Barber Shop • 2552 W. Division
El Quijote Bookstore • 2546 W. Division
Mas O Menos • 2539 W. Division
Montalvo Electric • 2531 W. Division
Pa Pa’s Cache Sabroso • 2517 W. Division
Botanica Victoria • 2510 W. Division
YGO Salon • 2508 W. Division
La Nueva Borinqueña Foods • 2500 W. Division
Nellie’s Restaurant • 2458 W. Division
El Paisano • 2429 W. Division
Luz a la Familia • 2425 W. Division
North Avenue
Armitage Avenue
El Mundo Travel • 2904 W. Armitage
Joe’s Hair Studio • 3005 W. Armitage
Plaza Food Mart • 3011 W. Armitage
Humboldt Liquor • 3013 W. Armitage
A+M Television • 3047 W. Armitage
Center for Changing Lives • 3051 W. Armitage
San Juan Star Travel • 3066 W. Armitage
La Bomba Restaurant • 3221 W. Armitage
Armitage Family Practice • 3224 W. Armitage
Ace of Fades • 3231 W. Armitage
Caribe Funeral Home • 3314 W. Armitage
Pan De Vida • 3333 W. Armitage
Armitage Produce • 3334 W. Armitage
Tianguis Grocery Store • 3552 W. Armitage
Arco Iris • 4007 W. Armitage
Music Express • 4048 W. Armitage
Ace of Fades • 3231 W. Armitage
Fullerton Avenue
Cocina Boricua • 2420 W. Fullerton
Hector’s Barber Shop • 2547 W Fullerton Ave
Albany Foods • 3048 W. Fullerton
Sabor Latino • 3400 W. Fullerton
Chicago Style Music • 3442 W. Fullerton
Dimartino’s Restaurant • 3503 W. Fullerton
Ideal Furniture • 3635 W. Fullerton
Tania • 3704 W. Fullerton
Botanica • 3715 W. Fullerton
Milwaukee Avenue
Los Cuatro Caminos • 2303 N. Milwaukee
China Buffet • 2531-39 N. Milwaukee
Borincuba Barbershop • 2545 N. Milwaukee
Disco City • 2632 N. Milwaukee
The Pump Room • 2634 N. Milwaukee
Da Hot Zone • 2636 N. Milwaukee
USES Electronic System • 2718 N. Milwaukee
Red Star Food Mart • 2719 N. Milwaukee
Tianguis Carniceria • 2722 N. Milwaukee
Kedzie Boulevard
Puerto Rico Cafeteria • 1532 N. Kedzie
PAI Barber Shop • 1608 N. Kedzie
Nieves Food Mart • 2501 N. Kedzie
Banco Popular • 2525 N. Kedzie Blvd.
The Winds Café • 2657 N. Kedzie Blvd.
Western Avenue
El Rinconcito Sabroso • 1304 N. Western
LuckyFood & Smoke Shop • 1358 N. Western
Interested in advertising your business in the pages of
La Voz del Paseo Boricua?
Contact: 773.342-8023 or [email protected]
Carlos Food & Liquor • 1401 N. Western
El Jibaro Comida P.R • 1432 N. Western
Quizpes Fashion • 2242 N. Western
California Street
A & D Unisex Salon • 1001 N. California
Gonzalez Tire Shop • 1011 N. California
Silvia Grocery • 1026 N. California
Maiz Restaurant • 1041 N. California
Adams and Son • 1057 N. California
T & J Enterprise • 1133 N. California
Garcia Tire and Auto • 1211 N. California
Parkview Dollar and Mini Mart • 1618 N. California
Manna for Life • 1664 N. California
Borinquen Restaurant • 1720 N California
Mini Foods & Liquors • 1900 N. California
Soto Tire Shop • 1901 N. California
Los Artistas Food & Liquor • 2001 N. California
noFriction Café • 2023 N. California
Metro. Financial Solutions • 2023 N. California
California Grocery • 2058 N. California
Pancho Cafeteria • 2200 N. California
Digame • 2504 N. California
Kimball Street
La Palma Restaurant • 1340 N. Kimball
El Secreto Escondido • 1656 N. Kimball
Food Mart • 1700 N. Kimball
Amigos Food • 1859 N. Kimball
Brisa Foods • 2156 N. Kimball
Other businesses
Loss Leader • 1000 N. Mozart
Homan Food • 3358 W. Lemoyne
La Nueva Puerto Rico • 2559 W. Augusta
Diana’s Food Restaurant • 1000 W. Francisco
Lucy’s Food Store • 3500 W. Hirsch
Urban Cuts • 5344 W. Diversey
Frank’s BarberShop • 2405 W. Homer St
La Voz Hispana • 2514 N Laramie
Community Organzations
Bickerdike Redevelopment • 2550 W. North
DSBDA • 2459 W. Division
Puerto Rican Cultural Center • 2739-41 W. Division
Casa Puertorriqueña • 1237 N. California
Casa Central • 1343 N. California
Las Moradas • 1307-25 N. California
Association House • 1116 N. Kedzie
Hispanic Housing • 1402 N. Kedzie
McCormick YMCA • 1834 N. Lawndale
Humboldt Park Field House • 1400 N. Sacramento
Humboldt Park Libary • 1605 N. Troy
YMCA H.P. Head Start • 1626 N. California
Universities
Humboldt Park Vocational Center
University of Illinois at Chicago
Northeastern Illinois University
University of Chicago
DePaul University
Malcolm X College
La Junquena • 2501 W. North
Ibis Restaurant • 2509 W. North
Kosmic Food Mart • 2525 W. North
Family Health Center • 2556 W. North
Yabucoa • 2600 W. North
Las Villas Bakery • 2608 W North
El Mamey Lounge • 2645 W. North
Wright Wood Auto Parts • 2647 W. North
Ricky’s General Store Botanica • 2657 W. North
Tip Top Liquors • 2700 W. North
Family Dollar • 2720 W. North
Cermak Produce • 2731 W. North
J. Discount Pharmacy • 2735 W. North
T & C Meat Market • 2812 W. North
Migdalia’s Beauty • 3134 W. North
La Fama • 3207 W. North
Roeser’s Bakery • 3216 W. North
Fascination Hair Salon • 3250 W. North
Latino Food Produce & Grocery • 3312 W. North
Tropical Taste Restaurant • 3330 N. North
Disco Sound • 3332 N. North
San Jose Bakery • 3335 W. North
Botanica Yemaya • 3505 W. North
Lissette Flower Shop • 3511 W. North
El Vigia • 3612 W. North
Latin Grocery and Liquor • 3800 W. North
Sabor Latino • 3810 W. North
La Isla Pequeña • 3910 W. North
La Central • 3911 W. North
13
Photo Credit: Farrique Pesquera
4
5
Photo Credit: Jonathan Rivera
6
7
8
9
Photo Credit: Hector González
ment,” by Marisol Morales. Later that morning a panel discussion revisited the “30th anniversary of the 1977 Division Street Riots
and the Attacks on the Puerto Rican Community: the Community Response in the
Cruz-Osorio Case,” with the participation
of Viola Salgado, Roberto Cruz (brother
of Rafael Cruz), and well known attorney,
Michael Deustch. From such discussion
we concluded that minorities in the United
States face great difficulties in being able to
validate their rights before attacks by the
police and federal agencies, as well as the
discriminatory elements of the US judicial
system. In the afternoon, at “El Quijote”
bookstore, the National Boricua Human
Rights Network organized the presentation
of the book “Filiberto Ojeda Ríos: Su Propuesta, Su Visión,” with the participation
of Executive Director of the Puerto Rican
Cultural Center, José E. López, and owner,
Maddi Elga Amill. “El Quijote” is the only
bookstore in Chicago with a comprehensive
list of books on Puerto Rico that are available in Spanish.
1
3
The conference continued the next day with
the discussion of “The Case of the Puerto
Rican Political Prisoners in a Historical Trajectory,” presented masterfully by Michelle
Morales. Following was an interesting discussion on “Puerto Rican National Unity
Through the Development of a Puerto Rican Human Rights Agenda: The Campaign
to Free the Puerto Rican Political Prisoners
and its Relationship to the Vieques Move-
2
various perspectives. First, the wife of the
Machetero leader, Elma Beatriz Rosado, offered her testimonial about Filiberto Ojeda
Ríos’ courage and the impact of the US federal agencies repressive activities against the
struggle for independence. Then, I spoke
about Filiberto’s discourse, its validity and
importance, using the book “Filiberto Ojeda
Ríos: Su propuesta, Su Visión.” Next, Farrique Pesquera used the photo exhibit “Entre el Atropello y la Dignidad” to explain the
reach of the FBI abuses and repression that
is clearly demonstrated by the assassination
of Filiberto Ojeda Rios. Later that afternoon
we attended the Opening of Farrique Pesquera’s Photo Exhibition on Filiberto Ojeda
at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, where
a beautiful and impressive painting was unveiled. The painting included symbols from
recognized work such as Francisco Oller’s El
Velorio, and The Last Supper, with the patriots Segundo Ruiz Belvis, Eugenio María
de Hostos, Gilberto Concepción de Gracia,
Pedro Albizu Campos, Filiberto Ojeda Ríos,
Juan Antonio Corretjer, Ramón Emeterio
Betances and Mariana Bracetti.
Many Hopes...from front page
1) Elma Beatriz Rosado speaking, 2) Group photo in the PRCC, 3) Jose Elias Torres at Quijote Bookstore, 4) Farrique Pesquera speaking at UIC, 5) Panel discussion at Pa’Lante Conference-UIC, 6)
Attendee exploring photo exhibition on Filiberto Ojeda Ríos assassination,
7) Nuestro Tambó performing plena, 8) Singing our national anthem, ‘La Borinquena’,
9) Pa’Lante Conference – UIC organizers with guests.
Wednesday we had three discussion sections with students and faculty of Dr. Pedro
Albizu Campos, in which the artistic talents
of the students and their preoccupation
with the repression against the true history
of Puerto Rico stood out. It was without a
doubt revealing to be able to share with a
scholastic community that prioritizes in its
cultural values the fundamental reason for
its work. In the evening, an emotional activity took place at the Puerto Rican Cultural
Center at 2739 W. Division St., named Dr.
Pedro Albizu Campos Ave., and also known
as Paseo Boricua. The evening began with
artistic poetry acts by young people of the
community, followed by the messages of the
occasion in charge of the LCDO. William
Ramirez, executive director of ACLU in
Puerto Rico and the wife of the assassinated
machetero leader Filiberto Ojeda Ríos.
14
With the exhibition by Farrique Pesquera
in the background, the value of the sacrifice
of Ojeda Rios for the independence struggle
and the audience’s admiration towards the
leader assassinated by the FBI on September
23, 2005 were exalted. Also, it is necessary
to acknowledge the presence in the activity
of the directors of the film “The Clown” who
were in Chicago for the 23rd Annual Latino
Film Festival, and the presence of Omar Sierra, Consul of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela, who established the analogy of
the struggles of Puerto Ricans and Venezuelans against the American government and
its interests. That magical night concluded
with a show of patriotism with the musical
participation of Luis Diaz of Intifada and
the group Nuestro Tambó from Chicago.
For those who traveled from Puerto Rico
to the Windy City, this is without a doubt
one of the most edifying and motivating experiences that we have had tied to the fight
for national dignity and liberation. We were
witnesses of an organizational and educative model that works. It is obvious that at
the heart of such community work, there
is an enormous wake of repression that to
the present makes of that community one
example to follow in any effort directed towards the attainment of Puerto Rican independence. Our respect to the work headed
by José E. López and Alejandro Molina,
young people like Jodene Velázquez and
Michael Rodríguez who are in charge of
the bilingual publication La Voz del Paseo
Boricua, Michael Reyes of the group Batey
Urbano, Matt Rodríguez from Dr. Pedro
Albizu Campus High School, Michelle and
Marisol Morales with the fight for our political prisoners, and many others who day to
day make the political prisoner’s release and
their country’s independence their north of
action. To them and all the Puerto Rican
diáspora, Alabanzas!

May 2007 English La Voz - La Voz del Paseo Boricua

Transcription

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