Thursday, February 28, 2008

Activism

NYC Rally in Support of Puerto Rico's Teachers

By Ismael Nunez
In solidarity with The Puerto Rican Teachers Federation, about 80 demonstrators, including teachers, college students, professors as well as community, labor and political activists, braved New York City's cold weather Feb. 22, carrying signs that read: “Education is a right, FMPR we are here for you!"
The demonstration was held outside the Puerto Rican government offices at 32nd Street and Park Avenue South in Manhattan. Protesters voiced their support of Puerto Rico teachers who have been on a weeklong strike on the island. The strike has sparked clashes with police and led to some arrests.
The New York City demonstration came after the union that represents Puerto Rico's 42,000 public school teachers declared a strike on Feb. 20. The strike was declared after 30 months of negotiations to increase salaries and address shortages of books, computers and other materials reached a deadlock. The Puerto Rican government is refusing to return to the table until the walkout ends. The U.S. Education Department, which funds Puerto Rico's education system, is demanding better results from public schools.
Angel Gonzalez, a teacher from the Bronx, who attended the Manhattan demonstration, said teachers here can relate to those on the island because they are fighting for many of the same causes.
“What we see here are the same demands that educators and students have been fighting for years," he said. "They are demanding for smaller classes, calling for an immediate end to government efforts to privatize public educaton, and improving health and safety conditions. They want more adequate teaching materials and resources for both teachers and students."
Pedro Colon Almenas, another teacher, said they support Puerto Rico teachers who are standing up for their rights.
“The union has been subjected to an increasing public campaign of attacks as they work to obtain a fair and just collective bargaining agreement for its members,” he said.

Ismael Nunez is a freelance writer based in East Harlem who contributes his articles to Puerto Rico Sun.

Monday, February 25, 2008

The Presidential Race and Puerto Rico

Featured stories:

Obama pledges self-determination to Puerto Rico 'with independence as an option'

San Francisco Bay View:
http://www.sfbayview.com/20080224924/News/Web_Exclusives/Obama_pledges_self-determination_to_Puerto_Rico_with_independence_as_an_option.html

Puerto Rico is a vitally important part of our country and Puerto Ricans have made immeasurable contributions to the United States. As president of the United States, I will pay close attention to issues that have an impact on the well-being of the people of Puerto Rico.

Related story from the San Francisco Examiner:
http://www.examiner.com/a-1239236~McCain_Wins_20_GOP_Delegates.html
In a letter to Luis Fortuno, Puerto Rico's nonvoting congressional delegate and a superdelegate, McCain pledged to support a process that would enable Puerto Ricans to decide if they want to remain a commonwealth, become a state or an independent nation.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Sunday, February 17, 2008

'In the Heights' on Broadway


'In the Heights' on Broadway
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
A musical inspired in NYC's thriving Washington Heights neighborhood.

Go support this musical with a Latino spirit. Worth seeing.

For more info., go to www.intheheightsthemusical.com

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Commentary

Right to Love

Romance among people with special needs is a unique experience that can be more about compassion and love than passion. An innocence of love is bred with the
necessity of a companion.
It as if we have a learning disability of the heart. Sometimes romance can be childlike.
The Center of People with Disabilities encourages us to embrace independence as much as possible.
We live in communities and go to school, and romance is among our rights too.
Love between two people with special needs may be blind yet beautiful.
-- By Samaris Ayala

Samaris Ayala is a writer from Manhattan's Lower East Side who contributes her reflections to Puerto Rico Sun.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Julia


Julia
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
Photo of Julia de Burgos mural on 106 Street in El Barrio by artist Manny Vega

Poetry

Words Of Love - Poetry Of Julia De Burgos With Carmen de Lucca
Tuesday, February 12, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues, El Barrio, NYC

In the spirit of Valentine's Day and to honor East Harlem's renowned Puerto Rican poet, Julia de Burgos, on the 93rd anniversary of her birth, The Central Park Conservancy and El Museo del Barrio present an evening of poetry featuring Puerto Rican poet Carmen de Lucca who will read from De Burgos work. Before the performance local poet and community advocate, Marina Ortiz, will introduce Julia de Burgos' life to the audience. After the performance, the audience is encouraged to participate in an open mic session sharing their favorite poems. The program will be hosted at The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. Admission: Free. For advance registration e-mail public_programs@elmuseo.org.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Crashed out


Crashed out
Originally uploaded by vergentino.
Watching the sunset in Crash Boat Beach, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
In the Mailbox

Nacimiento del cine puertorriqueno

Editorial Tiempo Nuevo
presentacion del libro
Nacimiento del cine puertorriqueno
los primeros 40 anos de la cinematografia puertorriquena
de Juan Ortiz Jimenez

7 p.m., jueves 7 de febrero
Libreria Isla, Rio Piedras, P.R.
Informacion: 787 766-8444 o www.libreriaisla.com

Friday, February 01, 2008

Featured story

Puerto Rico Home of Deadly Syndrome

Mayra Nieve is used to being ostracized and called names as an albino in this Caribbean community. What she fears is not being able to breathe. Nieve is among hundreds of Puerto Ricans who have a rare type of albinism that leads to a deadly lung disease.

For more, go to
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0208/492630.html

Le chat blanche,


Le chat blanche,
Originally uploaded by Churu Churu.