Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Marchers wanted for Three Kings Parade in El Barrio

Featured Three Kings Day events


From El Museo del Barrio:

35th Annual Three Kings Day Parade
Friday, January 6, 2012
10:30am - 12:00pm
El Barrio
Our favorite time of year is upon us! Join us as we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of our time-honored procession through the streets of El Barrio. Spirit and joy abound as we parade with camels, music, colorful puppets, dancing, and parrandas on this magical day. The parade route begins at 106th St. and Madison Ave. and ends at 115th St and Park Ave.

All are welcome to attend! Teachers and Talent, please note that registration is still open to march with us in the parade. School Groups, Community Organizations, and families are also encouraged to participate.
To register: go here or email threekings@elmuseo.org.

Here's another Three Kings event:



THE THREE KINGS/ I
LOS TRES REYES MAGOS 
arrive at TEATRO SEA 

On January 6, 2012, the light from a star will lead the Three Kings to Teatro SEA, New York’s Only Latino Children’s Theatre, to celebrate one of the most important Latin American Holidays for children, El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos/Three Kings Day. On this day, the first 1,000 kids to arrive at TEATRO SEA will personally meet the Three Kings as well as receive a FREE gift. 
Where: Teatro SEA 107 Suffolk Street, NYC (bet. Delancey and Rivington Streets) 
F Train to Delancey St. or J/M/Z trains to Essex St. 
When: Friday, January 6th, 2012 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm 
Admission: FREE 
For children of all ages and family audiences! 
For More Information Call TEATRO SEA at (212) 529.1545 Iill.
www.teatrosea.org 

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Please vote PRSUN for chance to win $10K

Update: Thank you to everyone who voted for PRSUN. Your suppport was not enough to win this one, but PRSUN is moving forward. Continuing to inform, empower and build community.


Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Cotto gets his revenge at the right place

Sports

By Ismael Nuñez


In their first bout in Las Vegas, boxer Antonio Margarito had his hands padded enough to do serious harm to Miguel Cotto. It was not a clean fight. That's for sure.
In their second fight last weekend at Madison Square Garden, Cotto got his revenge, winning almost every round and scoring a Technical Knockout.
Two reasons why Cotto won:
1. He fought toe to toe with his opponent hardly staying away from the ropes.
2. Margarito was in the wrong place. Cotto was in the right place he’s fought at the garden in the past and has not lost a fight at the garden.
While Margarito claimed that Cotto "hits like a girl," Margarito's face was red and his eye was completely shut. He was hurt so badly that ringside physician had no choice but to stop the fight in the beginning of the tenth round with Cotto retaining his WBA Super Welterweight and proving he was the real champion.

Ismael Nuñez is a freelance writer based in East Harlem.
(photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Puerto Ricans in New York Face Persistent Struggles - WNYC

Puerto Ricans in New York Face Persistent Struggles - WNYC

It's not a pretty picture for Puerto Ricans in New York. This is not a new story, but many of the same problems persist. That's for sure. Something must be done, but what?

Friday, November 18, 2011

'I Am...We Are Muevete'

By Ismael Nuñez

After several years on hiatus, Muevete is back.
Earlier this month, the Muevete youth conference was held in the South Bronx. Activists, student organizations, and community based organizations bonded at the BronxWorks Cornerstone Betances Community Center on St. Ann’s Avenue for the 13th annual Muevete conference.
Muevete is the Spanish word for “move yourself,” and the young and older people in the conference were definitely doing moving. They were moving in the memory of one of their own who died too soon. They were moving to help make the quality of lives of today's young people better.

The previous Muevete conferences were hosted at bigger named venues such as Columbia University, Hunter College, and City College. But they stopped.
Lissette Nieves said she believed it was important to reactivate the youth conference.
She spoke about her old Muevete friend Daniel Mejia who died earlier this year at the age of 32 from complications of pancreatitis. She met Mejia when he was a high school senior who wanted to help Latino youth with education, community and civil rights issues. After his days at Muevete, he went on to work for several nonprofit groups and became an advocate for health and gay rights issues.
His death helped bring new life to Muevete and the need for it.
"The need for Muevete is there and needed," Nieves said.
Right after Mejia's death, Nieves and others realized that the conference had to resurface to move a new youth generation of movers.

What better place than in the South Bronx?
Ben Ramos, a Bronx activist said, "A lot of the issues affecting Latino youth back in the 1990’s when this organization was created are still in effect. We wanted young people to know and learn that there are organizations, history, that is always available for them, and where they can always go for help when needed."
At the conference, young people were exposed to several community based organizations such as El Puente Academy located in Brooklyn and the Justice Committee of the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights. Both groups hosted workshops.
Ramos said: “It’s the perfect location for the Latino youth to learn/organize/ and be united! Right here in the boogie down Bronx."
Dance choreographer Anthony “Omen” Barner who works at the center and is the creator of the dance group “Swagged Out Kids,” said, “We promote positivity and the growth of the participants of this center to engage in their minds and spirit."
Two other main highlights included the serving of basic Latino soul food: rice with beans, chicken, and salad; and cultural performancesbomba, plena, hip-hop dancing, and salsa and mambo classes. There were even free dance classes for everyone. I must admit I got into the dance groove, dancing gracefully with a good friend Denise from the YAI chapter in the Bronx.
As we danced, Denise said, “Enjoy, Learn, Educate, Organize, Friendship."
It was the right place at the right time.
I am today and tomorrow moving forward. Muevete.

Ismael Nuñez is a freelance writer based in East Harlem. He is a contributing writer to PRSUN.

(Photos by Ismael Nuñez)

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

El musical sobre el pelotero Roberto Clemente obtiene un jonrón

Teatro

Por Antonio Bones





En su empeño por llevar al público lo más selecto de su repertorio, la Sociedad Educativa de las Artes (SEA por sus siglas en inglés), continúa presentando el éxitoso musical “DC-7: La historia de Roberto Clemente” en su sala teatral, ubicada en el centro cultural Clemente Soto Vélez del bajo Manhattan, Nueva York.
Adicionando el Festival Puertorriqueño Borimix a su temporada 2011-2012, la compañía de histriones emprende una nueva jornada teatral que conforma a un equipo, por igual, selecto de artistas y técnicos. Todos comprometidos a encumbrar la escena local con una historia cargada de valijas, ritmos trepidantes, memorias, y sucesos que plantaron huellas en la historia del continente americano, El Caribe y otras latitudes.
Concebida por el ingenio del teatrero, educador y cineasta puertorriqueño, Luis Caballero, la pieza teatral exalta la unificación familiar, la disciplina atlética, el choque cultural de los inmigrantes, la barrera idiomática, el menosprecio del negror epidérmico, la disparidad racial, el exceso de brutalidad policiaca, el perseguimiento de metas, la incondicionalidad del amor pero, sobre todo, el menester humanitario.
Inmediatamente que ingresamos a la sala teatral se nos revela un campo de béisbol con su zona cuadrangular, que servirá de soporte a los juegos de pelota base, a las equilibradas coreografías y a las situaciones que durante dos horas mantienen a la audiencia en expectación. Pienso que es un perspicaz elemento que establece el objetivo honroso de rememoración. Al fondo una enorme pantalla que sirve de mediadora entre el pasado y el presente, entre lo infausto de la vida y lo afortunado de la misma. Una pantalla que se convierte en fiel testigo de la podredumbre y la lucha que libramos en este “valle de lágrimas”.
Durante el velatorio del pelotero carolinense, Vera Clemente (su viuda), Matino (el hermano y Ramiro Martínez (camarada de la familia), departen. La temporalidad los arrastra junto a los espectadores hacia el ayer que habitó la niñez y adolescencia del astro. Ajadas fotografías y recortes de publicaciones recorren el blanquecino fondo escénico. Es allí en donde nos percatamos de las hazañas que el pelotero realizó y que quedaron grabadas en los anales deportivos de la isla de Puerto Rico.
Modesto Lacén encarnó el personaje de Roberto Clemente con marcada sobriedad. Su personaje se representó con elevación histriónica y no recayó en el vicio habitual de la imitación. La mesurada dicción y movimientos enérgicos lo catapultaron a la sublimidad de los aplausos. Arrojo y buena onda lo acompañaron durante el trayecto escénico y puedo testificar que anotó una carrera con todas las de la ley.
Josean Ortiz como el hermano mayor de Clemente, Matino, nos acercó a la sobreprotección que, a veces, es necesaria para orientar el destino de los seres amados. La presencia escénica del actor es vigorosa y su recia voz mantiene una narración fluída. Una de las escenas que más nos impactó fue cuando su personaje y el de Lacén se confundieron en una consagración hasta sacra. La simbología de la escultura renacentista “La Pietá” de Michelangelo Buonarroti, se recreó en el diamante; mientras simultáneamente, muere el sueño de los afroamericanos, Martin Luther King, Jr. Morir es entregar con sacrificio su preciado legado a las generaciones. Lacen muestra un estilizado cuerpo de ébano que es la idealización de la belleza y la juventud del mártir, características propias de “La Pietá”. Ambos actores ofrecieron un contundente batazo interpretativo.


Por su parte, la actriz y cantora Lorraine Vélez en su encarnación de Vera Clemente, nos ofreció una tesitura sin parámetros. La artista sabe utilizar con gracilidad y potestad sus atributos vocales. Nos envuelve, nos arrebata, nos consume y eso nos dejó sedientos de su elixir. ¡Otra carrera anotada!
El productor de la obra teatral, Manuel Morán, también nos sedujo con su capacidad vocal y en las repetidas incursiones que tuvo durante la acción nos obligó a creer en las interpretaciones que de Ramiro Martínez y Don Oscar realizó.
Deseo rescatar las participaciones de María del Mar González, Anthony Cotto y Shawn Beck-Gifford. González impacta con sus rollizas piernas y marcados pasos coreográficos sobre el cuadrangular dispuesto sobre el plano central del escenario. Su elegancia y belleza exótica añaden femeneidad y lozanía a la escena. Cotto hace buena utilización de su maestría en Bellas Artes y Actuación de la Universidad Pace, además se adueñó de la coreografía poseyendo indiscutible dominio. Resulta un banquete visual experimentar diversos desdoblamientos con potestad: José, judador de pelota, oficial del órden público y dependiente en una tienda por departamentos. Le auguro una digna carrera actoral a Cotto. Beck-Gifford se lució en el personaje del policía; recreó el abuso de poder con eficacia. De otro lado, Johanna Rodríguez convence a la audiencia en la utilización de lenguajes que aborda durante el desarrollo de la obra. Es buena actriz, cantante y no baila mal. ¡Este equipo se anota otra carrera! Xiomara Rodríguez y Fidel Vicioso también añadieron ingredientes precisos para el realce de la obra. Rodríguez pudo conmovernos con una maternal naturaleza que no pudo reprimir el lagrimeo de los espectadores.
Mención aparte, amerita la banda que tiene a su cargo la díficil tarea de hilvanar melodías a las diversas escenas que se suceden. Once melodías en total fueron magistralmente interpretadas por los maestros: Harold Gutiérrez, Larry Nissman, Jaime Mancera, Juan Gerena y la corista Ana Campos. “Los jugadores” y “La maleta” son números musicales que levantan el ánimo a cualquier alicaído. La acertada coreografía de Luis Salgado, los recursos luminotécnicos por Morán y Shuhei Sei, vestuario a cargo de Harry Nadal y la asistencia de dirección en la persona de Yaremis Félix crearon una burbuja encantada en donde el público se transportó al pasado. Finalmente, felicito al director Caballero por una arrolladora, armónica y acertada dirección teatral. El éxito de la producción se debe a la persistencia y ardua tarea con la que movilizó cada aspecto del espectáculo. DC-7 es un ejemplo de dignidad y constancia a la búsqueda de un sueño. Es una lección que se otorga al que ambiciona fortuna en suelo ajeno. Es testimonio de los encontronazos vivenciales y del estoicismo que todo ser humano debe emplear. Es una producción que sobrepasa los límites de la teatralidad y el buen gusto. ¡DC-7: La historia de Roberto Clemente metió un jonrón!
El astro puertorriqueño, Roberto Clemente, fungió como jardinero derecho en el equipo de béisbol Piratas de Pittsburg. Durante la década de los años 60´s el pelotero sumó a su carrera 3,000 bateos y fue receptor de doce premios Guante de oro -que se otorgan a los jardineros más destacados dentro de las Grandes Ligas-. En el año 1966 se le honró con el premio de Jugador más valioso y en el 1971 con el galardón MVP de la Serie Mundial. Su ascenso al Salón de la Fama fue realizado postrimero a su deceso en el 1972. El atleta pereció a causa de un accidente aéreo que realizaba para socorrer a las víctimas de un terremoto en la República de Nicaragua.
La pieza se mantendrá en cartelera hasta el día 4 de diciembre del 2011 en el Teatro SEA, sito en el 107 de la calle Suffolk en el este del bajo Manhattan. Para reservar e informarse sobre cómo llegar a la sala teatral puede ingresar a la página www.teatrosea.org o llamando al 212-529-1545.


Antonio Bones es un periodista independiente y miembro de la comunidad PRSUN.

(foto de Modesto Lacén como Roberto Clemente por Abey Charron/cortesía de Teatro Sea)
(foto de la producción/cortesía de Teatro Sea)

Monday, November 07, 2011

'The Roberto Clemente Story' musical to premiere in NYC

Featured Puerto Rican Heritage Month event Looking forward to seeing The Roberto Clemente Story musical this Saturday. Here is the press release:
The Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA), during its 6th Annual BORIMIX: Puerto Rico Fest, is proud to present the World Premiere of DC-7, The Roberto Clemente Story, a musical about the life and legacy of the Baseball Hall of Famer and humanitarian. This limited run of 12 performances at Teatro SEA (107 Suffolk Street, between Rivington and Delancey Streets) begins November 11 (Opening Gala Performance) and ends December 4. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 6pm. Clemente, right-fielder for the Pittsburg Pirates (1955-1972), was one of the most beloved figures in the history of the MLB. He was the first Latino to win a World Series as a rookie (1960.) He also won the MVP Award (1966) and the World Series MVP Award (1971.) He finished his career with over 3,000 hits and 12 Golden Glove Awards. He was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame following his untimely death on December 31st, 1972 from a plane crash while traveling to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. In DC-7, a bilingual musical with English and Spanish book and lyrics, three of the most influential characters in Clemente’s life meet at his funeral to share their memories. Matino (Clemente’s brother), Vera (his widow) and Ramiro Martínez (a close friend and journalist), reminisce about their life with Clemente. Their stories transport the audience to Clemente’s early years in Puerto Rico, his time with the Montreal Royals and his 18-year tenure with the Pirates. This musical also dramatically depicts the era of the Civil Rights Movement and how it affected his life as a Black Hispanic. Through all his trials and tribulations, Clemente triumphed becoming a legend on and off the field. This new musical is a dedication to a hero whose extraordinary life continues to inspire and touch lives. This World Premiere production stars Modesto Lacén (Off Broadway’s Celia The Musical and La Barbería) as Clemente, Lorraine Velez (Broadway’s Rent) as Vera, Josean Ortiz as Martino, and Dr. Manuel A. Morán as Ramiro Martínez. Also featured in the cast are Shawn Beck-Gifford, Anthony Coto, María del Mar González, Johanna Rodríguez, Xiomara Rodríguez and Fidel Vicioso. Chroreography and Musical Staging by Luis Salgado (Broadway’s In The Heights, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.) Musical Direction and Arrangements by Harold Gutiérrez. Produced by Dr. Manuel Morán, Artistic Director and Founder of SEA. Dr. Morán comments on the play, “Roberto Clemente has been an inspiration to people of all generations and cultural backgrounds. SEA is thrilled to present this new work that highlights his life and legacy which is still very much alive in communities across Puerto Rico and the nation.” Luis Caballero adds, “As we approach the 40th anniversary of the plane crash that took Clemente’s life, it is time to revisit his story of success, resilience, public service, spirit and sacrifice. This show will inspire us and leave us with much to think about.” For Modesto Lacén, who recently played Clemente on 3,000 (a film about the day when the slugger hit that career record,) recreating the character on stage is a dream come true. “I thank SEA, Luis Cabellero and the Roberto Clemente State for this remarkable opportunity to bring to life one of my all-time heroes. I have wanted to play this role on stage all my life." DC-7 is part of BORIMIX: Puerto Rico Fest 2011, a month-long cultural celebration that highlights all forms of art during Puerto Rican Heritage Month. For more information, go to www.borimix.com. photo of Modesto Lacén as Roberto Clemente (photo by Abey Charron/courtesy of Teatro Sea)

Friday, November 04, 2011

POEMobile: Nuyorican Poets/Founding Voices

Featured community event A White Wing Brushing the Building POEMobile: Nuyorican Poets/Founding Voices TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8th, 2011, 7-8:30 p.m. Nuyorican Poets Café, 236 East 3rd St. btw Aves B & C in Manhattan. Featured poets: Tato Laviera, Jesús Papoleto Meléndez, Lois Elaine Griffith, Louis Reyes Rivera, Sandra María Esteves and special tribute to Jorge Brandon & Piri Thomas. A free-to-the-public event.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Understanding Afro-Puerto Rican and Other Afro-Latin@ Cultures

Community calendar Understanding Afro-Puerto Rican and Other Afro-Latin@ Cultures Winner of the 2011 American Book Award Presenters: Miriam Jiménez Román and Juan Flores Book signing by Editors of The Afro-Latin@ Reader Discussants: Karen-Juanita Carillo and Natasha Gordon-Chipembere Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m. Faculty Dining Room West Building, 8th Floor Hunter College, NYC Events are subject to change. For update information visit us at centropr.hunter.cuny.edu or call (212) 396-6545. Centro Events are free of charge.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Serrano Urges Inclusion of All Puerto Ricans in Status Plebiscite

Politics Says the Serrano Amendment Must Be Included as in the Past Washington, DC – Congressman José E. Serrano has urged the inclusion of all Puerto Rican-born people in a status plebiscite, regardless of where they now reside. This plebiscite condition, known as the Serrano Amendment, has been attached to virtually every consensus status bill since the 1990s. Serrano said “excluding people who left the island for economic or social reasons in the past silences a segment of the Puerto Rican family which deserves to weigh in on a final status arrangement.” “From the time I came to Congress and began to work on the status issue, I have always said that those Puerto Ricans who are now living off the island must be included in any decision on the final permanent status,” said Serrano. “I reached out to the political leaders in Puerto Rico today to remind them that this provision has been part of every consensus bill over the past decade, and has been agreed to by all political parties. “The inclusion of all native-born Puerto Ricans is not about loading the vote for one option or another, but rather about fairness and justice. Many of us left the island not because we wanted to, but rather because our families had to make difficult economic choices. We do not now ask to be part of local political decisions, but this final status question transcends normal political questions and deserves our input as part of the Puerto Rican diaspora. “The political parties in Puerto Rico, which are so divided on so many things, have historically agreed on the Serrano Amendment. I fail to see what has changed in this current situation that prevents the Serrano Amendment from being part of the plan for the plebiscite. Some have mentioned the White House Task Force; to them I say, let Puerto Ricans choose their plan for this plebiscite and not make decisions that exclude anyone from the process. “It is long past time for the Puerto Rican people to say to the federal government with one united voice that it is time for a change. Besides the Serrano Amendment, this is something that all the parties agree on: the current situation cannot continue. Let’s begin the process of changing the status to one of respect and dignity, whatever form that may take. We must unite around the idea that our people, both on and off the island, deserve the right to determine our own future. Whatever their decision is, it deserves to be taken seriously by the federal government. Surely we all agree both on and off the island, that Puerto Rico has been in limbo too long and it’s time for a change. ### source: press release from Serrano's office Editor's note: What do you think? Should Puerto Rican-born people who moved out the island be allowed to participate in a status plebiscite?

Monday, October 03, 2011

'Re-Imaginings'

Community calendar “Re-Imaginings” Photographic Art Exhibit in conjunction with the HOLAfestival Series of Staged Play Readings as official event of the NYC Latin Media & Entertainment Week The Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA), the nation’s longest running active arts advocacy organization for Latino actors, is proud to present "Re-imaginings," a photographic art exhibit, in conjunction with the HOLAfestival series of staged play readings. Both the photographic exhibit and the staged play readings feature and showcase the talent of HOLA members and both will take place at the Abrazo Interno Gallery located at the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center (CSV), 107 Suffolk Street (between Rivington and Delancey streets) in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center Inc. is a Puerto Rican/Latino cultural institution whose mission is focused on the cultivation, presentation, and preservation of Puerto Rican and Latino culture. "Re-imaginings" in conjunction with the HOLAfestival is an official event of the NYC Latin Media & Entertainment Week (October 3-9). The opening reception for the photo exhibit and staged play readings will take place on Monday, October 3 at 6 pm. The gallery is open to the public from 3:30-10 pm daily and admission to both the photo exhibit and staged readings is free, although reservations for the staged readings are preferred. For more information, or to RSVP, call HOLA at (212) 253-1015 or go to www.hellohola.org. The HOLAfestival was originally created in 1983 and ran until 1990 as a series of theatrical productions and musical evenings featuring HOLA members. In 2011, HOLA decided to revive the HOLAfestival as a series of staged play readings by HOLA member-playwrights and featuring HOLA members in each cast. The playwrights for the 2011 HOLAfestival, curated by HOLA Associate Director A.B. Lugo (http://about.me/ablugo), include Lina Gallegos, Mel Nieves, Tere Martínez, Anthony Ruiz, A.B. Lugo and Oscar A. Colón. "Re-imaginings" is a photographic exhibit that takes iconic television cast images and "re-imagines" them showing Latino actors from HOLA’s ranks as part of the re-imagined cast. The exhibit’s unifying theme is that of visualizing a world where Latino actors were already more fully integrated into the mainstream entertainment culture, as they have been into the nation’s population. The duplication of iconic cast images for such shows as “Seinfeld,” “Friends,” “All in the Family,” and “Sex and the City,” among others, strikes a visual chord of familiarity while also serving to show how seamlessly a Latino actor could be integrated into the various shows' universal themes of the human experience. "Re-imaginings" was conceived by multi-media writer and producer Maria Nieto (http://about.me/MariaFernandaNieto) and is jointly curated by Ms. Nieto along with the exhibit’s photographer Luis Carle (www.LuisCarle.com) and HOLA (www.HelloHola.org). "Re-Imaginings" Photo Exhibit Abrazo Interno Gallery, 107 Suffolk Street, 2nd Floor, NYC On view from 3:30-10 pm Free admission source: HOLA

Friday, September 30, 2011

Enter book giveaway: 'The Rising Moon' by Nilsa Rodriguez

The Reading Corner Nilsa Rodriguez is a member of the PRSUN online network. She is also the author of "The Rising Moon," a young adult paranormal romance novel, published by Black Dove Publishing. Her debut novel was released on Sept 12th. Enter new giveaway to get an autographed copy of Nilsa's book and more. To get a taste, view the book trailer: Book summary: How many lives must you live to realize that love is stronger than time and death? Orphaned at the age of five, Angelia (Lia) Lafosse was left with questions about whom and what she truly was. One thing was clear. Lia was different…some might even say cursed. With the help of her best friend, Ryan Woodruff, she begins to unlock the secrets of her family's past and discover answers that prove more startling than she ever imagined. Not only was she a werewolf, but a reincarnation of the immortal werewolf, a werewolf with immense powers beyond any of her kind. A werewolf that if discovered by the Lobison’s to have returned, can jeopardize both Lia and those she love. Torn between Lyle Ulric, the charming werewolf whose bloodline is as ancient and powerful as her own. And Adam Ambrose, the mysterious and alluring vampire who’s determined not to allow fate or anyone tear their love apart again. Lia has to make a choice… Destiny or Love…Run or Fight…Live or Die About the author: Born and raised in New Jersey, Nilsa Rodriguez now lives in beautiful and sunny Florida along with her husband and son where you can find her writing well into the night on her next novel. Being an author is quite literally a dream come true for a girl who spent every childhood moment escaping to far away lands and wondering into enchanted forests through the many books she’s read growing up and still enjoy to this very day. To enter giveaway, email clarisel(at)puertoricosun.com. Send your name and mailing address. Giveaway winner will get a signed copy with book swag as well as bookmark, postcard, button and stickers. First come first served. To order Nilsa's book, the title has been added to the PRSUN aStore too. The PRSUN aStore features books, music and more that highlight Puerto Rican and Latino writers and artists. Congratulations to Nilsa. Thanks for being part of our network.

Editor's Picks: PRSUN Photo Project/PR Parade '11

For the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, PRSUN organized a team of contributing photographers to take photos at the parade from their perspective. The images are part of a permanent online gallery titled "PRSUN Photo Project: The 2011 National Puerto Rican Day Parade." Participating photographers included Catherine Fonseca, Eileen McNamee, Kevin Tyson, Oscar Rivera, and Ismael Nunez. This gallery is the Editor's Picks from the online exhibit. While I also participated in the online exhibit as a photographer, this gallery does not include any of my images. Here is a selection of some of my favorite images that my photo colleagues took at the NYC parade on June 12. Editor's Picks: www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel/galleries/72157627784719336/ To view the full online PRSUN Photo Project exhibit, which includes images I took at the Puerto Rican parade, visit www.flickr.com/groups/nyprparade/ -- Clarisel Gonzalez/curator

Thursday, September 22, 2011

'Fiesta del coqui' at Florida zoo

Featured event If you are in Florida this weekend, go show the Puerto Rican coqui some love. September 24 & 25 Fiesta del Coquí 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit the Central Florida Zoo for its annual “Fiesta del Coquí” and party with the coqui with live music, crafts and activities, demonstrations and much more celebrating the Hispanic culture. Enjoy regional cuisines, dance to the sounds of local bands, and be entertained by local dance groups, all celebrating our beloved coqui. Call 407.323.4450 ext. 136 for information. http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/2011eventslist

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

'Finding Our Latino Ancestors' family history fair in the Bronx

Featured community event The Hispanic Genealogical Society of New York Presents its 6th Annual Hispanic Family History Fair: Finding Our Latino Ancestors Saturday, September 24, 2011 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Join your neighbors in this ONE OF A KIND event developed for everyone interested in finding their roots in Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries. The Hispanic Genealogical Society of New York, celebrating its 15th Anniversary, will be at The Bronx Library Center, presenting FREE workshops, where you can: - Learn how to research your family’s roots, without ever leaving New York; - Discover how easy it is to find your family’s history, no matter what Hispanic country your family originated from; - Explore some of the resources that are available with information about your family’s past. This event will feature workshops for anyone who has thought about undertaking this rewarding hobby. Classes offered include Puerto Rican, and general Hispanic genealogy for beginners and Using the Internet to help you find your ancestors, with a hands-on class on the use of www.ancestry.com. So if you have ever wondered how you came to be who you are, where your ancestors lived, married and died, or if you would ever identify those people in those old photos, this is the event for you. Seats are limited, so please pre-register hgsny@aol.com or call 212-340-4659 Complete schedule on back. Updates on the web at: http://www.hispanicgenealogy.com There is no charge for this event. Bronx Library Center 310 East Kingsbridge Road (near Fordham Rd.) Bronx, New York 10458 Phone (718) 579-4244 http://www.nypl.org/branch/local/bx/fdc.cfm source: Hispanic Genealogy

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Julia de Burgos stamp dismissed?


Commentary


By Steven Maginnis



There are few people more deserving of commemoration on a United States postage stamp than Puerto Rican poet Julia de Burgos.  De Burgos, who lived from 1914 to 1953, grew up in poverty in Puerto Rico but managed to go to college through a scholarship and become a teacher - effectively pulling herself up by her own bootstraps.  Later, through involvement with the Puerto Rican Nationalist party, she became a full-time writer and wrote about her love of Puerto Rico, the social struggles of the poor and oppressed, and her own feelings of entrapment and confinement. "Writing in the 1930s through the 1950s," one reviewer for Publishers Weekly, commented, "de Burgos was ahead of her time in grasping connections between history, the body, politics, love, self-negation and feminism that would later prove to be the foundations for writers like [Adrienne] Rich and [Sylvia] Plath."    
In September 2010, Julia de Burgos - who died of pneumonia in New York City in 1953 and was initially buried anonymously because her body could not be identified - was honored with a postage stamp in the U.S. Postal Service's Literary Arts Series, a series of commemorative stamps dating back to 1979 that has honored John Steinbeck, Edith Wharton, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, among others.  She was thus honored as an American, not an Hispanic American, writer; the de Burgos stamp is part of a mainstream series that's as diverse as America itself (James Baldwin and Richard Wright are among the black authors honored in the series).  In fact, she's the first Hispanic author commemorated in the series.       
But some readers of Linn's Stamp News seem to disagree with the Postal Service's actions. Linn's Stamp News, the nation's premier philatelic (stamp collecting) magazine, holds an annual poll of the most and least popular stamps and postal stationery. When the results came in for the 2010 stamp program poll, the Julia de Burgos commemorative stamp was voted the second worst commemorative design - behind stamps honoring abstract expressionist painters, 548 to 377. It was understandable, as the de Burgos stamp design seemingly reduced the woman to a caricature and featured a background that depicted Puerto Rico's landscape somewhat cartoonish.  
But get this. It was also voted second least necessary commemorative - behind stamps for Sunday comic strips, 563 to 264. 
What are we to make of this? Stamp collectors have always been stereotyped as one thing or another, from overeducated geeks who bore people by showing their collections like they were vacation slides (as Woody Allen depicts them) or, worse, stodgy old white men who don't interact with anyone and prefer to stay home, mounting their precious pieces of postal currency depicting dead presidents.  It's the latter stereotype that this dissing the de Burgos stamp in the 2010 Linn's poll suggests, with an element of racism, misogyny, and sociopolitical arch-conservatism. 
The philatelic community has been fighting this stereotype for a long time.  Black stamp collectors have promoted the hobby to get more black people involved, and the Postal Service itself has issued numerous stamps for blacks and Hispanics.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt, an ardent stamp collector himself, personally saw it to that Booker T. Washington appear on a postage stamp after many black Americans petitioned him to have such a stamp issued.  The ten-cent Booker T. Washington Famous Americans stamp of 1940 marked the first time a black man appeared on a U.S. postage stamp, but its denomination limited its use at a time when first-class postage was only three cents.   As for a black woman on a U.S. postage stamp, that didn't happen until Harriet Tubman was honored in 1978.
So when stamp collectors, who are supposed to know more about history and geography through their experience with stamps, find a commemorative for Julia de Burgos unnecessary, it makes me wonder how many of them open their minds to other cultures and perspectives.  What is it these 264 Linn's readers objected to?  Was it de Burgos's feminist attitudes? Her Puerto Rican nationalism?  Or had they simply never heard of her before?  Were they too disinterested in Puerto Rican culture to at least learn more about Julia de Burgos?
I owe a lot of my own knowledge to stamp collecting.  When I first began the hobby at the age of ten, the U.S. Postal Service was issuing commemoratives honoring the American Revolution Bicentennial, and I learned a lot about how America went from thirteen colonies to becoming one nation through those stamps.  My early collection included foreign stamps, which taught me about countries that had been wiped off the map, like the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which from 1940 to 1991 were forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union.  And yes, I even discovered American poets like Edgar Lee Masters, Emily Dickinson, and Robert Frost, all of whom I read in school.
Maybe these 264 Linn's readers who thought that a Julia de Burgos stamp was unnecessary should bear in mind that, while Americans working in the English language wrote a lot of our great poetry, they didn't write all of it.  Maybe if they give themselves a chance to learn about Julia de Burgos, they'll find her odes to Puerto Rico as culturally significant as Carl Sandburg's exaltations of Chicago or Robinson Jeffers's musings on California.           
By the way, the kind of stodgy white men most people imagine as stamp collectors are called "Mr. Wilsons," after the grouchy neighbor in "Dennis the Menace," one of the comic strips commemorated in the Postal Service's Sunday comic strips stamps.



Steven Maginnis is a New Jersey-based freelance writer and member in the PRSUN network. To view more of his writings, visit his blog at http://stevenmaginnis.blogspot.com.








Julia de BurgosImage by clarisel via Flickr

         
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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Happy blogosversary PRSUN

PRSUN today celebrates its blogosversary. While PRSUN was born in the summer of 2002 as an e-magazine, I started blogging right here at www.prsun.blogspot.com in the summer of 2004.

Here I am at the 116th street festival in East Harlem last month with two interesting characters I met. It has been a pleasure documenting stories and events related to the Puerto Rican community. Thank you for your ongoing support of this multimedia project.

PRSUN is currently in transition, but I wanted to take a moment to celebrate this PRSUN blogosversary with my readers, visitors, advertisers and sponsors.

Informing, empowering and building community continues to be PRSUN's business and social mission.

Happy blogosversary PRSUN. I do love this independent media and art business.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

NEW: PRSUN Pic Badge





PRSUN always seeks ways to make our readers and visitors feel as though they are an important part of our business and social mission to inform, empower and build community.

This is our newest project: the PRSUN Pic Badge. Show your support of our mission.

PRSUN is a social entrepreneurship.


Friday, July 08, 2011

Puerto Rico Sun Communications - Home

Puerto Rico Sun Communications - Home

Visit PRSUN's official website. Find out about our services. Advertise in the PRSUN network. Become a sponsor.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Salsa and bomba in the Bronx

Free music events in the Bronx to highlight salsa and bomba. Click on images for more information.

Visit www.ilovethebronx.com

Visit www.pregones.org

Monday, June 13, 2011

The National PR Day Parade in Photos


I attended the Puerto Rican Day Parade and tried to capture a good mix of the parade. My main focus was to document the culture and the people. Enjoy.

There are more than 600 photos in my photo set. Also make sure to visit a group photo exhibit on the parade that PRSUN is curating at http://flickr.com/groups/nyprparade. Support independent media and art.

Photos by Clarisel Gonzalez/PRSUN

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Puerto Rico promotes itself as a top travel destination

With President Obama's historic and brief visit to Puerto Rico next week, the island is getting worldwide attention. Puerto Rico Tourism Company officials welcome the spotlight to show off the Caribbean island as a "tropical paradise" worth exploring for its rich history, culture, natural wonders, cuisine, sports and more.
Despite headlines of the high unemployment and high crime rate on the island, it is impressive that Puerto Rico has actually seen an increase in tourism this year.
Tourism reports that hotel occupancy rates this year increased four percent over the same period last year; the island saw a 34 percent increase in visitors from cruise ships last year an expect an increase this year; and the number of airlines flying to Puerto Rico is up, with nine U.S. airlines now servicing the island and another expected later this year.
PRSUN met earlier this week with Ciso Moreno of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, which has been spent the last few days at the Caribbean Travel Organization's "Caribbean Week in New York" trade show. Puerto Rican tourism officials are at the trade show promoting the island as a top travel destination and to showcase the island's tourism development and investment plan to potential investors.
"Puerto Rico is the most diverse destination within the Caribbean made up a diverse cultures," he says. "It's a big blend."
He says the diversity the island has to offer is not only reflected in the people, but also in its cuisine and tourist attractions throughout the island.
"We want to offer you a destination experience," says Moreno. Puerto Rico Tourism encourages visitors to go beyond the hotel they are staying and to explore the island because "there's something for everyone" from the beautiful beaches to the natural wonders to scuba diving, whale watching, and golfing.
"We have the fun, the sun and the rum," he says, adding that tourists are welcomed to see what is "unique and different" about Puerto Rico.
He says many tourists leave the island and end up returning to explore more. Repeat clientele, he says, is 57% at hotels, which is a good sign.
New laws on the island are making it an attractive investment opportunity for resort and hotel developers.
The island's tax credits and exemptions for projects such as hotels, timeshares and vacation clubs are also helping. Tax incentives also exist to make Puerto Rico a highly desirable location for film productions, which helps to contribute to the island's economy as far as jobs and hotel rooms.
In addition, Puerto Rico's new marketing campaign "Just Think, Puerto Rico," which was launched in New York City last November, has definitely made its "Puerto Rico does it better" line more than just a catchy phrase.
The fact that no passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Puerto Rico is also especially attractive to tourists seeking a Caribbean getaway.
Puerto Rico has eased its laws, making it easier for U.S. citizens to get married in Puerto Rico. Because of that, Moreno says he expects to see an increase in the wedding/romance tourism sector, which he calls "Puerto Rico's best kept secret."
Another interesting market Puerto Rico Tourism is targeting is medical tourism to serve visitors with health problems such as those in need of dialysis.
While many say President Obama's visit to Puerto Rico is a public relations stunt to sway stateside Puerto Ricans on his reelection campaign, Moreno says Obama has an interest in Puerto Rico's vision for economic development including its reinvigorating tourism industry.
In this economy, Moreno says, many places are busy trying to fill the hotels rooms they have, but "we continue opening hotels." And, that means jobs on an island with high unemployment numbers. That is something that has grabbed Obama's attention, Moreno says.
The president's visit is expected to include talks about Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. commonwealth and government efforts to foster economic development.
To find out more about Puerto Rico Tourism, visit seepuertorico.com.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Boricua Pride Postage from Zazzle.com

Boricua Pride Postage from Zazzle.com

It's Puerto Rican Parade week in NYC. Stop by the PRSUN shop. Show your support for independent online media and art. Shop features a variety of merchandise featuring original photography by Clarisel Gonzalez.

Today's featured product is "Boricua Pride Postage."

Saturday, June 04, 2011

Andres Jimenez in the Bronx


Andres Jimenez performs at Hostos in the Bronx Friday night. To view more photos, visit my South Bronx events '11 photo set.

National Puerto Rican Day Parade festival and Mass

Things to do

TODAY
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

WHAT:
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc. hosts the 152nd Street Annual Cultural Festival, a street fair celebrating Puerto Rican live music, ethnic food, arts & crafts, and family-fun activities.

WHERE:
East 152nd Street at Jackson, Concord, Wales, and Tinton Avenues
Bronx, NY


SUNDAY, JUNE 5TH,
4:00 PM

WHAT:
Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop Emeritus of New York, officiates the 20th Annual Mass marking the start of Puerto Rican Day Parade Week in New York, honoring the memory of the lives lost on September 11th, legendary baseball player Emilio "Millito" Navarro, and Singer Johnny Albino, among others.

WHERE:
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Fifth Avenue at East 50th Street
Manhattan

###

source: National Puerto Rican Day Parade

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Featured photo: Francis Marie Cruz is the new Miss Puerto Rico for the 2011 National PR Day Parade

From left, Juan J. Gonzlez and Rhina Valentín (pageant judges), Francis Marie Cruz (Miss Puerto Rico NPRDP 2011), Helen Troncoso (Miss Belleza Latina 2011) and Madelyn Lugo (presidenta del Desfile Nacional Puertorriqueño, Inc.) (photo by Aracelis Santiago)

El Desfile Nacional Puertorriqueño Inc. anunció la elección de Francis Marie Cruz, de 25 años de edad, como ganadora del certamen cultural Miss Puerto Rico NPRDP 2011. La joven residente de Yonkers labora como maestra de educación especial enfocada en niños con autismo. Posee una maestría en educación especial de la Universidad de Pace y un bachillerato en periodismo de la Universidad Estatal de Nueva York (SUNY), recinto de New Paltz. El certamen cultural Miss Puerto Rico NPRDP promueve el orgullo, la autoestima y la educación entre las jóvenes de desendencia puertorriqueña. El evento se realizó el sábado 28 de mayo en la Escuela Intermedia 172, Floral Park, condado de Queens. El certamen en uno de los muchos eventos comunitarios de antesala al Desfile, pautado para el domingo 12 de junio del 2011 en la Quinta Avenida. Para el calendario completo de eventos visite www.nationalpuertoricandayparade.org o llame al 718-401-0404.



Francis Marie Cruz, 25, of Yonkers is the new Miss Puerto Rico for this year's National Puerto Rican Day Parade. She is a special education teacher of children with autism. She has a master's degree from Pace University in special education and a bachelor's in journalism from SUNY New Paltz. She won the title Saturday at the cultural pageant in Queens. The parade is June 12th along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. For a complete calendar of parade-related events going on throughout the city, go to www.nationalpuertoricandayparade.org.

Friday, May 27, 2011

PRSUN Radio chats on the National Puerto Rican Day Parade

PRSUN Radio to chat with parade chairwoman Madelyn Lugo today at 4 p.m. Listen live at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio. If you miss, catch the archived interview.

(photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

UPDATE: To listen to interview with parade chairwoman Madelyn Lugo and press guy Javier Gomez:
Listen to internet radio with PRSUN RADIO on Blog Talk Radio

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Three boricua Miss Universe winners to march in PR Parade to raise awareness of child homelessness

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc. (NPRDP), the not-for-profit cultural organization that produces the annual Parade along Fifth Avenue, and American Airlines, the major carrier celebrating 40 years of service to Puerto Rico, joined forces to support Covenant House, the leading Homeless Youth Shelter and Charitable Organization in the United States.
In celebration of the 16th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade (54th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade since its inception as a local organization), NPRDP and American Airlines, have recruited three Puerto Rican women who have held the Miss Universe title to march in this year's celebration, scheduled for Sunday, June 12th. Marisol Malaret (Miss Universe 1970), Dayanara Torres (1993) and Zuleyka Rivera
(2006) will appear on the American Airlines float and serve as spokespersons for homeless youth issues. American Airlines, Official Airline of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, has committed to raising awareness of the Covenant House by visiting the Manhattan location, bringing donated items to those living there and partnering on fundraising opportunities.

Marisol Malaret, Miss Universe 1970

"Each year, Covenant House serves over 50 thousand at-risk youth in the nation and throughout the hemisphere," said Madelyn Lugo, president of NPRDP. "We are thrilled to partner with American Airlines to ensure that our commitment remains strong, and that Covenant House continues to cover the basic needs of homeless children and safely lead them to independent adulthood."

Dayanara Torres, Miss Universe 1993


"For over 30 years, American Airlines has proudly collaborated with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade to support causes that are important to our customers and align with our corporate values," said Art Torno, American Airlines Vice President - New York. "For the second year in a row, we are expanding our partnership to include a charity whose pioneering work touches the lives of thousands. We are pleased to make Covenant House our 2011 honoree as we recognize its vital role as a sanctuary for youth and children in crisis."

Malaret, the first Puerto Rican woman to hold the Miss Universe title, became a beloved icon in Puerto Rico first as a television host, and then as an entrepreneurial magazine publisher. She devotes her time to many charitable causes, such as public health and homelessness, and it was her work with Covenant House that led to the partnership with American Airlines.

Torres, the third Puerto Rican woman elected Ms. Universe, is an author and an actress and also has a long history of public service. She previously served as a UNICEF Ambassador, and her foundation provides scholarships to children in Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006


Rivera, the fifth Puerto Rican woman elected Miss Universe, is an actress who has also served as a spokesperson to raise awareness of many issues, including HIV, Heart Disease, Children's Immunization and the impact of Drunk Driving, among others.

"The National Puerto Rican Day Parade welcomes these role models who have inspired generations to make a contribution and make the world a better place. I invite everyone to join us on June 12th along Fifth Avenue as we hear their messages of hope. It would be our way of saying "gracias/thank you" to these remarkable women," Lugo added.

Founded 38 years ago with the mission to assist homeless children, Covenant House is the largest privately funded agency in the Americas providing food, shelter, immediate crisis care, and essential services to homeless, throwaway and runaway kids. The organization operates facilities in 21 cities across the United States, Canada and Central America, including a shelter in New York City that serves over 6,000 youth and children every year (over 400 per day).

In 2010, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and American Airlines launched their first Annual Charity Support Initiative by recruiting Puerto Rican actress Karla Monroig to appear on the American Airlines float, raising awareness of breast cancer and the work of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.


###

source: National Puerto Rican Day Parade

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Dancing in Manhattan


@ the Dance Parade
(Photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

I took more than 350 photos at the Dance Parade. Many dance cultures were represented at the parade including Japan, the Native Americans, Bolivia, and Puerto Rico of course. To view more photos, http://www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel/sets/72157626781323062/.

Friday, May 13, 2011

PRSUN Radio chats with Emmy winning standup comedian Mike Robles

PRSUN Radio chats with standup comedian Mike Robles on Monday from 6:30-7 p.m. Listen live or later at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

For more information about Mike, visit his website at www.mikerobles.com. He is currently promoting his new CD "WEPA!" LIVE! from the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City, a comedic journey on his life in the Bronx, on being Puerto Rican/Latino, his relationships and the church. NY lives in Mike. )


UPDATE: TO LISTEN TO THE ARCHIVED INTERVIEW:

Listen to internet radio with PRSUN RADIO on Blog Talk Radio

Monday, May 09, 2011

Featured Photo: Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Queen Krysti Ogando

The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade is Sunday along the Grand Concourse. PRSUN is a sponsor.
(UPDATE: The May 15th Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade has been cancelled due to rain, president Francisco Gonzalez confirmed. New date to be determined.)



(photo of parade queen Krysti Ogando by Fonseca Fotography)

Friday, April 08, 2011

Applications wanted: 2011 College Awards for undergraduate Puerto Rican women

In the mailbox

Dear Friend:

We are currently accepting applications for our 2011 College Awards to be presented at our College Awards Gala Dinner Dance at the Marina Del Rey in The Bronx, on Thursday, August 18, 2011. These awards are granted annually to undergraduate Puerto Rican women selected for their academic excellence and service to the community.

To be eligible, applicants must send a completed 2011 College Award Application Form to our post office box, listed above, by the deadline date of June 5, 2011 and meet all of the following criteria:

1. Currently matriculated as an undergraduate student in an accredited institution of higher education, having earned a minimum of 12 accumulated credits.

2. Maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 with no failing grades.

3. Demonstrate service to the community.

4. Provide an official college transcript.

5. Provide two (2) letters of recommendation from a professor, college advisor, employer or supervisor.

6. Submit a suitable 4" by 6" photo of the applicant for inclusion in our Commemorative Dinner-Dance Journal.

The College Award Committee will review only those applications that comply with all of the above six (6) requirements. The essays of the selected applicants will be included in our Commemorative Dinner-Dance Journal and should be written meticulously.

Applications can be downloaded from our website: www.nylprw.org or requested via phone or email. Thank you for your assistance in publicizing this information to as many eligible students as possible, and feel free to make as many copies of the application form as you deem necessary.

Sincerely,



Edith Padilla, President

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Latinos Account for More Than Half of Nation's Growth in Past Decade

Census 2010: 50.5 Million Hispanics

The 2010 Census counted 50.5 million Hispanics in the United States, making up 16.3% of the total population. The nation's Latino population, which was 35.3 million in 2000, grew 43% over the decade. The Hispanic population also accounted for most of the nation's growth----56%----from 2000 to 2010.
Among children ages 17 and younger, there were 17.1 million Latinos, or 23.1% of this age group, according to an analysis by the Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center. The number of Latino children grew 39% over the decade. In 2000, there were 12.3 million Hispanic children, who were 17.1% of the population under age 18.
Although the numerical growth of the Hispanic population since 2000----more than 15 million----surpassed the totals for the previous two decades, the growth rate of 43% was somewhat slower than previous decades. Growth rates topped 50% in the 1980s (53%) and 1990s (58%).
Geographically, most Hispanics still live in nine states that have large, long-standing Latino communities----Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York and Texas----but the share living in other states has been growing. In 2010, 76% of Latinos lived in these nine states, compared with 81% in 2000 and 86% in 1990. (In 2000, 50% of Hispanics lived in California and Texas alone. In 2010, that share was 46%.) Despite the pattern of dispersion, however, there are more Latinos living in Los Angeles County (4.7 million) than in any state except California and Texas.
The states with the largest percent growth in their Hispanic populations include nine where the Latino population more than doubled, including a swath in the southeast United States----Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina. The Hispanic population also more than doubled in Maryland and South Dakota.
The report includes state rankings and totals for the size, share and percent growth of the overall Hispanic population and the population of Hispanic children under age 18. Also available on the Pew Hispanic Center's website are Excel files containing Hispanic and non-Hispanic population totals in each of the nation's states.
The report, "Hispanics Account for More Than Half of Nation's Growth in the Past Decade," authored by Jeffrey Passel, Senior Demographer, Pew Hispanic Center, D'Vera Cohn, Senior Writer, Pew Research Center, and Mark Hugo Lopez, Associate Director, Pew Hispanic Center, is available at the Pew Hispanic Center's website, www.pewhispanic.org.
The Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center, is a nonpartisan, non-advocacy research organization based in Washington, D.C. and is funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

source: Pew Hispanic

Thursday, March 17, 2011

On St. Patrick's Day

(photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

I have always been drawn to St. Patrick's Day. I love all the green and the spirit of the Irish on this day. To view more photos of the parade, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel/sets/72157627127185414/with/5536664694/

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Fundraising Dinner With Roberto Alomar

In the mailbox

An appeal for help: On April 3rd, 2011 Latino Sports will award our newest Hall Of Fame baseball player, Roberto Alomar with the "Boricua Pride Award" for becoming the 3rd Puerto Rican & 10th Latino to be inducted into the most prestigious baseball museum, The Hall of Fame (HOF). The event is also a fundraiser to rent buses to take kids from the South Bronx to a once in a lifetime experience to Cooperstown, NY on July 24th, 2011 to watch Roberto Alomar get inducted into this prestigious hall and to tour the HOF something that none of these children would ever get a chance to do.

If you know of anyone that might be interested in sponsoring, purchasing a table, or tickets, Please let me know ASAP, or pass this information on to them.

The 2010 statistics on the Latino youth, particularly the Puerto Rican youth in the South Bronx is enough to make everyone with a conscious do anything to try and help rescue our youth from this desperate situation.

Un fuerte abrazo,

Julio

Information will soon be posted on www.latinosports.com. To contact Julio Pabon, e-mail latsports(at)aol.com.

Friday, March 04, 2011

Puerto Rico Governor Signs New Film Tax Incentive Bill

Good to know that Puerto Rico is becoming a more significant player in the world of film and production. I hope more Puerto Rican filmmakers, actors and production crew members will be able to benefit.

Here's the press release:

Program Provides Additional Tax Credits, Expands List of Eligible Projects and Creates Infrastructure Incentives

The Governor of Puerto Rico, Luis G. Fortuño, today signed into law the Economic Incentives for the Development of the Puerto Rico Film Industry Act, a bill that is designed to make Puerto Rico’s current production incentives among the most attractive in the industry, as well as promote the development of state-of-the-art media infrastructure, including high-capacity studios. It also designates the media industry as one of the core sectors of the Governor’s ambitious economic development platform.
Under the new law, the government of Puerto Rico has created a series of new incentives and expanded current ones. They include expanded lists of eligible projects, higher caps on existing incentives and new incentives for the development and operation of production facilities on the Island. The new law will be overseen by the Department of Economic Development and Commerce and the Puerto Rico Film Commission.
“Puerto Rico already offers some of the most aggressive tax incentives in the world, making the Island an important center for a number of industries, from biosciences to aerospace. This ambitious bill will place the media industry on an equal footing with others, both with regard to production and the development and operation of related infrastructure,” said Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce, José Ramón Pérez-Riera. “Puerto Rico is known for its variety of locations that can substitute for almost anywhere in the world. It also has U.S. trained crews, artistic talent and state-of- the-art equipment.”
Among the highlights of the new law:
The legislation expands the list of eligible projects to include feature and short films, documentaries, television programs, including series in episodes, miniseries and pilots, music videos, commercials, videogames, recorded live events and original sound track and dubbing recordings. The minimum spending requirements for all eligible projects have been simplified, and the amount has been reduced to $100,000 in payments to residents of Puerto Rico. There is an exception for short films, which will be subjected to a $50,000 minimum requirement. Principal photography requirements are eliminated.
The legislation expands the current 40 percent production tax credit on payments to Puerto Rico residents to include payments to non-resident talent, subject to a reduced 20 percent rate.
The legislation also raises the annual cap on tax credits from $15 million to $50 million on payments to Puerto Rico residents and may be expanded up to $350 million. Credits generated by payments to non-resident talent are not capped. There are no individual or per project caps.
Complementing and enhancing Puerto Rico’s production offering, the legislation provides incentives for the development, construction and operation of state-of-the-art production facilities. The legislation raises the existing infrastructure tax credit to 25 percent on all costs related to the development or expansion of studios, laboratories and other related facilities. It also offers favorable tax treatment to studio operators and related businesses including a fixed income tax rate of between 4 percent and 10 percent, as well as a 90 percent to 100 percent exemption on all other state and local taxes.
Over 60 productions have taken advantage of Puerto Rico’s current incentive program, including Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean 4,” Universal Picture’s “Fast 5” and Warner Brothers’ “The Losers,” in addition to a variety of independent films such as “The Rum Diary,” starring Johnny Depp, “The Men Who Stare at Goats,” starring George Clooney and “Che”, starring Puerto Rican-born actor Benicio Del Toro.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Calendar - DIGITAL DIASPORA FAMILY REUNION - Harlem Stage

Calendar - DIGITAL DIASPORA FAMILY REUNION - Harlem Stage

Boricuas, check your photo archives to be part of this digital diaspora photo and history project in Harlem.

Harlem Stage will host Harris' latest creation, Digital Diaspora Family Reunion - a new participatory multimedia initiative where audiences bring history to life through their photographic images and stories. Bring your photo albums, pictures and mementos to Harlem Stage on February 23nd through 25th and share your family stories as part of the DDFR ROADSHOW.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

My Journey to Love~

Puerto Rico Sun welcomes guest bloggers. Here's a journal entry by Alicia Anabel Santos about her journey, writer life and love.

My Journey to Love~
Alicia Anabel Santos

Good morning its 8am in Argentina, 6am in New York…. and my body has not adjusted to the time yet. The journey has been incredible so far.
Today, I am thinking about what Paulo Coelho calls, “ones personal legend.” When one goes in search of his personal legend the universe conspires in helping him attain it… The idea that we all must go in search of our personal legends…
For me... My personal legend is my writer’s life… from the moment I claimed the title “I AM A WRITER,” to where I am today…. Quitting my very secure job at McGraw-Hill and traveling all across Latin America studying and filming the African Diaspora in Spanish speaking nations.
I have put my personal writer’s journey to the side to work on this project… dedicating my life to this amazing project… AFROLATINOS: The Untaught Story www.afrolatinos.tv. What I have learned is that much of my journey and discovering my personal legend has been about SERVICE….
Serving the community
Serving women
Serving young girls
I am here to serve! Whether that is thru the truth, whether that is thru acts of love, whether that is thru sharing very difficult examples of moments in my life… I am here to SERVE as an example to my daughter and all those I meet on this beautiful journey.
Part of my journey has been to understand that unexpected things will and do enter our lives that we believe are here to take us off our journey – but what I understand is that all obstacles are part of the journey and are here to serve a lesson.
Afrolatinos came after I published my first feature article in Urban Latino magazine – what a blessing.
When it arrived… I stopped writing my historical fiction novel… it was put on hold… the amazing thing was that every country I intended to write about in my novel... I ACTUALLY have had the opportunity to visit during filming the documentary.
AMAZING!!!!
Coincidence?
I don’t believe in coincidences.
I know that everything happens for a reason.
In between filming I decided I wanted to write a play. Which I completed in some insane amount of time… I finished a first draft in February 2010 which I put to the side after working on it a few weeks… I picked it up again in April of the same year…I had the final draft completed in June 2010… my first play titled, I WAS BORN~
It was ON…………
Then something new appeared to me on this journey… it came from my character LIA from the play… Lia – who is really me…. Her story was one I was trying to ignore… I thought I could get away with writing a beautiful story of women I have met in the journey without really showing myself. I ignored Lia’s story… she wanted her story out! My story!!!
Which brings me to today - - I am being called to write my memoir… my story… that I have been writing since 2006 without my even knowing it.
And so, now I am going to sit and finish it… with your help~
Please check out my kickstarter page… if you aren’t able to help with a donation… its all good… your LOVE, support and prayers are ALL I need~ but do share it with the universe… all things are possible…
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iwasborntheplay/finding-your-force-a-journey-to-love?ref=live
“What you still need to know is this: before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we’ve learned as we’ve moved toward that dream. That’s the point at which, as we say in the language of the desert, one ‘dies of thirst just when the palm trees have appeared on the horizon.’ Every search begins with beginner’s luck. And every search ends with the victor’s being severely tested.” From the Alchemist~
Thank you for helping me realize my personal legend~

Peace, light and LOVE~
Alicia

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Alicia Anabel Santos is writer/co-producer of Creador Pictures, LLC.