Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The NY International Latino Film Festival celebrates anniversary with movies

The New York International Latino Film Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a rich lineup of feature length flicks, documentaries and short movies highlighting Latino culture of course. The festival, which runs until Sunday, is also a time to star watch.
For more, go to
http://www.examiner.com/x-11970-NY-Latino-Community-Examiner~y2009m7d28-The-NY-International-Latino-Film-Festival-celebrates-anniversary-with-movies


I'm the NY Latino Community Examiner. Have story ideas for my Examiner column, feel free to e-mail me at clariselgonzalez (at) yahoo.com.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Artist restores Spirit of East Harlem

Manny Vega Begins Restoration of the Spirit of East Harlem Mural



Artist Manny Vega began restoration on July 17th of Hope Community's defaced Spirit of East Harlem mural. The artist will complete the work by the end of July. Vega, along with community artists from different genres, will participate in an educational forum on the history and cultural significance of community (outdoor) artwork that Hope Community will host on August 13th. (photo and text courtesy of Marina Ortiz)


To view more photos, go to http://www.hopeci.org/Spirit_Vega071709/index.htm




Tuesday, July 21, 2009

To Be or Not To Be Supreme Court Judge: Sonia Sotomayor

Commentary

By Manuel Hernandez Carmona

There has been a lot of debate over the qualifications and character of the nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor. To be or not to be Supreme Court judge that is the national question. The up and coming confirmation of the Puerto Rican judge from the Bronx has refueled the issue of who is and who is not qualified to be United States Supreme Court Judge. Her critics have questioned her integrity and vision, yet they admire her tenacity at the Senate Hearings.

Although in terms of curriculum vitae, she is overqualified---her critics continue to question decisions she made as Federal District judge and as judge at the US Circuit Court of Appeals. Many have questioned the influence that her ethnicity and humble backgrounds may have in future judicial decisions. The United States has made its forefathers proud with the election of President Barack Obama, but his choice for Supreme Court Judge really has taken liberty and justice for all to the next level of American understanding. No doubt, she is a woman and a Latina. 

To top all that, her parents were part of one of the most massive immigration movements in American history, precisely fostered by the Puerto Rican government’s ties to the American government in the early 1900’s which granted them U.S. citizenship and the right to enter the U.S. without having a passport. Sotomayor’s parents made the journey inspired by the so-called American dream, and the opportunities their children would have in New York City.

More than just a story, Sotomayor’s appointment brings down stereotypes that were ingrained in the minds of the American public with West Side Story’s (1957 Broadway play) prejudiced portrayal of the Latina woman. Hollywood has made a living off the bias depiction of the easy-slut and close-minded Latina woman. The Senate Hearings are underway, and some will use a magnifying glass to look closely at any little detail that will make Sotomayor unworthy of the highest appointment bestowed upon any attorney in the United States. The truth is that she is worthy beyond any reasonable doubt. Even Shakespeare would rethink his famous “to be or not to be” quote in light of what will come down in American history as one of the most “justified” nominations to the S
upreme Court of all time.


Manuel Hernandez Carmona contributes his writings to Puerto Rico Sun.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Silent history

Pensamientos

Photography is a
story teller
though silent
i should not
feel ashame
i have no
photo history
 -- Coconut Brujita

Coconut Brujita contributes her writings to Puerto Rico Sun.