Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Building community

A significant part of Puerto Rico Sun's mission is building community. The social networks have been instrumental in helping us fulfill our mission.

I want to thank everyone who is part of the PRSUN familia in one way or another. Looking forward to a prosperous new year.

Here's a glance:

PRSUN on Twitter, 895 followers
Clarisel Gonzalez on Facebook, 1,486 friends
Puerto Rico Sun Communications' Facebook page (open): 259 fans
Puerto Rico Sun's Facebook group (closed/by invite): 162 members
Clarisel's Photo Place page at Facebook, 42 fans
Puerto Rico Sun's very own social network at www.puertoricosun.com: 68 members
PRSUN at MySpace: 386 friends
New: Puerto Rico Sun Communications' LinkedIn group: 29 members

Happy new year from Puerto Rico Sun Communications. PRSUN hopes to grow as a community media and art business in the new year. One way you can help support our efforts is by leaving a tip via PayPal.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

PRSUN TV: Parranda!!!! in the Bronx

Get a taste of Parranda!!!! at Coqui Mexicano, a small fusion shop in the South Bronx. The community parranda was held in celebration of Coqui Mexicano's first anniversary as a business in the Melrose section. It was held on the day after Thanksgiving as a way of thanking the community for the support and kicking off the Christmas season.

Parranda!!! @ Coqui Mexicano from Clarisel Gonzalez on Vimeo.


Felicidades from PRSUN.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

A Christmas greeting...


Comment | Copy This


Feel free to leave me a voice blog at http://snapvine.com/prsun.

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company Launches Innovative Advertising Campaign Through the Eyes of Artist Elliott Erwitt

A Celebration of Puerto Rico's History, the Campaign Takes You on a Photographic Journey of the Islands, Its People and Culture

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Puerto Rico Tourism Company will unveil a new integrated marketing campaign designed to increase awareness and make Puerto Rico a top of mind destination. The $10 million advertising campaign will run locally on networks like Bravo, Food Network, Fine Living, Travel Channel, CNN and CNBC. Print will run in titles like Vanity Fair, Architectural Digest, Food & Wine, In Style, Town & Country, and Travel & Leisure. Digital and out-of-home advertising also supports the campaign. The campaign is scheduled to launch in December 2009 and run through June 2010.
At the center of the initiative is a series of Elliott Erwitt photographs taken during a return trip to Puerto Rico this spring where the world-renowned Magnum photographer re-discovered the Islands' essence: romantic, rich in culture and experience.
The new campaign is designed to provide a glimpse of life in the islands of Puerto Rico as seen from an artist's point of view. "We are so proud of our islands - the people, culture, richness and beauty of it all - that having a celebrated photographer like Elliott Erwitt capture it in photographs is a compelling way to share our islands with the world," said Jaime Lopez, executive director of The Puerto Rico Tourism Company. "He depicted the true realism of Puerto Rico; he captured our beaches, yes, but he unveiled so much more with images of our rain forests, our architecture and culture that make Puerto Rico so special."
Erwitt's initial voyage to Puerto Rico was fifty years ago when the photographer was called upon by one of the advertising industry's first Mad Men, David Ogilvy of Ogilvy & Mather, to capture the vibrancy and lifestyle of Puerto Rico through an artist's unique perspective. His photographs reflected contemporary life on the Islands and revealed character, depth of history and an unparalleled culture not found elsewhere in the Americas. These images created a ground breaking and aesthetically pleasing tourism advertising campaign which not only increased travel to the islands, but also greatly impacted economic development.
"Tourism enriches our economy and is a very important focus for us," said Governor Luis Fortuno of Puerto Rico. "We have a lot to offer travelers this year from world class events to new hotels and exciting cultural events that help round out our already amazing offerings that make Puerto Rico a top travel destination." Although years have gone by since Erwitt first photographed Puerto Rico, his lens still captures the same richness of experience that tourists from around the globe can experience during a visit to the Islands. "These images capture the heart and soul of Puerto Rico and its people," added Governor Fortuno. "It provides a glimpse into the Islands and paints a picture for travelers' of what a trip to Puerto Rico can offer."
The campaign, created by Ogilvy & Mather and De La Cruz Advertising is targeted toward people who want their vacation to be an enriching experience, people who want more than just a pretty beach; they want a sophisticated experience where they can learn about culture and history. The advertising plan, running in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington DC, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Atlanta and Miami, consists of television, print and online webisodes with messaging that evokes a personal connection with Puerto Rico and inspires people to visit the islands. Each ad features a specific aspect of what the island has to offer - history and architecture, dancing, gastronomy, culture, Puerto Rico's various islands, and more. The theme of these ads - through the eyes of an artist - will live on through the years through the eyes of other influentials and consumers as well.
To find out more about Puerto Rico, consumers can go to seepuertorico.com to browse Elliott's photos from his first trips in the 50s and 60s, and today, and watch webisodes on a variety of experiences that the islands have to offer. The web site also allows visitors to find out more about specific destinations, experiences, attractions, places to eat and stay and special offers. All advertising will drive consumers to the web site.
With Erwitt as a partner, the campaign closely resembles a photojournalistic essay detailing expectations travelers' should have of Puerto Rico and reflecting the Islands' everyday reality. As David Ogilvy said 50 years ago during the first series of Erwitt images, "I'm thrilled to watch an artist tell a story and proud to know that advertising through an artist's photographic eye can reflect the feeling and character of such a unique travel destination," said Steve Hayden, Vice Chairman Ogilvy & Mather.
Puerto Rico has so much to offer. This year alone, Puerto Rico will add 2 new hotels: W and St. Regis. They will be the host of world class events such as the PGA Golf Tournament in March and Latin Billboard Awards in April. Recently built, the Sheraton is the flagship location for its convention center offerings. Unlike its cousins, Puerto Rico is the only island in the Caribbean that continues to build hotels.
About Puerto Rico Tourism Company
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), founded in 1970, is a public corporation responsible for stimulating, promoting and regulating the development of the tourism industry. It markets Puerto Rico as a tourism destination through advertising, public relations and promotional activities; promotes tourism among local residents; provides visitor orientation and technical assistance to investors; evaluates tourism facilities and establishes standards of quality; and regulates and oversees gaming operations. PRTC has offices and representatives in the U.S. Mainland, Canada, Europe and Latin America.

Source: Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Monday, November 30, 2009

Follow me at Twitter

Follow me at Twitter. Lately, I have been tweeting more, blogging less.

I'll be updating there.

http://twitter.com/prsun

Thanks for your continued support.

Friday, November 20, 2009

WNYC - WNYC News Blog » Puerto Ricans in New York Struggling…Still

WNYC - WNYC News Blog » Puerto Ricans in New York Struggling…Still

Interesting article on Puerto Ricans in New York

Puerto Rican Artisan and Health Fair in the Bronx

Community calendar

The Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture at Hostos Community College will be transformed into a typical Puerto Rican plaza this weekend, with fountains, palm trees, piragua and coquito carts and artists, sculptors, vejigante mask makers and artisans selling traditional wares.

The transformation will take place tomorrow for Comité Noviembre’s fourth annual artisans fair. Over 30 artesanos puertorriqueños from throughout the United States and Puerto Rico will showcase their unique and traditional art at the fair. Musical and cultural acts will entertain throughout the day, and children and adults will have the opportunity to take part in workshops on mask-making, the history of the Three Kings Celebration, and the music of Puerto Rico and the Taíno Indigenous People. This year’s event also features a health fair to educate people about the chronic diseases that have a disparate affect on our community, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity.

The event is free to the community and will be held at the Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, at 450 Grand Concourse, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. It is a great opportunity to kick-start the holiday shopping season and kick off a healthy New Year.

Each year the fair attracts thousands of people from across the New York metro area.

The event’s workshop schedule is as follows:
Artisans Workshops
11AM – Noon
• Taíno Storytelling
• Three Kings Celebration

Noon – 1PM
• Taíno Petroglyph Symbols
• Vegigante Mask Making

1PM – 2PM
• Taino Spirituality

4PM – 5PM
• Historical Overview of Boricua Music

Health Workshops
Workshops hosted by sanofi-aventis US

12Noon – 1PM
• Health & Flavor in the Latino Kitchen

1PM – 2PM
• Power Over Diabetes

2PM – 3PM
• Stay in Touch


The charge of Comité Noviembre is to promote, acknowledge, create awareness and take ownership of our rich culture, language, and history. Comité Noviembre is the collective effort of ten key Puerto Rican organizations: the Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly, ASPIRA of New York, the Association of Hispanic Arts, El Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, El Museo del Barrio, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights– Justice Committee, the National Institute for Latino Policy, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, and the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration which plan and coordinate el mes de la herencia puertorriqueña.

source: CN press release

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

LLADRÓ Celebrates Puerto Rican Day with launch of Our Lady of Providence

As a photographer, one of my favorite subjects to shoot are religious icons. The Virgin Mary is on top of my list. Our Lady of Providence, the patroness of Puerto Rico, is, of course, one of my favorite images to photograph. Actually, I have introduced several people in New York City to Our Lady of Providence through my photography. One of my most popular photographs is an image I shot of Our Lady of Providence at St. Jerome's Church in the South Bronx, and one of my photos will be published in an upcoming religious book (TBA) and is currently on display at an art exhibit at the Bronx Blue Bedroom Project in the Bronx.
As you could imagine, I was so happy to learn that Lladró will launch a sculpture in her likeness at an event in New York City during Puerto Rican Heritage Month. I hope to be there.

Here's the press release:

Lladró, the world renowned Spanish producer of exquisite porcelain works of art, will launch a sculpture in tribute to the patroness of Puerto Rico, Our Lady of Divine Providence, at its boutique in New York City on November 19. The unveiling coincides with Puerto Rico’s celebration of Discovery Day.

The Spanish company honors Puerto Rican traditions and culture with this faithful depiction of the image of the Virgin with the Christ Child in her lap. Ángeles Lladró, member of the Lladró Board of Directors and daughter of one of the three founding brothers, explains that the company decided to create this sculpture during her last visit to Puerto Rico.

“I was so enthralled by the open nature of its people, very similar to the Spanish character in so many ways, and their appreciation of our brand, that we thought of making a piece to show our gratitude,” she says. “This faithful depiction of the image of Our Lady of Divine Providence is our best way to honor the Puerto Rican culture, tradition and religious devotion. It is a very touching scene, in line with other Lladró maternities, and I loved it right from the beginning.”

With this magnificent porcelain depiction of the Virgin, Lladró not only pays tribute to the people of Puerto Rico, but also celebrates two rich cultures united by the same roots.

Created in glazed porcelain and decorated with Lladró’s traditional spectrum of colors, the piece is noteworthy for its size, 16 1/2" x 7", considerably larger than other Lladró Virgins. The combination of white and blue, the colors symbolizing the purity of the Madonna, with ocher tones, further reinforce the splendor of an image venerated mainly by the order of the Servants of Mary.

The Latin phrase on the porcelain base, "Tu honorificentia populi nostril," or "You are the glory of our people," is taken from Tota Pulchra Es, the 4th century anonymous “canto” that includes texts dedicated to the Virgin from biblical books.

Worship of Our Lady of Divine Providence originated in Italy in the 13th century. It was a very popular devotion that later passed to Spain, where a shrine was built in her honor in Tarragona, Catalonia. When Gil Esteve Tomas, a Catalan priest, was appointed bishop of Puerto Rico in the mid 19th century, he brought this devotion with him to the island. In a decree signed in 1969, Pope Paul VI declared Our Lady Mother of Divine Providence as the patroness of the island of Puerto Rico.
During the reception, the sculptor of the piece, don Nacho Aliena, will demonstrate the techniques that he employs in executing his work. He will be available to answer questions about the design of the Virgin of Divine Providence.

The suggested retail price is $1,500. Lladró will donate 10% of all sales during the New York City celebration to the Puerto Rican Family Institute (PRFI), a non-profit organization responding to the needs of the growing Latino population both on the U.S mainland and in Puerto Rico since 1960.

“We are so proud to join with Lladró in launching this Virgin,” says María Elena Girone, President and CEO of the PRFI. “The Virgin not only symbolizes devotion and faith in Puerto Rico, but also reminds us of our mission to help the needy, the essence of our organization.”

About Lladró
Lladró was established by the brothers Juan, José and Vicente Lladró in 1953, and has a presence in more than 120 countries. Lladró has proprietary shops in the most important commercial centers in the world: London, New York, Beverly Hills, Singapore, Hong Kong, Moscow, Tokyo, Miami, Las Vegas, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, where the company is headquartered. For further information on Lladró visit www.lladro.com.

About the Puerto Rican Family Institute
The Puerto Rican Family Institute, Inc. (PRFI) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen the functioning and self-sufficiency of diverse marginalized communities, and to prevent the disintegration of families. It is a humanitarian services agency that promotes programs dealing with families, provides cultural services to children, youth, adults and families, and that respects all races, cultures and personal identities. The identify and community of each individual, independently of how they define themselves, serve as the foundation for the cultural services offered by the Institute. The principal services include psychological care, preventive care, education, mental health, care for AIDS sufferers, case management programs, home care, crisis intervention, and Head Start. PRFI operates about 48 programs throughout New York, Jersey City, New Jersey and Puerto Rico.

(NOTE: I was having problems with Blogger and hope to upload the image of the sculpture soon.)


source: CapitalWirePR press release

To view some of my photos, visit my "Our Lady" photo set at http://flickr.com/photos/clarisel.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The 2010 Census and Puerto Ricans

Community calendar

Research Seminar
The 2010 Census and Puerto Ricans: Statistical Policy Issues and Politics
Presenter: Angelo Falcon, President, National Institute for Latino Policy
Refreshments will be served
6 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 12
Centro Conference Room 1437 East Bldg. at Hunter College in Manhattan
For more information,
http://www.centropr.org/events.html?event=60

Monday, November 09, 2009

PRSUN Radio chats with Comite Noviembre's Teresa Santiago

PRSUN Radio puts a spotlight on Comite Noviembre, an organization that celebrates a host of activities in New York City for Puerto Rican Heritage Month. I chat with CN's Teresa Santiago tomorrow at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

November is Puerto Rican Heritage Month in NYC and a key woman behind many of the cultural, civic and artistic celebrations going on is Teresa Santiago. For more information about the nonprofit Comite Noviembre, go to www.comitenoviembre.org.

To listen live, the interview is at 9 p.m. tomorrow. After it airs, the show will be archived and available online.

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UPDATE: Listen to my interview with Teresa Santiago at http://blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Puerto Rican-related opportunites at Centro

Centro - Request for Proposals

Submission Deadlines: November 15th - for Spring semester

The Center for Puerto Rican Studies (Centro) seeks proposals for cultural and educational activities that contribute to the study and interpretation of the Puerto Rican experience in the United States. Proposals must address Centro's core mission of advancing knowledge about the Puerto Rican experience in the United States.
http://www.centropr.org/news.html?news=87

LIBRARY & ARCHIVES

Request for Historical Preservation & Research Partnership Proposals
Application deadline for Spring 2010 Grants: Nov. 18, 2009
Application deadline for 2010-11 Grants: Jul. 1, 2010

The Center for Puerto Rican Studies (Centro) seeks partners to collect archival material, conduct research and disseminate knowledge about the history of Puerto Rican communities and individuals in the United States. Centro will provide limited funding on competitive bases to awardees for initiating projects for the development and collection of data and for the analysis of existing or new archival materials
http://www.centropr.org/news.html?news=72

Source: Centro

NOTE: Please make sure to let Centro know you learned about this opportunity in Puerto Rico Sun. Support independent community media.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Thanks comunidad

IMG_7539Image by clarisel via Flickr

Tonight I will be honored with a 2009 Comite Noviembre "Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad" award at a reception at El Museo del Barrio in NYC's East Harlem. Comite Noviembre is dedicated to preserving Puerto Rican heritage and culture and organizes several cultural and community events in November for Puerto Rican Heritage Month in New York City. Tonight is the kick-off event of the wonderful lineup of activities coming up in the city, which includes the annual Puerto Rican artisans fair.

I am honored to receive this "Lo Mejor" award with a wonderful lineup of fellow boricua movers and shakers. Several of them belong to the Puerto Rico Sun online community and are supportive of our mission.

The other recipients are Nydia Edgecombe, Director, Alumni Relations, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, Ibrahim González, host of WBAI -99.5, Melinda González, folk lyric historian and Bombera for Bomba Yo!, Rev. Carmen Hernandez, Pastor & Founder, Stratford Community Services, Elisha M. Miranda, Co-Founder, Chica Luna & CEO, Sister Outsider Entertainment Gilda Rivera Pantojas, Director, Danza Fiesta, Rafael Rivera-Viruet, President, Terramax Entertainment, Trinity A. Rivera, volunteer, National Puerto Rican Day Parade and, Rosa A. Rosario Valentin, community and cultural activist.

They do represent some of the best in the community for their leadership and commitment. Earlier this year, for example, I, as part of PRSUN Radio, had the pleasure of interviewing Gilda for her work promoting culture, dance and theater. Gilda's passion for Danza Fiesta is infectious. To listen to that interview, go to www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

For me, it is an honor that I was nominated by community members for this acknowledgment. Thanks to those who took the time to write letters. Thanks to those who regularly visit and read my blogs and belong to our social networks. Thanks to those who always go a step further to support our business and social mission of informing, empowering and building community. Thanks for every tweet and blog post. Thanks to those who financially contribute to this project by clicking on ads, advertising or just tipping (that is key to take this online community media project to the next level). This award is important because part of my mission here at Puerto Rico Sun Communications is to build community, and this award represents that.

Remember that Puerto Rico Sun Communications is a community-minded independent multimedia social entrepreneurship.

Thank you for your support. Moving forward always.

Clarisel









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UPDATE: To view photos from the "Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad" event, go to http://flickr.com/photos/clarisel. Click on "Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad."

(photo by Milagros Gonzalez)

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

History of Puerto Rican Art Movement in New York City seminar

Community calendar

Research Seminar
"An illustrated History of the Puerto Rican Art Movement in New York City"
Presenter: Yasmin Ramirez, Centro Researcher
6 p.m. Tonight
Centro Conference Room, Hunter College, 1437 East Bldg., Manhattan
Refreshments will be served
http://www.centropr.org/events.html?event=58

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage Month in NYC

Community calendar
COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE
mes de la herencia puertorriqueña

SAVE THE DATES

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2009
CN’S 23RD ANNUAL KICK-OFF CELEBRATION
EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO, NEW YORK CITY

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009
CN’S 14TH ANNUAL GALA
CELEBRATING 23 YEARS OF PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH
THE NY HILTON, NEW YORK CITY

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009
COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE AND HOSTOS PRESENT
JESÚS OMAR RIVERA EL BORICUAZO
Puertorriqueñidad…Defendiendo nuestra imagen
HOSTOS CENTER FOR THE ARTS & CULTURE THEATRE, BRONX, NY

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009
CN’S FOURTH ANNUAL ARTISANS FAIR & EXHIBIT
CN’S FIRST ANNUAL HEALTH FAIR
EUGENIO MARÍA DE HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, BRONX, NEW YORK

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
CN’S 15TH ANNUAL DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
IPRHE’S UPACA SENIOR CENTER, NEW YORK CITY


COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE
C/O IPRHE, 105 EAST 22ND STREET – 6TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10010


FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: (212) 677-4181 OR (914) 263-6599
OR VISIT: WWW.COMITENOVIEMBRE.ORG


COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE MEMBER AGENCIES

INSTITUTE FOR THE PUERTO RICAN/HISPANIC ELDERLY * ASPIRA OF NEW YORK
EL CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS PUERTORRIQUEÑOS * EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO
EUGENIO MARÍA DE HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE * LATINO JUSTICE – PRLDEF
NATIONAL CONGRESS FOR PUERTO RICAN RIGHTS – JUSTICE COMMITTEE
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LATINO POLICY * PROMESA
PUERTO RICO FEDERAL AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION


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Monday, October 19, 2009

PRSUN Radio chats with County of Kings' Lemon Andersen

Lemon Andersen is my guest Wednesday at 11 a.m. on PRSUN Radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

County of Kings is playing now in NYC.

About Lemon and his County of Kings:
Half Puerto Rican. Half Norwegian. Two-time felon. One hell of a show.
Featured earlier this year as part of The Public Theater's Under The Radar Festival,Lemon Andersen's County of Kings gives a tough, yet poignant biographical account of a good kid growing up in an unforgiving environment. Lemon, whose parents met at a methadone clinic and passed away from AIDS, served two prison sentences before he was 21 and won a Tony before he turned 30. His on-stage memoir touches on young love, the birth of hip hop, slinging crack, ballet, stealing car parts, prison, and poetry as he takes the audience on an astonishing and surprising one-man journey toward self-discovery. Weaving hard-edged drama with urban poetry, the Brooklyn born and bred performer tells his coming-of-age story with profound honesty, compassion and humor. A true story of finding passion in the arts and finding one's way, Lemon paints a vivid portrait of his own life and the lives of countless other Brooklynites during the 1980s and 1990s.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Lemon Andersen has been featured as a regular on HBO's "Def Poetry" presented by Russell Simmons and was also an original cast member and writer of Russell Simmons' Tony Award winning Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. On screen Lemon has appeared opposite Denzel Washington in Spike Lee's Inside Man and The Soloist starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. -- www.countyofkingstheplay.com

Check out this recent review in the New York Times:
http://theater2.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/theater/reviews/13county.html



UPDATE: To listen to my archived interview with Lemon, go to www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

NYC to show its solidarity with Puerto Rico's National Strike

There will be a rally tomorrow at 5 p.m. in New York City in support of the national strike in Puerto Rico. This comes after Puerto Rico Gov. Luis Fortuño laid off thousands of government workers earlier this month, citing the island's poor economy as the culprit that has led him to make some tough decisions in this difficult financial time. But the layoffs have led different sectors on the island to engage in civil disobedience. The national strike on the island is also tomorrow.

To participate in NYC's rally:

5 p.m. Thursday, October 15th
PRFAA, 135 West 50th street (between 6th & 7th Avenues), Manhattan

The NYC Chapter of National Congress of Puerto Rican Rights is a sponsor.

Puerto Rico Sun is in solidarity. While it is true that the governor did need to cut workers from the government payroll because it is too big, the sudden number of layoffs are just too drastic and negatively impact too many poor and working class families on the island. These cuts are only making the unemployment problem on the island even bigger than it is.


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Luis Muñoz Marín: The New York Years

Community calendar

Research Seminar & Exhibit Luis Muñoz Marín: The New York Years
Presenter: Mario Pérez Miranda, Centro Dissertation Fellow Exhibition launch, reception to follow

Thursday, October 15, 6:00 pm
Centro Library (at Hunter College) East Bldg. 3rd Floor, Main Library Entrance, Manhattan
http://www.centropr.org/events.html?event=56

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Sunday, October 11, 2009

PRSUN Radio chats with Pepper Negron

My upcoming guest is Pepper Negron, director, screenwriter, filmmaker, photographer, dreamer...

Go to my entry at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

The show will air at 9 p.m. Wednesday.

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UPDATE: To listen to my interview with Pepper Negron, go to my archives at http://blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

NYC cultural act to protest book ban in Puerto Rico

In the mailbox

Hola Familia

As many of you know several literary works - including "El Entierro de Cortijo/Cortijo's Wake" by Edgardo Rodríguez Juliá and Aura by Carlos Fuentes - have been banned in Puerto Rico by the conservative right party currently in power. This is an act of devolution that sets our society back by hundreds of years and its an action usually associated with intolerant and totalitarian governments.

This is why El Puerto Rican Embassy is calling for all Puerto Rican/Nuyorican artists, writers and educators to join us on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 2 p.m. in front of Rev. Pedro Pietri's mural on 104th Street for a Cultural Act that will be photographed and videotaped in order to support writers and artists in Puerto Rico and show solidarity with this new struggle they are now facing.

Below I have included an Embassy press release and I have also attached a more creative version I've designed to reference official documents that have been censored before releasing them to the general public.

I ask that you forward this message to all you think may be interested in joining us.

Gracias y saludos!
Adal Maldonado
Artistic Director/Resident Dissident
El Puerto Rican Embassy

Friday, September 25, 2009

PRSUN Radio chats with Urban Jibaro George Torres


My upcoming guest on PRSUN Radio is Urban Jibaro George Torres of Sofrito for your Soul. The show airs at 9 p.m. Wednesday at http://blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

George Torres is a social media consultant, cultural activist, radio personality and founder of cultural online magazine SofritoForYourSoul.com. Read a brief bio at my blog at http://blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.


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UPDATE: To listen to the interview, go to my archived show at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio

Thursday, September 17, 2009

PRSUN Radio chats with writer Alexandra Roman Hernandez

My upcoming guest on PRSUN Radio is Puerto Rico-based novelist Alexandra Roman Hernandez who is currently promoting her new book "The Valley of Inspiration." My interview with Alexandra is 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.
Here's the press release about the book:
THE VALLEY OF INSPIRATION (in Spanish) is a fantasy-adventure novel for young adults written by Alexandra Román de Hernández. In this novel, A.R. de Hernandez, leads the reader to explore the mythological Egyptian world through the eyes of Nailah, a young forger of words, which after the death of her father, a famous author and inspiration, enters a depression that inhibited her writing. The recent discovery of a tomb in the Valley of the Queens, gives hope to Nailah, for the hieroglyphics narrates the journey of a young prince poet, who became one of the most acclaimed poets of his era.
Accompanied by her best friend and an Egyptologist, she travels to Egypt to find the Valley of Inspiration, but first she must find the followers of the ancient Egyptian religion, who have lived in anonymity for centuries and are the only ones who may lead her to the valley. Armed with the sacred symbol of the Egyptian religion that will help her find the followers, Nailah undertakes the adventure of her life.
 
Through The Valley of Inspiration-a magical journey to the land of Pharaohs and Egyptian gods’ world-this novel author teaches us to understand that sometimes we need to lose our sources of inspiration, to realize that we are able to achieve our goals if we believe in ourselves.
 
For Alexandra's bio, go to my blog at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio
Some of you may know Alexandra. She is a member of the Puerto Rico Sun social network at www.puertoricosun.com.

UPDATE: Come listen to PRSUN Radio chats with author Alexandra Roman on PRSUN RADIO at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/PRSUNRADIO/2009/09/24/PRSUN-Radio-chats-with-author-Alexandra-Roman 

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Making the everyday exceptional with food

Here is an interesting community event for those of you who love to cook with a twist.
Daisy Martinez has a Food Network show called “Viva Daisy!”, Harumi Kurihara, often times referred as Japan’s Martha and celebrity event planner Karen Bussen will speak at the Japan Society on how once thought “exotic” food or culture is now influencing regular American kitchen.  Both Latin or Japanese food aren’t “go-to” food when cooking at home, but both Harumi and Daisy are trying to change this myth. Click on the image for details.


For more information on this event at the Japan Society in Manhattan, go to


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Sunday, September 13, 2009

PRSUN: Take part in Hispanic Heritage Month book giveaway

Puerto Rico Sun is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month book giveaway on behalf of Hachette Book Group. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15th through October 15th.
 
HispanicHeritage.jpg
 
  1. Zumba® By Beto Perez , Maggie Greenwood-Robinson ISBN: 0446546127
  2. Evenings at the Argentine Club By Julia Amante ISBN: 0446581623
  3. Damas, Dramas, and Ana Ruiz By Belinda Acosta ISBN: 044654051X
  4. Tell Me Something True By Leila Cobo ISBN: 0446519367
  5. Amigoland By Oscar Casares ISBN: 0316159697
 
Each winner will receive one whole set of books (5 books) for the giveaway.
 
If you are interested in receiving the book giveaway, please send me your name and address to clarisel (at) puertoricosun.com. Only five winners will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents. No PO Boxes please.
 
Good luck, and Happy Hispanic Heritage Month.

UPDATE: CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS. Giveaway is now closed.

 












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Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Add your voice to the Library of Congress

Opportunity


Take home a free CD of your oral history

StoryCorps Historias, an initiative to gather and preserve in sound the life stories of Latinos across the country, will be in New York City to record your story of endurance, resilience, achievement and hope. Working in partnership with the Center for Puerto Rican Studies, StoryCorps Historias will document the history of your loved ones for generations to come.

A StoryCorps interview is a 45-minute conversation between two people who know each other. A trained facilitator will be present with you and your partner throughout the interview process to help you have a comfortable and meaningful experience, and to handle all technical aspects of the recording.
You'll take home a broadcast-quality audio CD, and with your permission, copies will go to the 
American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Segments of interviews may also air on National Public Radio.

Visit 
www.storycorpshistorias.org to see sample questions, listen to clips and learn more about the Historias Initiative.

Where: Center for Puerto Rican Studies, Hunter College, CUNY
Lexington Ave at E 68th St., East Bldg. Room 1437, NYC


For more information, Felix Rivera at 212.772.5704 or xrivera (at) hunter.cuny.edu or Paola Mata at 212.650.3803 or pmata (at) hunter.cuny.edu to reserve your appointment.

There are a limited number of appointment slots available, so act today!

StoryCorps is best shared, so please pass this message on!


source: Centro

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Q&A: Lillian Jimenez, Producer/Director, Antonia Pantoja: Presente!

“Antonia Pantoja: Presente!” is in the lineup of this season’s VOCES series, which also features films about music legends Celia Cruz and Tito Puente. The signature series airs this month on WNET (Channel 13 in NYC) and is a showcase of documentaries celebrating the rich diversity of Latino life. It will be presented on national public television in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month.
New York Latino Community Examiner interviewed the director/producer Lillian Jimenez on her project about the late Puerto Rican visionary. Go to my site at Examiner for more



Here's a short video courtesy of VOCESMedia at YouTube:


The spirit of the Young Lords lives on

Commentary
It was 1969, the year remembered by many as when the New York Mets won the World Series. It was also the year that a group of Puerto Rican activists formed the New York chapter of the Young Lords.

The revolutionary Young Lords Party, which led protests against conditions faced by Puerto Ricans and led to the takeover of the First Spanish Methodist “The People’s” Church in East Harlem in December 1969, definitely has its place in history for their activism to bring change in the Puerto Rican community in New York and elsewhere. Last month, the former Young Lords came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary at the old East Harlem church. While the group doesn’t exist today, the legacy of the Young Lords continues. 

On that hot August Sunday, more than 20 former members of the Lords gathered at the church to share their experiences, inspiring a current and future generation of young activists to take action against injustices affecting their community. 

The church in El Barrio was standing room only. Several former Young Lords -- who at one time were street gang members and drug users -- shared stories of how they turned their lives around because of their activism. A beautiful part of the event was that Young Lords from other cities attended in solidarity. They included representatives from Philadelphia, Connecticut, and Chicago. 

Among the attendees was the man who, inspired by the Black Panther Party, first created the Young Lords in Chicago: Jose “Cha Cha” Jimenez. “Seeing the community here and seeing some these comrades shows we did a lot of good,” he said. “It shows our love for the people.”

The young people in attendance were encouraged to take advantage of things they have access to such as the Internet to stay informed, active and involved in community development.

After the event, the group celebrated at the nearby Julia De Burgos Latino Cultural Center in East Harlem. Rosa Clemente, a college student who wrote a thesis on the Young Lords, stated: “Today’s activity was a educational experience not just for me for all youth and people; they are my inspiration, my sisters and brothers. The Lords are still alive. PALANTE!” – Ismael Nunez

Ismael Nunez is a contributing writer to Puerto Rico Sun.


 

 

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Comite Noviembre seeks boricuas making a difference in their communities

Lo mejor de nuestra comunidad awards

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

The nomination criteria and form for Lo Mejor de Nuestra Comunidad award is now available at Comite Noviembre's website. The deadline for nominations to be received by CN is Wednesday, September 23rd. Recipients of the award will be informed by Monday, September 28th. The Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly spearheads the awards process.

Puerto Rican Heritage Month is celebrated in November.

Puerto Rico Sun readers, go ahead and nominate your candidates.

For the nomination form and more information, visit www.comitenoviembre.org.

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Tuesday, September 01, 2009

A celebration of Puerto Rican culture in Central Park


Visit my site at flickr for photos taken at the Fiesta Folklorica last Sunday. Go to www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel. Click on my Puerto Ricans in NYC events '09 photo set.
The Puerto Rican Folkloric Festival is definitely a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, tradition and heritage in New York City.
Check out my PRSUN TV site at YouTube for scenes of the Bronx-based Danza Fiesta performing at the festival. Click on "@ Fiesta Folklorica PR" at www.youtube.com/prsun
(photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)


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Saturday, August 29, 2009

Featured event: La Fiesta Folklorica PR



This Puerto Rican festival is tomorrow at Central Park in Manhattan. It is the 43rd anniversary. Support our cultural events. They matter. Free admission.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Save El Maestro

In the mailbox:

EL MAESTRO, INC.

JUAN LAPORTE'S BOXING GYM

1029 EAST 167TH STREET

BRONX, NEW YORK 10459

TEL.: (646) 337-6775

                                                       


LAST TIME OPORTUNITY TO SAVE EL MAESTRO, INC.

 

To: All our Friends, Family and Comrades

From: Ponce Laspina


We are reaching to you to request your support in helping an important institution stay alive: El Maestro, Inc. is a 501-C 3 non profit organization founded in 2003 whose mission is to improve the quality of life of the people in the community through social activities such as; sports, cultural and educational programs.
At this time we do not have or receive any funding. We are reaching out to you to request your assistance in order to continue providing these services to the youth in our community.
El Maestro, Inc.  is a sports, cultural and educational oasis in the heart of the South Bronx named in honor Puerto Rican Patriot, Don Pedro Albizu Campos "El Maestro", where all aspects of Puerto Rican culture, history and identity are nurtured, developed and made available to the community of New York City. We focus on grassroots community activism as a means of strengthening our community.

 

These are the programs we offer:

 

1- EL MAESTRO, INC.  (CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM)

2-JUAN LAPORTE'S BOXING GYM (BOXING, MENTORING  & FITNESS PROGRAM)

3-  5 EN PLENA    (BOMBA & PLENA GROUP)

4-LAS PRINCESSAS DEL CARIBE (BOMBA & PLENA DANCE GROUP 5 -15 YRS. OLD)

5-LOS ADOLESCENTES DEL CARIBE ( MERENGUE & BACHATA DANCE GROUP 12-18 YRS OLD)

6-JUAN "IGOR" GONZALEZ LITTLE LEAGUE (16 TEAMS- BOYS & GIRLS 4-15 YRS. OLD)

7-ROBERTO CLEMENTE SOFTBALL LEAGUE (14 TEAMS YOUTH- 17 YRS OLD & UP)


 WE NEED TO GET 100 FRIENDS TO DONATE

 

$100.00 EACH  PAY RENT AREARS OR WE GET EVICTED.

THIS ACTION WOULD SAVE EL MAESTRO AND HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH.

 * WE HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 12TH TO RAISE THESE FUNDS.

ON THAT DAY WE CELEBRATE OUR YEARLY FESTIVAL AT VYSE AVENUE IN THE BRONX.

PERFORMING:5 EN PLENA,CONJUNTO SWING Y SABOR, LAS PRINCESSAS DEL CARIBE,LOS ADOLESCENTES DEL CARIBE,JOSIE “LA GATA NEGRA “ & THE WILD STYLE,LIVE BOXING SHOW, ARTS & CRAFTS.

YOU CAN BRING THE DONATIONS ON THAT DAY.

PAYABLE TO: EL MAESTRO, INC.

OR MAIL IT TO: EL MAESTRO, INC.

1029 EAST 167TH STREET, BRONX, NEW YORK 10459