Recently, I and my colleagues were privileged to meet Oscar Lopez Rivera. Spending time with him at a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana confirmed what I had heard; he is a person of integrity with a gentle spirit who is committed to justice. He shared some of his story and it became even clearer to me that Oscar Lopez Rivera had dedicated himself to improving life in his community before he was accused, found guilty of crimes by association and incarcerated 31 years ago.

At the age of 12, Oscar Lopez Rivera came with his family to the United States from his beloved Puerto Rico. He claims his heritage with distinction, a model needed by many young people needing strong family ties. His priority was to get a good education because he believes education opens doors to opportunity. He helped to found the Pedro Albizu Campos Alternative High School in the heart of Chicago's Puerto Rican community.

Humboldt Park Community Honors Long Time Business Owner 

Nearly a hundred community residents, family members and business owners gathered to honor the memory of Stanley "Joe" Kustra, owner of Joe's Hardware Store on Division and Washtenaw St.  26th Ward Alderman Roberto Maldonado was present to unveil a street sign that read Stanley "Stas" Kustra Way.

Stanley (Joe) served this community with kindness for over 30 years. He served as Vice President of the Board of the Division Street Business Development Association (DSBDA). He supported the development efforts of Paseo Boricua and events like Haunted Paseo Boricua and the Three Kings Winter Festival and Parade. Stanley was also President of LaSalle Branch #15 of the Western Catholic Union. Stanley passed away this March. His family continues to run the hardware store located on 2659 W. Division St.

Sunday, September 2, 2012 / 12pm-9pm

Directly from Puerto Rico- Alambre Dulce,Richie Flores, Manolito Rodríguez,Ramón Vázquez & Frankie Ruiz JR. From Chicago- AfriCaribe,Bomplenaras,and Orquestra Leal,

*Featuring: "Lo Mejor de Nuestro Barrio"- 40th anniversary of the founding of Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School

*Honoring: Calle 13, with a Paseo Boricua Walk of Fame Medallion

19th Fiesta Boricua Kick Off Events

Saturday, September 1, 2012

* Misa Jíbara- 3:00pm

A Puerto Rican folkloric style Catholic Mass celebrated by Father Raul Berrios from Dioceses of Caguas, Puerto Rico. (Free)

IPRAC presents "Sabado Social" 

(Suggested donation for the following events: Sliding Scale $10.00-$20.00)

*"Martorell's Wake"- 5:30pm 

A Reception/Opening exhibit with artist Antonio Martorell

* Noche Jíbara- 6:00pm

An enchanted evening celebration of traditional Puerto Rican music, food, and culture; featuring directly from the mountains of Cayey, Puerto Rico the musical group "Alambre Dulce". (All kick off events will take place at IPRAC 3015 W. Division St.)

19th Fiesta Boricua Corridor

"De Bandera a Bandera" September 2, 2012 - 12pm-9pm

* Back To School Youth Corridor: 

"Transforming communities and building a culture of excellence".Youth stage, games, performances, poetry, music and dances.

(Sponsor by Roberto Clemente H.S., Aspira IL., Batey Urbano, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos H.S. & Youth Leadership Institute)

* Health Corridor 

"Building a community of wellness". Games,presentations, music, and informational booth.

(Sponsor by Humboldt Park Diabetes Empowerment Center 72 Blocks, Vida/SIDA, Norwegian American Hospital, Resurrection Hospital & CURA 2)

* Ciclo Urbano Bicycling Corridor

"Cycling for wellness, community and culture" Contests, Games and Bicycle Showcasing.