Happy Holidays from all of us at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center,
Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School and the
National Boricua Human Rights Network!
Condolences

 

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center wishes to convey its condolences to Abel de Jesus and family on the passing of his father, Ramón de Jesús, in Utuado, Puerto Rico.
Solidarity with
International Migrants Day-
December 18!

Applications for El Rescate Transitional Housing now being accepted

 

 

El Rescate is currently accepting applications for new residents who
are LGBTQ, ages 18-25 and homeless. Contact Ada Rivera at 773-977-9145 to schedule an interview. Please be aware that admission into El Rescate is contingent upon multiple interviews and specific individual

circumstances. 

Humboldt Park
No Se Vende

Apartment Listings

2733 W. Division
1 BD $600
773-252-7008

Maplewood and Division
2 BD $700
312-253-7423

2648 W. Division
2 BD $725
773-520-5035 


Crystal and Kedzie
3 BD $750
973-818-0690

1217 N. Washtenaw
2 BD $800
312-857-8711

Humboldt Park
2 BD $850
773-856-6200

2515 W. Division
2 BD $850
773.297.4131

1300 N. Campbell
2 BD $890
773-308-7818

Kedzie and North
2 BD $895
773-387-1482

1500 N. Kedzie
2 BD $895
773-308-7818

Chicago and Kedzie
2 BD $910
773-818-5565

Rockwell and Cortez
2 BD $950
847-922-1796

2659 W. Division
3 BD $1100
773-276-3691

Boricua, Return
to El Barrio

The Picture of Happiness

 

Avelino González Claudio, released to a halfway home in the San Juan area last Thursday, with his son, Juan Antonio González Pedrosa. 
Send a Message of Love and Support to Oscar for the Holiday Season

 

Imprisoned since 1981, Oscar López Rivera is the longest-held political prisoner in the history of Puerto Rico and Latin America, and among the longest-held political prisoners in the US. He is a caring community organizer; a creative, self-taught artist; a voracious reader; a brilliant thinker. More importantly, he is a father and grandfather who has watched while his daughter and granddaughter grew up from behind bars. On Three Kings Day, 2013, the Twelfth Day of Christmas, he will turn 70. His release from prison is supported by numerous world leaders, as well as religious and political leaders from across the theological and political spectrum in Puerto Rico, and the Puerto Rican people as a whole.

In this holy season of love and reconciliation, we ask all who love justice and freedom to write to Oscar. It is past time to bring Oscar home.
 
 
Oscar López Rivera 
#87651-024 
FCI Terre Haute 
PO Box 33 
Terre Haute, IN 
47808 
 
Visit our blog

Like us on Facebook
 
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View our videos on YouTube
 
View our photos on flickr
 
Congratulations to the Family Learning Center!

 

MESSAGE FROM FLC DIRECTOR DANETTE SOKACICH: 

We did it!!! We reached our goal!!!! Thank you again to all our generous friends and families that contributed with donations and positive sharing to bring this whim to a reality. 


With these donations, we will be able to provide teen mothers, fathers, and their children a hopeful holiday that was made possible with the power of love, faith, and unselfish care. 

The legacy of the Lolita Lebrón Family Learning Center is founded on empowering women and men, regardless of their status as mothers and fathers, the opportunity to continue their education despite the barriers of choosing parenthood in our 21st century reality.

Our Websites:

 







View our Photos on Flickr!

Puerto Rican Cultural Center (Over 30,000 pictures!)

(Over 13,000 pics!)

El Rescate Holiday 

Wish List

 

 

The Holidays are a particularly difficult time for the homeless. For that reason, the staff over at El Rescate Transitional Home are working hard to help provide a safe, fun and cheerful Christmas for our residents. In order to do this, we have developed a Christmas Wish List starting with the things the residents need most.

  • Computers/Computer Equipment: Because we know that there is no single item that empowers the individual more than a computer and internet connection, the staff at El Rescate have been working tirelessly to build a computer lab for our residents. With computers, our residents will be able to develop a resume/cover letter, apply for jobs, register for FAFSA and college, look for apartments, among countless other productive activities.
  • 1 Refrigerator
  • 1 Stove/Oven
  • Winter Hats/Gloves/Scarves
  • Business/Interview Clothes
  • Winter Shoes (Male and Female)
  • Non-perishable food items
  • New or Lightly used clothing
  • 1 Sofa /living room furniture
  • Long Twin size bedding
  • Blankets
  • Towels
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Bath Soap
  • Heavy Duty Trash Bags
  • Cleaning products
  • 2 DVD Players/TV
  • First Aid Kit
  • Decorative Items 
Guided tours of IPRAC and the surrounding Paseo Boricua community will be available at IPRAC with Eduardo Arocho serving as a docent.  If you're interested in arranging a tour for your organization, school or church, please contact IPRAC at 773-486-8345. 

Puerto Rican Cultural Center
2739-41 W. Division St
Chicago, Illinois 60622
P 773-342-8023
F 773-342-6609
Reclaman excarcelación de preso político

 

Líderes de diferentes ideologías se unen para pedir que excarcelen a Oscar López Rivera.
Oscar Campaign Begins Work in Germany

 

The National Boricua Human Rights Network is working with activist in Germany to educate and publicize the plight of Oscar López Rivera.

 

 

 

"Crime Against Humanity" Returns To New York

 

After 
performing to over 5000 people throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Crime Against Humanity returns to New York. Crime Against Humanity is a play based on the real life experiences of fourteen
Puerto Rican political prisoners who spent more than two decades in prisons  for seditious conspiracy- one of whom are still incarcerated.  
The production brings us into the U.S. prison system in a way no other play has, focusing on the politically motivated use of isolation, selective punishment, sensory deprivation and disproportionate sentences.

Saturday January 12th  at the RED CARPET THEATRE, 240 E 123rd St New York, NY 10035. 
Time: 6:30 pm 
Tickets: $15-$20

Produced by the National Boricua Human Rights Network New York City Chapter

For tickets and more information please visit CrimeAgainstHumanity.net (646) 450-4014

Or can be picked up in person East Harlem Cafe 1651 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Movement Builds to Reject Hate, Boycott La Comay
 
Try using stories, recent events, or examples of how your organization has made an impact to your cause and community. Include materials from the news, area experts, supporters or people that have been touched by your work.
 
Insert a "read on" link at the bottom of your article to drive traffic to your website. Links are tracked, allowing you to see which articles appeal to your readers the most.
 
 
Division Street Business Development Association
Presents 18th Annual Three Kings Winter Festival & Parade

 

Sunday, January 6, 2013 - 
Registration at 2:00pm to 3:00pm 
Parade starts at 3:15pm 
Roberto Clemente High School (Athletic Building)
1147 N. Western Ave. 
for more information contact 
DSBDA 773.782-0454

FREE EVENT for the Whole Family, 
Toys given to Children 0-12 years old, 
Join the Three Kings on the parade.

Sponsored by 
Alderman Roberto Maldonado (26th Ward)
Latin American Motorcycle Association
Puerto Rican Cultural Center of Chicago
West Town Bikes
BATEY URBANO
The Chicago Park District (Humboldt Park)
Roberto Clemente H.S.
Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos H.S.
COMCAST
Chicago Land Toys for Tots
EXTRA Newspaper
La Vos del Paseo Boricua
DIMENSION LATINA (88.7FM)
MAXIMA (93.5 y 103.1)

PRCC Program Updates

20th Annual Pancake Waffle Breakfast 

raises $1500!

 

Pancake/Waffle Breakfast Benefit for Puerto Rican Political Prisoners

 

 

 

On Sunday, December 16, El Rescate residents and staff attended the Pancake/Waffle Breakfast Benefit for Oscar Lopez Rivera, one of the last political prisoners to still be incarcerated. The event started with fresh pancakes and waffles, music and warm conversation. The room was filled with Oscar supporters who signed petitions to help finally free him after 31 years in federal prison.

 

Students from Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos spoke about how being a part of this community has changed their lives and how thankful they are to Oscar for helping found "La Escuelita."

 

Matt McCanna, community artist and photographer, played "31 Days for 31 Years," a video "in which 31 activists and community residents [spent] 24 hours each in a makeshift storefront cell with guard, for a total of 31 days," according to boricuahumanrights.org.

 

Casandra Figueroa, HIV/STI Counselor at Vida/SIDA, and Jessie Fuentes, Director at Batey Urbano, performed "What Would Oscar Say" that spoke on what Oscar would have to say about the current state of the Puerto Rican community in Chicago.

The residents enjoyed the performances and appreciated the sense of the community they felt throughout the event.

 

Finally, the event was capped off with a birthday cake and song for Alejandro Molina, Secretary of the Board of Directors at PRCC and longtime advocate for Oscar's release. On behalf of all the staff and residents of El Rescate, we would like to wish Alejandro a happy birthday, as well as express our gratitude to all those who made the event possible. 

Sign up for La Canasta Básica today!

PRCC Underscores Importance of 

Healthy Eating

 

Starting today La Canasta Basica Program invites you to sign up at Café Colao 2638 W Division St. To make sure that you will receive your first basket of fruit and vegetables on January 2nd, you must sign up and make your weekly or monthly payment and cash only, just ask for La Canasta Basica Program.  For any questions please call Abel Fernandez at 773-450-2055

or email him at abelf@@prcc-chgo.org
 to sign up.
English language "Oscar Lopez Rivera: Between Torture and Resistance" Available Soon on Barnes and Noble

 

The life story of Puerto Rican freedom fighter and leader Oscar López Rivera, outlined in this book, is one of courage, valor, and sacrifice. In 1981, Oscar was convicted of seditious conspiracy and other crimes for which he is still imprisoned, making him the longest-held political prisoner in the world. This is the story of his fight for the political independence of Puerto Rico based on letters between him and the renowned lawyer, sociologist, educator, and activist Luis Nieves Falcón. Also included is Oscar's art, including photography and paintings created in his many years behind bars. Readers will explore his early life as a Latino child growing up in the small towns of Puerto Rico, following him as an adolescent as he and his family ... Purchase the book here.
Congratulations Michelle and Danette!

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School and the National Boricua Human Rights Network salute to Michelle Morales and Danette Sokacich, who graduated from NEIU this past Sunday with Masters degrees in Educational Leadership. In addition, Michelle was the shepherd of Cohort III. She kept the group informed, motivated and accountable for the successful completion of the Leadership Program. She assisted the administrators of the program with course scheduling, feedback and timelines. Thank you for your passion and commitment! Congratulations Michelle and Danette!

COMMUNITY SUMMIT NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

"Taking charge of our future" 

 

In the spring and summer of 2011 selected members of The Puerto Rican Agenda drew up a research plan that would zero in on different aspects of community life: housing, economic development, education, health, youth and justice, culture, and the non-profit sector.  The research team secured funding from the Chicago Community Trust, LISC Chicago, and the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

 

El Rescate Cleanup Event

 

 

Friday morning, December 14, the residents at El Rescate woke up with a purpose. After brainstorming about productive things to do, the residents decided to clean up the area around El Rescate. They started by raking dead grass and sweeping up debris in and around the residence. They also took it upon themselves to clean up all the cigarette butts and garbage that accumulated in front of the building, leaving it looking brand new.

 

All the residents are doing their part to give back to the community that provided them a home. It was a humbling experience to witness them take ownership of their space and to see how much they truly appreciate all that has been done for them. 

SUMMIT ON HUMAN RIGHTS 2012 FOR THE RELEASE OF OSCAR LOPEZ RIVERA
HELD AT UNIVERSIDAD DE SAGRADO, CORAZONSAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, DECEMBER 7-10, 2012

 

The Summit on Human Rights 2012 for the release of Oscar López Rivera and to the memory of Puerto Rican attorney Juan Santiago Nieves, to whom we owe this initiative, is an ambitious effort for the broadest discussion of the current state of human rights in the world. It is conceived in the principle articulated by compañero Oscar that all efforts
for his release should be framed in a context that educates for the freedom of the Homeland and to achieve social justice. Meanwhile, it helps denounce the colonial situation of Puerto Rico and highlights the intimate relationship that exists between the
case of the Puerto Rican political prisoners and Human Rights.

WHEREAS, Puerto Rico and its inhabitants, without any consultation whatsoever and under military control, were ceded to the United States as war booty via the Treaty of Paris of December 10, 1898.

WHEREAS, the People's Right to Self-Determination and Independence has been recognized in Resolution 1514(XV) of 1960 of the General Assembly of the United Nations; and as Prevailing Norm of Public International Law in the Consulting Opinions
of the International Court of Justice on Western Sahara and Namibia.

WHEREAS, no people should be subject to foreign domination, and colonialism is a crime against humanity; thus the inalienable right of a people to struggle against colonialism in all its forms and manifestations is recognized.

WHEREAS, respect for the physicial and territorial integrity of all peoples strengthens friendly relations among peoples, promoting peace and world security.

WHEREAS, all branches of human rights are equally important and interdependent. It is indispensable that the right of self-determination of all peoples be respected as a requirement for the full exercise of all the other rights, collective as well as individual, in
accordance with the Vienna Treaty of 1993.

WHEREAS, the demilitarization and the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of war is demanded as a requirement for the effective exercise of the right of selfdetermination of the Puerto Rican people.

WHEREAS, Oscar López Rivera, 69 years old, has been incarcerated for more than 31 years in United States prisons because of his commitment and struggle for the Independence of Puerto Rico.

WHEREAS, Oscar López Rivera was convicted for the ideological crime of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 70 years in prison at the beginning of the 1980's along with 14 other political prisoners.

WHEREAS, Oscar López Rivera was not convicted of killing or harming anyone.

WHEREAS, the imprisonment of Oscar López Rivera constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights.

WHEREAS, while in prison he has also been exposed to more than a decade of total isolation, to multiple aggressions, as well as to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in violation of the International Charter of Human Rights and the Standard Minimum
Rules of the Treatment of Prisoners of the United Nations.

WHEREAS, the political prisoners tried, convicted, and sentenced with Oscar López Rivera were released when President William J. Clinton decided to commute their sentences, after determining that they were disproportionately long and unjust.

WHEREAS, the political prisoners tried, convicted, and sentenced with Oscar López Rivera were released after having spent 16 and 20 years in prison, and have integrated into the life of their communities, living productive and exemplary lives.

WHEREAS, Oscar López Rivera is the Puerto Rican political prisoner who has been held for the longest time in United States prisons in the history of Puerto Rico.

WHEREAS, the decision of the United States Parole Commission last year, denying parole and determining that Oscar López Rivera must serve an additional 15 years before it would consider him for parole again, when he will be 83 years old, constitutes an extraordinary and unbelievable exacerbation of the violation of his human rights.

WHEREAS, the civil society of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rican community in the United States and leaders of all the political parties, labor unions, religious and cultural institutions demand the immediate release of Oscar López Rivera.

WHEREAS, on the international level as well, his immediate release is demanded by prominent personalities from Latin American, African, Asian and European countries.

WHEREAS, the Decolonization Committee of the United Nations, as well as the Non- Aligned Movement, have passed multiple resolutions calling on the President of the United States to release Oscar López Rivera.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: on the 64th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, those who participated in and attended the Summit on Human Rights 2012:

FIRST: demand unconditional respect for the right of self-determination and independence of the People of Puerto Rico by means of the immediate transfer of all
sovereign powers;

SECOND: ask the President of the United States Barack Obama to exercise his constitutional power of presidential pardon to order the immediate and unconditional release of Oscar López Rivera.

THIRD: commit to the broad dissemination of the violation of human rights that Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar López Rivera is experiencing and to struggle vigorously for his immediate release.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, December 10, 2012.