Institute for Puerto Rican Arts and Culture

Sat, Sept. 28th, 11am. $35 includes signed book.

For more info: Militza Págan, 773-227-7794

A candid, savvy, inspiring, and often hilarious memoir by one of 

America's most fearless political leaders.

Beloved by the immigrants and working people whose rights he has championed, eleven-term Congressman Luis Gutierrez is among Latinos, along with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the most recognized Hispanic public figure in America.

Here Gutiérrez recounts his life between two worlds: too Puerto Rican in America, where he was born and yet was told to "go back to where you came from"; too American in Puerto Rico, where he was ridiculed as a "gringo" who couldn't speak Spanish. For much of his early life, he seemed like the last person who would rise to national prominence. Yet his tremendous will and resilience shaped his varied experiences-from picking coffee beans to driving a cab-into one of the most surprising careers in American politics. He campaigned for Chicago's first black mayor, Harold Washington. Someone threw a Molotov cocktail through the window of his house, and he only grew more committed to reform. Tested in the crucible of the notoriously tough Chicago city council, he earned the nickname "El Gallito": the little fighting rooster.

This Saturday, September 28th and October 5th at 3pm, UTC is excited to offer two FREE outdoor community performances. UTC is excited about taking its motto 'From the Streets to the Stage' and flipping it right back to the streets. Don't missed this limited opportunity. Performances will be held at La Casita de Don Pedro | 2625 W. Division St., Chicago, 60622. For more information visit: www.UrbanTheaterChicago.org

On Sunday, September 15, close to 200 community leaders, elected officials and family members participated in a well-deserved tribute to Antonio. "Tony" Irizarry. The Puerto Rican Cultural Center was proud to participate in the tribute, which was organized by Milly Santiago and took place at My Fair Lady Banquets. 

Tony was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico and came to the US in 1949, and to Chicago in 1951. He earned degrees soon after from several institutions of higher learning. Tony was a pioneer who envisioned uniting Puerto Rico community leaders, some of whom were Graciano Lopez, Mirta Ramirez, Trina Davila, Elias Diaz y Perez, and Haydee Garcia to name a few. Thanks at least partly to Irizarry's intervention, the first Puerto Rican Parade Committee was formed and eventually led to the the first official Puerto Rican parade in downtown Chicago in 1966. 

He has played a leading role in the promotion of Puerto Rican culture, as well as an advocate for Puerto Rican rights. He has been instrumental in creating many Puerto Rican institutions, including "Nuestro Directorio, Fiestas Poblanas Puertorriqueñas, and Nuestro Awards ceremony. He was recently selected as one of the 100 Puerto Ricans Pioneers whose life will be archived by the Center for PuertoRican Studies at Hunter College in New York City.

Since 2006, MillerCoors Lideres has raised awareness and highlighted the achievements, vision and commitment of leaders within the Hispanic community. Each year since its inception MillerCoors has selected a group of 12 emerging Latino leaders who are making a difference in their communities.  The 12 Líderes, are nominated by national and local nonprofit organizations from across the country. They are then selected by MillerCoors based on their achievements and impact on the U.S. Hispanic community.  Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School is excited to inform you that Edgar Delgado, Pedro Albizu Campos High School Class of 1998 has been selected as one of the 2013 MillerCoors Lideres candidates. 

The public will select the 2013 Lider of the Year through an online voting contest, which runs from September 17 through October 30 at MillerCoorsLideres.com. The winner will receive a $25,000 grant to develop and implement a community leadership program with his/her sponsoring nonprofit organization and in partnership with MillerCoors.  

Please support Edgar in this endeavor by going to the MillerCoors website and voting for him. You can also help spread the word by forwarding this email to your network and asking them to vote for him. People can vote more than once per day. Let them know Edgar is the only person representing Humboldt Park, Chicago and the Midwest.  Your support is greatly appreciated.