On Tuesday, March 25th, about 200 people attended 4th the Humboldt Park Community Forum and Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment event hosted by 4th District State Representative Cynthia Soto in collaboration with the PRCC and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).  The PRCC team enrolled community members, provided education, and made appointments for individuals to come to our office to enroll.

PRCC's Executive Director, Jose Lopez, welcomed the participants to the forum and spoke about the importance of having health insurance as a human right. The forum's moderator, Enrique García Fuentes, proceeded to present the panelist, including our Navigator- Rocio Kanan - and representatives from UIC and Get Covered Illinois. Media from National Public Radio (NPR), Al Jazeera America, and Azteca TV were present at the event. The PRCC Navigators stayed until 10pm until they enrolled the last person that was in line.

Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace ends in only 5 days. There are just 5 days left for consumers to apply for and enroll in quality, affordable coverage. If you don't have health insurance and don't begin to sign up by the deadline-you can't get coverage again until next year. Just like Election Day, if you are in line when the polls close, you get to vote.  We won't close the door on those who tried to get covered and were unable to do so through no fault of their own

Visit our Humboldt Park office with extended office hours - 1112 N. California Ave. or call us at 773-227-7794 for an appointment. We also have an office at the Hermosa community (4046 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-661-9077). This weekend, our Navigators will be located in various facilities until midnight.

On March 18th, for the primary elections, El Rescate residents were given the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the community by partaking in participatory democracy. Six El Rescate residents served as election Judges in the 26th ward, and 2 other residents participated in the GOTV campaign. By getting involved in the electoral process the residents experienced the first stage of the political process. There are many ways of getting involved and through the participatory democracy process the residents became part of the decision making political matters that will hopefully teach them how the world around them works.

¡Basta Ya!

On Sunday, March 23, 2014, members of the Humboldt Park community welcomed back Elvira Arellano at Alberto Church. The church was packed with supporters. Community members made reflections on Elvira's behalf. Elvira spoke about her activism in support of undocumented people in the US but also her work with Central American undocumented people in Mexico. Elvira, Emma Lozano and others made a call to continue fighting for immigration reform and encouraged people to participate in an action at ICE headquarters on Thursday, March 27. They demanded that President Obama extend deferred action to all undocumented people in the US. The event was widely covered by the media including live transmission on Channel 5 and Telemundo and the Chicago Tribune and Hoy Newspapers.

*I have come back to tell President Obama to extend the deferments he gave the dreamers to their parents and the parents of U.S. Citizen Children...

*I truly believe that God has made it possible for me to return because WE CAN and WE WILL END THE DEPORTATIONS THIS YEAR;  WE CAN and WE WILL REUNITE OUR FAMILIES FROM ACROSS THE BORDER THIS YEAR!

Download the leaflet for the Thursday rally.

On Monday March 24th, Mr. David Potash President of Wilbur Wright College and Maureen Fitzpatrick Community liaison visited Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School (PACHS). Joining the meeting were two seniors of PACHS who are dually enrolled at Wright College earning college credit while still completing their high school diploma along with assistant principal Danette Sokacich, principal Matthew Rodríguez and Executive Director of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center José López.

The meeting was organized to further the partnership between both educational institutions as they align themselves to support the students and their families in finding their college and career paths in life. Several exciting ideas were born in the dialogue, all focusing on the potential of more students and their families earning college credit and career credentials while engaged with Albizu Campos and the Community as a Campus framework developed by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center.

All participants in the meeting were excited to outline next steps and set up a follow up outline for the future. We hope for the continued success of all participating institutions as they continue to innovate new ways of engaging students in culture, community, college and career.

by Eduardo Arocho, DSBDA

Students from the University of Missouri took time from their Spring Break to join Alderman Roberto Maldonado (26th Ward) and the DSBDA (Division Street Business Development Association) to clean Paseo Boricua (Division ST). The volunteers were provided brooms, rakes and shovels and the swept the street and several of the empty lots. The record snowfall kept layers of litter and dirt stuck to the pavement. Volunteers were able to help clean up the street. DSBDA is planning another clean up day on April 10th.  For more information please visit www.dsbda.org.

During this quarter, Art II students investigated public and street art. We studied mural artists such as Jack Ramsdale and Keith Haring along with the street artists Banksy and Faith 47.  During this research, we observed and analyzed what made a mural effective. Are the murals telling stories, persuading the public, or beautifying a public space?

Murals are prominent in Humboldt Park. When students walk down the Paseo Boricua they can see the rich culture and history of neighborhood. Humboldt Park's murals highlight the importance of political statements, expressions of cultural pride, and a shared history.  After researching different artists each student created a sketch for a mural design. The class then voted on one mural to paint in the school.

Our mural design has no clear subject. It is an abstract painting that explores shape, color, balance, and movement. This painting allows the students to express themselves and work collaboratively. Each student had a part to play to complete the design. We all worked together toward a common, artistic goal. 

Our beautiful students are THRIVING! Amidst three polar vortex', ongoing trauma, obstacles to learning and challenges in life, Albizu Campos Students showed that they have what it takes to RISE TO THE CHALLENGE!

At the mid-year point in our school year, similar to Chicago Public Schools (CPS), our students are assessed using the Renaissance Learning Star Assessment. Over the years, our students have struggled with this exam. In fact, coming into this school year, the average performance level of students was at the sixth grade level in mathematics and the seventh grade level for reading.

This Thursday, we continue showcasing the local businesses on Paseo Boricua in Humboldt Park with Latin American Restaurant & Lounge. When you purchase your ticket in advance, you receive 15% off your pre-show dinner.  

On Friday, April 4th, there will be a talk-back following the performance with our literary manager, Juan Castañeda along with the playwright, Desi Moreno-Penson who will be joining us from New York City for our closing weekend. Saturday, April 5th is a benefit performance. $25 includes: your ticket, a delicious home-cooked Puerto Rican meal by Mama Vega following the performance and an opportunity to connect with the cast and playwright of Devil Land. We look forward to seeing you soon. 

por Carlos Delgado Lasalle

33 HNO se celebró el pasado domingo 23 de marzo en la Plaza de Aguadilla, y simultáneamente en plazas de Humacao, Loiza, Mayagüez, San Juan y Ponce. Doña Mercedes López Rivera, hermana de Oscar, dirigió un bello y emotivo mensaje a nombre de su hermano, agradeció la actividad a nombre suyo, de Oscar y su familia y exhortó a continuar la lucha por la excarcelación de Oscar.

De momento desde la esquina de la Farmacia Ferrari, un negro grande, muy grande, de 6' 6" para ser exactos, entró a la plaza, amarrado con cadenas en sus manos y una cadena triple que le cubría su frente y parte de su cabeza. A cada paso de Ángel Carlos Parrilla, que es como se llama, los barriles sonaron en mensaje de lloro, el negro circunvaló el interior del círculo de los manifestantes, acompañado de dos jóvenes que tenían sus manos amarradas. Se detuvieron en el centro de la plaza, donde en un gesto veloz y sincronizado, soltaron sus cadenas, lanzando un grito estruendoso de ¡Libertad, Libertad, Libertad! y lanzaron las cadenas al "zafacón de la historia" un zafacón previsto que por los cuatro lados tenía el mismo mensaje. Los manifestantes contestaron ¡Libertad, igualdad, Justicia, Dignidad! mientras Tati Quiñones, lanzaba las 33 palomas al aire. La manifestación fue silente, todo el tiempo, sólo al final hubo los gritos contenidos en las consignas. Luego el grupo "Bomba Pa' Ti" se quedó con el canto.

La actividad comenzó con los manifestantes divididos en cuatro columnas, desde los cuatro puntos cardinales, formando una cruz. Mientras Raymond Gómez, mantenedor, presentaba la actividad, y el Rev. Cesar González Grajales, ministro protestante, hacia la invocación. La iglesia Católica sonó los 33 campanazos, previamente, el Padre Delroy Thomas Scott, en su homilía había exhortado a los feligreses a solidarizarse con la actividad y la excarcelación de Oscar López. Conjuntamente con las campanadas, comenzó, la marcha circular, la columna de la derecha comenzó a marchar contrario a las manecillas del reloj, mientras las restantes tres columnas, marcharon hacia el frente, siguiendo la ruta de la primera columna hasta formar un círculo.

El Hon. Alcalde Carlos Méndez dio la bienvenida y en su mensaje exhortó a los presentes a luchar por sus derechos. Entre mensaje y mensaje un bombazo. Carlos J. Delgado Hernández, leyó la carta dirigida al Presidente Obama y exhortó a que todos la firmaran. Luego el señor Edwin Matos Cardona, asambleísta Municipal y gloria del deporte aguadillano (500 hits en la FBSAAPR) leyó la proclama, aprobada por unanimidad por la Asamblea. El joven obrero de AEE, Javier Nieves Pellot, tuvo a su cargo la lectura del mensaje central, el cual se leyó en las seis actividades. Mientras en cada pausa se hacía el culto a nuestro ancestros, " Reclamamos presencia y guía" y se leían los nombres de negros destacados, ya muertos, en todas las áreas del diario vivir. "Celebramos vida eficiente" se leyó los nombres de los vivos destacados, en todas las aéreas, la cultura, creación, arte, política, deportes.

El Padre Delroy se integró, dio un mensaje a los allí presentes y procedió a firmar la carta que se le entregará al Presidente Obama. Igual hizo el representante por Aguadilla- Moca Armando Franco, de quien hay que resaltar que marchó con su camiseta y su pancarta durante toda la actividad. El mensaje de bendición final, estuvo a cargo del diácono Herminio (Pucho) Blas. Lo demás, bomba por un tubo y siete llaves. Originalmente publicado en Claridad.

The NBHRN is excited to invite artists to participate in postcards4oscar, an art exhibition and fundraiser for the freedom of Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar López Rivera, who has been in prison for over 32 years. We hope that you will consider participating in this important event that will help to raise awareness for Oscar's release and we invite you to contribute to this unique invitational exhibition, and sale of original art.

postcards4oscar is a fundraising exhibition showcasing artists' work from throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Artists will submit 4" x 6" works of art on a postcard that we will provide. The artwork will be exhibited anonymously (signed on back) and sold on a first-come, first-served basis for $50. Only after selecting and purchasing a piece will a buyer learn the identity of the artist. Artists may work in any medium or style and may submit more than one postcard if so desired.

The exhibition will take place in New York at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center on May 24th, with an Artist Preview Event on May 23rd.

Final submissions of artwork must be received by May 12th.