CONDOLENCES TO THE TORRES FAMILY
The Puerto Rican Cultural Center, National Boricua Human Rights Network and Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School wish to extend our most sincere condolences on the passing of Maria Antonia, beloved sister of Alejandrina Torres, ex- Puerto Rican Political Prisoner.
Residents, Business, Organizations and Stakeholders form Humboldt Park Citizens Against Riot Fest in an organized effort to remove Riot Fest from Humboldt Park

WHO: Humboldt Park Citizens Against Riot Fest (HPCARF), a committee of Humboldt Park residents, Humboldt Park businesses, Non-Profits, Cultural / Civic groups in Humboldt Park, sports leagues who operate out of Humboldt Park,  and other community stakeholders.


WHAT: HPCARF seeks the removal of Riot Fest from Humboldt Park. HPCARF will discuss how the Riot Fest festival has caused unacceptable damage, denied lengthy access to the community, created many negative issues for surrounding residents, and produced ecological destruction to the park.


WHERE: Humboldt Park Field House - 1440 N Sacramento Ave, Chicago, IL


WHEN: Friday, May 8th, 2015,  11:00am

Friday, May 7th, 2015 (CHICAGO) -- Humboldt Park Citizens Against Riot Fest (HPCARF) is a committee of Humboldt Park residents, Humboldt Park businesses, Non-Profits, Cultural / Civic groups in Humboldt Park, sports leagues who operate out of Humboldt Park, and other community stakeholders all whom reside, work and operate in Humboldt Park. They formed as a direct action against the private venue event now in Humboldt Park known as Riot Fest. HPCARF is supported by thousands of community residents and over 100 business and organizations.


HPCARF seeks the removal of Riot Fest from Humboldt Park as the festival is no longer sustainable here. The Riot Fest festival has caused unacceptable damage, denied lengthy access to the community, created many negative issues for surrounding residents, and produced ecological destruction to the park. 


 

CONTACT:

Xavier Nogueras

773-593-1345

xavier@bocamediagroup.com

 Sagrada Familia: A Poetry Celebration of Mother's Day

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC) presents, SAGRADA FAMILIA, the newest book by author Johanny Vázquez Paz

CHICAGO, Illinois (Humboldt Park) - The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC) is pleased to present the book, Sagrada Familia, by author Johanny Vázquez Paz on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 6 pm. The meet and greet will include the reading of various poems by the Puerto Rican Poet who resides in Chicago.Sagrada Familia is a finalist in the International Latino Book Awards.

 

This captivating poetry book celebrates the Puerto Rican family, especially the mother and woman as the matriarchs of the family and guides of spiritual and moral lessons inside the household. The book was published by the Puerto Rican publisher, Isla Negra Editores, and was selected by the Puerto Rican newspaper, El Nuevo Día, among the most memorable books of the year 2014. José Borges, literary critic of El Nuevo Día, wrote: "Sagrada Familia, written by Johanny Vázquez Paz, is a poetry book in which the author pays tribute to her family in an honest and touching way, and where she criticizes, analyzes and even praises ... two of the most sacred institutions, the family and religion, from a Puerto Rican point of view." A selection of poems included in Sagrada Familia received the first prize of the Consenso Short Story and Poetry Contest of Northeastern Illinois University in 2012. The book is divided in six sections, the first five with original poems written in Spanish, and the last one with two original poems written in Spanglish and ten poems from the book that were translated into English by the author.

 

"As the only Puerto Rican museum outside of Puerto Rico, we are very excited to present a poetry book written by one of our own. Don't miss Johanny as she pays tribute to the Puerto Rican Family as only she can, an expression full of deep thoughts and emotions", stated Billy Ocasio, CEO of NMPRAC.

 

Given the proximity of Mother's Day, we invite everyone to join us with your family. The museum doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the reading will start at 7:00 p.m. This event is free of charge.

 

DATE:  May 8, 2015

TIME:  6pm

Location: The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture

3015 W. Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622

When you do your Holiday shopping at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Puerto Rican Cultural Center

Bookmark the link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7347778 and support us every time you shop.

From Puerto Rican Cultural Center & Programs

Community Confronts Riot Fest

By Brayan Contreras, Puerto Rican Cultural Center

Monday May 4th, 2015 saw a large group of Humboldt Park residents/activists gather together in front of 2617 W. Division, office of the alderman of the 26th ward, Alderman Roberto Maldonado. This group of engaged and concerned citizens gathered to confront the petition to rescind the Alderman's opposition to Riot Fest. Alderman Maldonado very graciously answered concerns from both sides, turning the discussion into a town hall meeting. Somewhat fittingly, none of the main Riot Fest organizers were present to participate in the discussion. Many newcomers who have recently moved to the area were present, although they made no real effort to embrace or listen to the community's concerns. Some activists/residents voiced an objection to the total disregard of respect shown to the community by Riot Fest, citing mass public urination and public intoxication as well as a clear demonstration of arrogance and disdainfulness Riot Fest has shown for long time community residents. 

 

Some community residents had signs depicting the disrespect Riot Fest showed to the community last year, including photos of the park after the intense damage. In addition, many residents were making the point that Riot Fest made no effort to engage businesses in the community. 

Finally, if Riot Fest were to have their way, they would be taking two weeks of prime summer park time away from already scheduled park activities for residents. 
Humboldt Park Lucha Contra el 'Gentrification'
UNIVISION
Organizaciones comunitarias y  de bienes raíces  intentan frenar el éxodo de puertorriqueños ante la amenaza del 'gentrification' en el vecindario puertorriqueño de Chicago.

Affordable Care Act at the Chicago Military Academy

By Geniz Rosado, Affordable Care Act program, PRCC
On April 22, two In-Person Counselors (IPCs) from the Puerto Rican Cultural Center's Affordable Care Act Program were part of the Chicago Military Academy's Healthcare Fair. The event took place at the school gym and was organized by the academy's Junior class. Over 20 different vendors were there and they all offered different services and products. The students ushered each vendor to their corresponding table, which was marked with a sign the students themselves had made.

 

The fair offered education activities that promoted healthy lifestyles, presentations, and free healthy smoothies for everyone. Our IPCs were able to talk to students, parents, relatives, and all other attendees, explain the importance of health insurance and how it works. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved!

Health Education at the 

Diabetes Empowerment Center Every Wednesday!

By Leony Calderón

Health Education Every Wednesday, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.

Manage, Control and Prevent Diabetes.  Ask Doctors, Residents, Nutritionist, Pharmacist and Dietitian Your Pressing Health Questions.

Weekly Topics

  • *       Diabetes 101
  • *       Medication Education
  • *       Nutrition Class
  • *       Intro to Diabetes & How the Body Works
  • *       Protecting Your Eyes
  • *       Protecting Your Feet
  • *       Oral Health
  • *       Using The Glucose Meter & Meds
  • *       Heart Health Education
  • *       Physical Activity and Diabetes

Diabetes Empowerment Center, 2753 W. Division St. 773-342-0855

Free and Bilingual.


 

Educación de Salud todos los Miércoles de 12:00pm a 1:00pm

Manege, Controle y Prevenga la Diabetes. Haga Preguntas a los Médicos, Residentes, Nutricionistas, Farmacéuticos y Dietista Acerca de Su de Salud.

Temas Semanales

  • *       Diabetes 101
  • *       Educación Medicamentos
  • *       Clase de Nutrición
  • *       Introducción a la Diabetes y Cómo funciona el cuerpo
  • *       Proteja sus ojos
  • *       La protección de sus pies
  • *       Salud Oral
  • *       Uso del medidor de glucosa y Medicamentos
  • *       Educación para la Salud del Corazón
  • *       Actividad física y la diabetes 

Gratuito y Bilingüe.

Centro de Empoderamiento Contra la Diabetes, 2753 W. Division St. 773-342-0855


 

Job Opening at Puerto Rican Cultural Center

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Organization: Puerto Rican Cultural Center

Job Title: In-Person Counselor (IPC) (Full-time, temporary position)

 

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1973 to serve the social and cultural needs of Chicago's underserved communities.

 

We are seeking bilingual (English and Spanish or other languages), motivated, and organized who are already certified or have an inactive In-Person Counselors (IPCs) license. IPCs will maintain expertise about the newly expanded Medicaid program and the Health Insurance Marketplace that are part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The IPCs will provide information and services in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner to the community members. Additionally, IPCs will be comfortable as public speakers and conduct activities to facilitate enrollment in health coverage.

 

Qualifications:

  • Seeking Certified IPC - or IPC with inactive license
  • Bilingual (English and Spanish)
Availability to work during non-traditional hours, including limited evening and weekend hours, and throughout the different seasons under Chicago weather conditions. Download the full description and contact info here.

On Sale Now

November Chicago Magazine "Why José López Stands Between Gentrification and Humboldt Park"

Be sure to pick up the November issue of Chicago Magazine, which features an interview by Puerto Rican Cultural Center ED José E. López conducted by Elly Fishman.

Puerto Rican Cultural Center Calendar of Community Events

Tues. May 19th Naming of Dr. Steve Whitman Greenhouse at Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School. (Time TBA)

 

Fri. May 29th Event commemorating Oscar López Rivera's 34 yr. Anniversary of his arrest, La Casita de Don Pedro & Doña Lolita, 2625 W. Division St.

 

Sat May 30th NY Rally for Oscar Lopez Rivera's 34 yr. anniversary of his arrest (leaving Chicago on Fri May 29th)

  

SAVE THE FOLLOWING DATES * 2015 Puerto Rican Cultural Center * Annual Events

Puerto Rican People's Parade                    22nd Fiesta Boricua "De Bandera a Bandera"

Sat June 20, 2015                                        Sept 5 - 6, 2015 * 12pm - 8:30pm

Starting 2PM-Division/Western                Honoring: Cayey, Puerto Rico, Orlando, Florida

 

Haunted Paseo Boricua, Sat Oct 31, 2015 
Los Tequis

   

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  • From Our Community Partners

    PACHS Students Learn about their Culture 

    By Matt Rodríguez, Principal, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School

    Located in the heart of Chicago's  Puerto Rican community, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School is proud to engage students in learning about the importance of culture, heritage and community. A part of our school's mission is to ensure that students from all ethnic backgrounds not only learn about their own culture and history but also to find the similarities and connections they share with the Puerto Rican reality.

     

    Every year, as a part of our curriculum, students engage in major community events and activities, including the following: Three Kings Day parade; Puerto Rican People's Day Parade; Fiesta Boricua; Haunted Paseo Boricua; and the Division Street Parranda. In addition, we have State Standard and Common Core connected courses that focus on, for example: Puerto Rican Studies; Black and Latino Literature; Ethnic Studies and more! JOIN US for a learning experience relevant to you!

    Roberto Clemente Community Academy and Pedro Albizu Campos High School Beautify Paseo Boricua

    By Armanni Varela and Kennedy Carter Roberto Clemente Community Academy

    On April 30, 2015, a group of students from different grade levels of Roberto Clemente met up with students from Albizu Campos and planted beautiful plants and flowers along the store fronts of Division Street. Bringing beauty to our neighborhood shows we are proud of what we have and willing to defend our neighborhood from gentrification. This project was not only to bring beauty to our infamous Division Street, but to also form a connection between Roberto Clemente and Pedro Albizu Campos. Bringing together different schools will help us build a better community with stronger and healthier relationships. Today we have achieved two goals; we have brought color to our community and formed new friendships with students from Campos. No time will ever be regretted.

     


     

    "This experience planting flowers in the planters down Division shows that hard work pays off because you're helping the community look better"

    -Noel Acevedo

    "This experience planting flowers on Division was good because I was helping to better the environment."

    -Brandon Garcia

    "The trip overall was a great experience, and also a time for me to learn, to show people that we care about our community and to walk down Division with my peers and make it beautiful."

    -Dioni Cedeno

    "During this experience I realized all the little things count toward the community."                    -Alexander Ramirez

    "Today allowed me to bring beauty to our community and build friendships with people outside of Clemente. This experience was great."

    -Kayla Triche

    "Our trip today overall was a great experience, and a really great time. It allowed us to bring beauty to our community and I was able to actually spend time in our community. It also allowed us to meet new people and get along with them."

    -Jocelyn Llamas

    "This experience was exciting. Being able to plant flowers for our community was a great feeling, and being able to make our community beautiful also was a great feeling. Getting to meet new people, interact with them and work with them is an unforgettable experience.

    -Destiny Andino

    "This trip was a really fun experience and it was nice to see two schools come together to make our community a better place to live in"

    -Edgar Feliciano

    "I felt like I was helping the community. I can't wait until the summer because I am very curious to see how our plants grow!"

    -Nakylla Lowe

    "Planting the plants, helping organize the flowers, and socializing with students from another school allowed me to really feel like I was truly benefiting the community and changing if for the better."

    -Rosaly Gonzalez

    "It is great to see our schools (Roberto Clemente and Pedro Albizu Campos) working together to beautify our neighborhood. I cannot wait to see these flowers in the summer."

    -Armanni Manuel Varela

     

    CPS Rolls Out Interdisciplinary Latino and Latin American Studies Curriculum at the  National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
    By Brayan Contreras, PRCC

    The Chicago Public Schools introduced its new Interdisciplinary Latino and Latin American Studies Curriculum at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture on Thursday April 30th, 2015. This robust curriculum provides innovative content, in grades Kindergarten through 10, and it is designed to enable students of all ethnicities to explore their own identities and cultures through the study of Latinos and Latin Americans from all walks of life, geographies and historical periods.

     

    Roberto Clemente Community Academy High School students and their principal participated actively in the logistics for this program, as catering was provided with selections from Borinquen by the schools culinary arts program. A musical interlude was performed by the steel drum ensemble, and a video production program on the curriculum was prepared and presented by Clemente students including Alfredo Albieter, Ayerial Harris, Kyle Rodriguez, Adonijah Scarlett, Ivan Vasquez and Natalie Vasquez.

     

    The evenings' program began with greetings by Annette Gurley, Chief Officer of Teaching and Learning for Chicago Public Schools. The participants were welcomed by Billy Ocasio, Chief Exective Officer of NMPRAC. The overall presentation of the curriculum included comments by Jesse H. Ruiz, Interim Chief Executive Officer for CPS, Gary McNaney Social Science Specialist for CPS, and Mario Rossero, Chief of Core Curriculum for CPS.

     

    In his comments, Jesse H. Ruiz noted the importance of historical memory in relationship to his own lived experience, recounting his father's life as a Bracero and noting the presence of his son that evening and how important it is to be able to promote the history and culture of all ethnic and racial groups in the Chicago Public Schools. 
    A Message from the Norwegian American Hospital CEO


     

    Dear Community Partners,

     

    Norwegian American Hospital held its first Community Healthcare Forum on April 30 at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. Those in attendance included community leaders and hospital supporters. Mr. Billy Ocasio, Chairman of our Board of Trustees welcomed everyone and started the program. I presented an overview of

    all that was accomplished by the Hospital in 2014 including financial outcomes, quality transformation, and collaborations, along with awards and achievements. David Bromall, Vice President of Quality, from Healthgrades, was in attendance and presented the 2015 National Patient Safety Award to Mr. Ocasio, Dr. Agrawal and myself. 

     

    The morning concluded with a question and answer session, where those in attendance provided valuable feedback. Most encouraging, I believe, was the healthy and important dialogue that took place around the significance of our Hospital to the community of Humboldt Park. All in attendance agreed that we need to spread the word that Norwegian American Hospital received the Healthgrades Award for Patient Safety, which means we are in the top 10% of hospitals in the nation for safeguarding patients from serious, potentially preventable complications during their hospital stays.

     

    As we move forward, there is still more to come. This dialogue contributes to our future, and we are ensuring that the voice of our community leaders and hospital supporters is heard. Furthering Norwegian American Hospital's mission makes this level of involvement essential. I am proud of our growing presence in helping to advance and elevate the quality of health care services available to the members of our community. I wish you all the best and hope that you continue to be engaged with Norwegian American Hospital.  Stay tuned for upcoming events by visiting nahospital.org.

    Regards,

    José R. Sánchez

    En Las Tablas Performing Arts en CAN-TV
    CAN-TV
    Maritza Nazario y Milka Ramírez hablan acerca de la organización, En Las Tablas Performing Arts a través la cual proveen clases bilingües de danza, teatro, música y canto para niños y adultos en el área de Hermosa Park. Este programa fue producido por Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV). Watch video.

    The Campaign to Free Oscar López Rivera has 

    its own e-newsletter- The Water's Edge/La Orilla del Mar

    Published every two weeks- next issue will be published 4-20-2015

    View past issues here.

     

    WRITE TO OSCAR LOPEZ, #87651-024

    FCI Terre Haute,  PO Box 33

    Terre Haute, IN,  47808 


    Transportation leaving from 10 cities in Midwest and East Coast.
    For more info: alejandrom@boricuahumanrights.org

    Puerto Rican Cultural Center
    o. 773/342-8023 f. 773/342-6609
    info@prcc-chgo.org

    "Live and Help to Live"