News release from Hispanic Federation:
This week kicks off the Connecticut Summer of Action–a non-partisan, community-led mobilization campaign to empower Latinos statewide to raise their voice in support of Puerto Rico and its people as they confront an unprecedented fiscal crisis. The Puerto Rico crisis is an issue that impacts all Connecticut Latinos to the core. As Puerto Rico continues to endure growing social and economic hardships, stateside Puerto Ricans are mobilizing and serving as the voice for the 3.5 million Puerto Ricans on the island.
The work is ongoing and Connecticut Puerto Rican leaders continue to play their part in advocating for and helping lift Puerto Rico out of this humanitarian crisis. This collective action is critical in ensuring that our federal government will pay heed to the short-term and long-term social and economic needs of the Puerto Rican people.
“Our island needs our political muscle. If you don’t vote for yourself, vote for your children and our future,” said State Representative Edwin Vargas–Hartford
In direct response to this call to action, Hispanic Federation, Connecticut Puerto Rican parades, festivals and Latino leaders are committed to Summer of Action for Puerto Rico-a 2016 nonPartisan Get Out the Vote community education and mobilization sustaining a movement around advocacy.
Connecticut is home to over 250,000 Puerto Ricans and 500,000 Latinos. Latino leaders commit to registering, mobilizing Latino voters for the upcoming November elections at Puerto Rican Day Parades, festivals across the state with a unified voice demanding action for Puerto Rico.
“The Puerto Rican influence has been felt in states like Florida and can make an impact here in Connecticut and across our country. The people of Puerto Rico need help now, not later. Through efforts like these, we can send a message to candidates that our issues matter as we prepare to flex our political muscle again this November,” said State Representative Christopher Rosario–Bridgeport.
Connecticut Puerto Rican Day Parades & Festivals:
Hartford
June 5, 2016 CICD- Puerto Rican Parade, Inc., Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival del Coqui–“Fortaleciendo A Nuestra Comunidad”
@Warwarme Avenue (Colt Park)/Festival, Bushnell Park Pavilion 12 NoonBridgeport
July 10, 2016 2016 Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival–“Celebrando Nuestras Fiestas Tradicionales”
@Central High School to Park Avenue/Festival, Seaside Park Band Shell 11:00 AMMeriden
August 7, 2016
The Meriden Puerto Rican Festival @Hubbard Park, 979 West Main St., Meriden, CT. 12:00
NoonNew Haven
August 13, 2016
Fiestas Patronales de New Haven @New Haven’s Historic Downtown Green Corner of Elm and Church Streets, New Haven. 1:00 PM
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Hispanic Federation is the nation’s premier Latino nonprofit membership organization. Founded in 1990, HF seeks to support Hispanic families and strengthen Latino institutions through work in the areas of education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment, & the environment. The Connecticut Institute for Community Development Puerto Rican Parade Committee (CICD) is committed to preserving our culture by promoting leadership and education, celebrating traditions and being involved in community service for the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Community. Puerto Ricans United- Fiestas Patronales de New Haven’s mission is to empower the Puerto Rican community through promoting education and social advancement while celebrating and preserving our rich culture.Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County (PRPFC)’s mission is to proudly preserve and promote Puerto Rican culture, heritage and traditions.
Good going, State Rep Vargas!
While we are discussing Puerto Ricans, could we discuss how there are NONE on the Board of Education? How after speaking to the chair of the Republican town committee, I find out it is a group of Democrats who are pushing the interpretation of the charter (party affiliation at the time of resignation instead of when elected, I was under the impression it took three months or more for a change of party to be finalized, has that timeline whatever it may be been satisfied) and NOT THE REPUBLICANS. My next calls will be to our Secretary of State and the Democratic State Central so they can be aware of what some Dems are up to. If it is not me because of “the charter,” that again, if I am not mistaken CAN be amended through the Secretary of State, then the Puerto Rican Community MUST TAKE IT UPON OURSELVES along with our brothers and sisters who understand and see the importance of selecting a (Puerto Rican) Republican who has children or works with children in the school system and not someone pre-chosen by the same individuals promoting disarray within the Board now. Paging Hector Rodriguez, Rosa Correa etc. etc. etc.
Right on, Hector! This is nothing but a stall tactic. That vacant position should be filled by you, a Democrat. We all know you would be a voice of reason, fairness, and loyalty to the students of Bridgeport. Not to mention there’s no Hispanic representation on the BOE. That never should have happened!
I am looking at the advertisement for the vacant position on the BOE. There are two requirements: Be a resident of Bridgeport and be a registered Republican.
Hector, you are so right about this. The 90-day wait period began in January, as did the clandestine meetings. By the time some found out, it was a fait accompli. Someone needs to rattle the cage. Latino representation is needed.
Mr. Spain, State Rep. Vargas is the epitome of a gentleman and leader.
Yes, in my interactions with Edwin Vargas, I’ve found that to be true too, Hector. Best, P.
Hector, Puerto Ricans in Bridgeport need to get off the DTC bandwagon and quit their allegiance to what’s best for white politicians and start doing what’s best for Puerto Ricans.
There was a time when Puerto Ricans and blacks were in lockstep with each other although at that time we weren’t a majority of the residents of Bridgeport. Now that we are a majority it seems as if the Puerto Ricans of Bridgeport are again in lockstep, only this time they’re with white politicians to their community’s detriment. Blacks and Puerto Ricans of Bridgeport need to put aside their differences and decide they will be the power brokers in Bridgeport government. Until such time we both will continue to be second-class citizens in a city where we are a clear majority. We need to quit fighting among ourselves for the crumbs and start demanding that we will decide how the proverbial cake will be sliced. New Haven and Hartford have figured it out, why in hell can’t Bridgeport?
Don, you sum it up real well but State Representative Edwin Vargas-Hartford said it best, “Our island needs our political muscle. If you don’t vote for yourself, vote for your children and our future,” that’s what it is, it’s about the future even if we don’t see the change we must work to make it better for our children.
Don, Puerto Ricans and Blacks cannot walk in lockstep in Bridgeport right now because the problem is who will be in charge thereby both groups lose. Of the ten district leaders in the Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee, between blacks and Puerto Ricans put together they don’t have the majority although they are more than 70% of Bridgeport.
There is nothing wrong with being proud of your own. Six million Jews were killed in Europe between the years 1933 and 1945. They say, “Never to Forget:” The Jews of the Holocaust.
Ron, if the DTC formed a Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and within that caucus there were 46 members or more, which has been the case in the past, they would have more power than the District leaders. With a majority of the 90 members they could essentially pick and choose our elected officials.
Hector, every brother is not a brother. You know if you look at the list of DTC who are ]Black and Puerto Rican you know which ones are trying to pass or kissing Mario’s ass or those who are just scared, so if there were 46 of us we couldn’t get enough votes to have our own DTC Chairman.
You are absolutely right. Sadly from what I have seen in the few DTC Meetings I have been a part of, this may be pie in the sky. Never have I seen so much shucking and jiving, and pandering.
Don, no one could have said it better. The last time I remember the Blacks and Hispanics working together was when Charlie Tisdale made it happen. I was was so proud to see that, but it happened over 30 years ago. After that the white powerbrokers made sure it would never happen again; they divided and conquered.
Donald, I agree. Anyone who knows me personally will tell you, in my vision WE are one. In New Haven there is a Black and Puerto Rican Caucus within the Democratic Town Committee, in essence it is they who choose their representation. It wouldn’t take more than a phone call to some members of New Haven’s DTC to get a rough plan of how to initiate one here.
Day, Mackey and Diaz, get off your collective asses and do it instead of talking about it. The minorities not only have the numbers in population they have the numbers in registered voters. Go Figure.
Andy, thank you for your support.
Again I agree with you, Andy.
Hector, I’m a willing free agent, let me help!
Andy and Lisa, all we can do is start the dialogue. Harriet Tubman once said, “I’ve freed hundreds of slaves and could have freed hundreds more, if they knew they were slaves.” Need I say more?
Nope, got it Don!
*** This type of talk is cheap in Bpt; I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve read or talked about it with other minorities in political groups, yet end up in the end with the usual, “how about us” infighting! Endorsement of a few “good” or sometimes maybe “bad” political candidates who are picked to run for a particular office or seat. Then sometimes before, during or right after the elections, blacks and/or Latinos sometimes have a change of heart because they now feel or have decided they want or deserve, “a slice of the political pie!” So now it’s time to conspire or find someone else who claims to be able to do a better job and also look out for the folks who still have their hands out and claim to be suffering in the ‘hood! There’ve been many times we as minorities have had good political representatives in local or state positions and instead of embracing them and pushing them to become better leaders, we instead criticize them and end up losing our faith in them very early in their political terms. All of a sudden it’s, “we can do better and so can Mr. White man do better,” or it’s “my son’s turn now to get into politics,” no? How about, “I need a city job” but this new member is only looking out for the blacks! Or why are there not enough women on the council who are Spanish speaking? The Mayor promised jobs for my kids this summer or the Mayor will get us to be co-chairs of the B&A committee for budget season. We as minority voters have been much too selfish in picking, supporting and keeping good minority political men and women in office who have displayed good and fair decision making qualities that were pro-minority as well as responsible political team players that insured the future support that might be needed from other members for good sound improvements in minority districts. The blacks and Latinos in Bpt will always get leftovers when it comes to good future political endorsements, jobs, education, healthcare and housing and last but not least; “Justice!” *** REMEMBER, IT’S EASIER TO BUILT CHILDREN THAN IT IS TO MEND ADULTS! ***
Ralph, I’ve watched this practice/pattern for years. Unless a strong, selfless individual emerges from the Black and Hispanic population who can convince both groups to put aside their egos, overlook personal differences that have festered for too long, and look at the big picture, it will remain as it is. The numbers are there as Andy so adequately pointed out, get out and do something about it. There are some white politicians who want to see this happen; culture and diversity bring us together, and together we can stop the privileged few from controlling the destiny of Bridgeport.
Children should not grow up feeling they are in the minority, in addition to a good education they must be empowered to embrace their heritage and work toward leadership skills and positions.
A very smart, focused way to increase voter registration and participation in the Puerto Rican and larger Hispanic community. This tactic will produce results in Congress, and higher up the food chain, for Puerto Rico’s plight and other Puerto Rican/Hispanic issues. This increase in electoral power can only help the larger community in Bridgeport and the rest of the state. It will make the whole Hispanic community stronger and will in turn increase the positive momentum of the larger community.
A very smart move in time for this year’s national and state elections. (Maybe it will help to spur an increase in voter registration and participation in the larger community in time for this year’s elections.)
I don’t think this is going to make Trump supporters happy! (And speaking of Republicans in Bridgeport politics, it seems those D’s promoting a Republican as the replacement for the vacated BOE seat are looking for ways to create connections to Trump if he is elected president, which is a scary possibility, given Hillary’s climbing negative poll numbers.)
Nothing’s lost in translation but something’s found. America morphs. Solo uno puede ser el mejor. Only one can be the best. Make it Bridgeport. Make it the USA. Make the switch.
Not having a Latino on the Bridgeport BOE makes no sense since I say with certainty there is a very large number of students who are Latino. Mr. Diaz, your heart seems to be in the right place and I hope you get elected. Now I’m no expert in this matter, but if the man who is resigning ran on the Democratic ticket and won, shouldn’t his replacement be a Democrat as well? It’s a moot point he chose to switch his affiliation to Republican after the fact. He was elected as a Democrat, and I could be mistaken but it would seem appropriate for a Democrat to replace him. Why is there a controversy?
Mojo, how correct you are. A few Hispanics have met once, met twice and on the third meeting, everyone went their separate ways. If he is not in charge, well then no one else can. Hector. you could have been on the BOE, but you chose to believe you were going to be taken care of. Wrong. You should’ve known better. So if you are not going to be serious, stop wasting our time.
We have RL, JH, LM, GH those who claim to be a leader in different sections of the city. Guess what? You are not, you are for yourself. Use said tactics to frighten the administration. What a joke!
Hey, hey, you are stealing my view of that situation so let me thank you and I hope it’s acted on.