A Legal Clinic: The Housing Crisis - 3.29.09 Brentwood

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Teatro Yerbabruja's 3rd Annual Gala - 3.21.08 @ Brentwood Country Club

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Support Teatro Experimental Yerbabruja, Inc. in its mission to provide more art, and opportunities for constructive social change, in Long Island communities by attending the MASQUERADE BALL 3rd Annual Gala Dinner, 8pm, Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Brentwood Country Club.

Honorees include State Assemblyman Phil Ramos and Suffolk County Legislator Ricardo Montano. Dr. Luis Valenzuela will be awarded the Jorge Renderos Social Justice Award for his leadership in the fight against anti-immigrant policies on Long Island.

Tickets are $100. Jacket & Tie/Cocktail Dress or Theatrical Costume (Use your imagination!)

For more information call 631.626.3603 or email teatroyerbabruja@yahoo.com.

U.S. Justice Meets LatinoJustice re: Suffolk County

Investigators from the U.S. Justice Department met in New York with LatinoJustice regarding allegations of anti-Latino bias in Suffolk County.

LatinoJustice's complaint charges Suffolk County government officials with violating the equal protection clause in its treatment of Latino residents; stirring up anti-Latino resentment, indulging bigots and promoting hate speech through its anti-Latino immigrant proposals -- culminating in the hate killing of Marcelo Lucero in Patchogue.

While the DOJ has not yet launched a formal investigation, their presence last week in New York is reassuring.

As for the response from Suffolk officials, the usually ultra chatty Steve Levy has gone silent--as have his co-conspirators in the legislature. However, the county police are said to welcome any investigation--although spokesman Tim Motz claims that Suffolk's "hate crime statistics are essentially the same" as in other jurisdictions.

In addition to insulting the intelligence of county residents, the Long Island Latino community, the memory of Marcelo Lucero, as well as most U.S. counties without official campaigns against Latino immigrants, Mr. Motz misses an essential point: that the county's numbers are totally out-of-whack with reality -- reflecting the possibility of a systemic failure to protect Latinos residents.

Recommendation for Mr. Motz: Read the LatinoJustice complaint to learn about what's really happening in Suffolk County.

Moreover, the concern is not that hate crimes only happen in Suffolk County. No one is saying that. The concern for Latinos in Suffolk is that authorities are actively fomenting anti-Latino hostility. And it's not just the county. DOJ should also look at the embedded biases in the code enforcement, provision of services, staffing, and policing practices of a number of towns and villages--often in coordination with the county.

So, Mr. Motz and Mr. Levy should also welcome more 'sanctuary' sessions of the sort held at the church in Patchogue in which residents can step forward and tell the truth without fear, right? At least 20 hate victims came forward in Patchogue. How many more are out there that the bright lights of Suffolk County don't know about?

And while they're at it, perhaps DOJ should look closely at the embedded practices and attitudes which systematically undermine the rights of racial "minorities". For example, why are at-large election districts which ensure African American and Latino political under representation allowed? Why are racially segregated and unequal public schools condoned? How is it that Long Island manages to remain one of the most segregated places in the country even though people of color are a significant portion of the overall population?

Keeping Latino Immigrants Safe in Patchogue

At the invitation of businessman and activist Fernando Mateo, Curtis Sliwa's Guardian Angels have begun patrolling the streets of the Village of Patchogue - site of the hate murder of Marcelo Lucero. The red-capped civic brigade will add a measure public safety through their presence and vigilance. Appropriately, a number of the Angels are bilingual.

However, Sliwa's commitment to Patchogue is likely temporary -- as well as it should be. So it's incumbent upon Village government, civic associations and public safety officials to formulate solutions for keeping the streets safe for all of its residents.

Seven National Civil Rights Groups Denounce the Hate Murder of Marcelo Lucero

Seven of the nation's leading civil rights organizations gathered today in Washington, DC to collectively condemn the hate killing of Marcelo Lucero, and to denounce the recent wave of brutal hate crimes against communities of color.

The groups include: the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the National Urban League,the NAACP and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). The groups attribute a spike in hate crimes to the “climate of hate” created by nativist politicians, radio "shock jocks" and anti-immigrant groups.

Click here for their joint statement and here for the video of the press conference.

The Hispanic Coalition of LI Responds to the Hate Killing of Marcelo Lucero

The following is a translation of The Hispanic Coalition of Long Island's opinion piece (Coalición responde a muerte de Lucero) published in today's El Diario.

En Español
It is with deep sorrow and renewed determination that The Hispanic Coalition of Long Island responds to the recent brutal and racially motivated murder of an innocent man, the Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero.

The act is still more horrendous when we consider that it was perpetrated by children…a group of adolescents…that, for complex reasons, felt that hunting people who looked "Mexican" was viable option. In a society we believe to be civilized, where is that the children learn that hatred, racism, and violence are options? How sad that an innocent life has been taken without cause, that so many lives have been permanently damaged, and that in the process, the youths have done great harm to themselves, their families, and their community.

Above all, our coalition desires to extend our sincere condolences to the Lucero family and to offer our support and services to them in their hour of need. We also give thanks to all of the leaders that have fought for justice over the years, advocating for the many voiceless immigrants.

We give thanks to community leaders and elected officials that have responded to this tragedy by attempting to build bridges of understanding and acceptance, instead of settling for mere tolerance, and community for all, instead of the exclusion and marginalization of some.

The Hispanic Coalition of Long Island represents the majority of the professional human services that are provided to the fast-growing Hispanic populations of Nassau and Suffolk counties. Our mission is to promote the advancement of the Hispanic community, with a focus on economic betterment, political empowerment, and strengthened public commitment towards improving the quality of life for all of Long Island's families and children.

Suffolk County needs a new, realistic and humane direction. It needs a new approach that recognizes the changes that have taken place, and that provides a compassionate and just solution to the challenges of a diverse society. History has taught us that change cannot be prevented. It teaches us as well that social and economic marginalization, and the exploitation of a group of people, always ends in violence.

Our coalition is opposed to any legislation and policies that marginalize immigrants and promote the abuse of immigrants and their children (our new citizens). We oppose any politician who lacks compassion and who fails to support policies that seek to promote understanding and equality.

Additionally, it is the belief of the members of the coalition that racism is based on ignorance and fear, which children are taught at home – subtly or not so subtly. Parents and other adults need to be educated on diversity and the complex reality of today's world. We recommend that schools work to educate parents on multicultural communications, diversity and acceptance, so that they, in turn, will be better prepared to provide their children with a timely perspective, guidance, and solutions to the challenges caused by differences and societal changes.

María Elisa Cuadra, President, Hispanic Coalition of Long Island and Executive Director, COPAY Inc. Great Neck.
Gil Bernardino, Executive Director, Círculo de la Hispanidad, Long Beach and Hempstead.
Pascual Blanco, Executive Director, La Fuerza Unidad, Glen Cove.
José Calderón, Vice President, The Hispanic Federation New York, NY and Washington, DC.
Miriam García, Executive Director, Adelante of Suffolk County, Brentwood.
Margarita Grasing, Executive Director, Hispanic Brotherhood, Rockville Centre.
Nadia Marín-Molina, Executive Director, Workplace Project, Hempstead.
Gladys Serrano, Executive Director, Hispanic Counseling, Bayshore and Hempstead.
George Siberon, Executive Director, Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association.

Candlelight Vigil in Memory of Marcello Lucero - Nov. 14th @ 7PM

Candlelight Vigil in Memory of Marcello Lucero

No more hate, no more violence, we are all community

Date: November 14th, 7pm

Place: Railroad Ave and Sephton Street , Patchogue , NY

A candlelight vigil will be held to speak out against hate crimes against immigrants in Suffolk County , in particular, the murder of Marcello Lucero, an immigrant from Ecuador. The perpetrators clearly stated according to news accounts that they were planning to "find some Mexicans." This vicious hate crime is only the latest in a long series of crimes targeting Latinos in Suffolk County.

The event is being called together and organized by many community members in Patchogue, NY. It will begin with a religious ceremony and words from the family of the deceased. In addition, community organizations such as the Workplace Project, the Long Island Immigrant Alliance, Carecen, Jobs with Justice, LICPP, SEIU, Ola of Southampton, Long Island Wins, and STRONG will be participating. Additional speakers will include: the Consulate of Ecuador, the Mayor of Patchogue, and Rev. Allan Ramirez.

Please join us in standing together with the family, friends and the entire community in expressing outrage not only at the murder of Marcello Lucero, but also against the intolerance that breeds hate crimes in Suffolk County. Please bring a candle and a flower, if you can.

Contacts:

Nadia Marin-Molina/Carlos Canales
Workplace Project 516-565-5377 or 516-984-5755

Luis Valenzuela, LI Immigrant Alliance
631-789-0720 or 631 603-4266

LI Hispanic Bar Association: Unite Against Hate in Suffolk County

The Long Island Hispanic Bar Association issued issued the following statement in response to the murder of Marcelo Lucero:

The Long Island Hispanic Bar Association (LIHBA) expresses it deepest sympathy to the family of Marcello Lucero. The vicious and reprehensible attack on Mr. Lucero, simply because he was Hispanic, should outrage everyone.

Sadly, over the past few years, the tenor across Suffolk County as it relates to race, in particular Hispanics, has been very troubling. There have been many inflammatory and derogatory comments made on both sides with no progress to show for it. While we were all hopeful that the election of the New President of United States heralded in a new era in race relations, passion and prejudice still runs deep. It is now time to put an end to this ugly period in Suffolk County’s history and come together as one community. Together, let’s stand as Long Islanders and say "Enough."

Long Island Hispanic Bar Association
P.O. Box 8003
Miller Place, New York 11764
(631) 741-8505

NCLR CONDEMNS BRUTAL HATE CRIME ON LONG ISLAND

Washington, DC—Calling it “an outrageous and horrifying crime,” Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, condemned the fatal beating of a Long Island man on Saturday night. Marcello Lucero, a 37-year-old man from Patchogue, Long Island, was the apparent victim of a hate crime by seven teenagers who were arraigned today for his murder. According to Newsday, Suffolk County police say that the defendants “simply wanted to beat up someone who looked Hispanic.”

Words have consequences. And hateful words have hateful consequences...Lives are literally in the balance. Janet Murguia

“While we are grateful that the authorities have taken swift action,” Murguía said, “it is important for all Americans to understand that this is part of an alarming trend taking place nationwide.” FBI hate crime statistics show that attacks against Latinos have been on the rise over the past four years. Similarly, the Southern Poverty Law Center has reported that the number of hate groups targeting Latinos and immigrants has also increased over the same period.

Murguía was particularly upset over the age of the alleged attackers. “That hate has trickled down to a new generation is very disturbing,” she said. Murguía blamed the growing climate of hate surrounding the immigration debate as part of the cause. “Words have consequences," she said. “And hateful words have hateful consequences. For too long hate groups and hate speech have dominated the national debate on immigrants, mischaracterizing all Latinos and the institutions that serve them in the process. Lives are literally in the balance.”

Over the past year, NCLR has vigorously sought to expose the growing presence of hate groups and hate speech in the immigration debate, and their relationship to the rise in hate crimes. Early this year, the organization launched WeCanStopTheHate as part of its campaign to counter this alarming trend.

Murguía said that she and NCLR extend their condolences to Mr. Lucero’s family and community, and they call on all Americans to stand up to the presence of hate groups and extremists on the airwaves and in our communities.

Patchogue Community Vigil Against Hate - 11/14 @ 7PM

ANNOUNCEMENT

MARCELO LUCERO WAS BRUTALLY AND SENSELESSLY MURDERED ON NOV. 8TH

JOIN THE PATCHOGUE COMMUNITY’S CALL TO STOP THE HATE AGAINST LATINOS

WHAT: CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL

WHEN: FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 14, 2008

TIME : 7:PM

PLACE: RAILROAD AVE. AND SEPHTON STREET,

PATCHOGUE NY, 11772 /TRAIN STATION

Teatro Yerbabruja Presents:

Minerva Perez Scelza on OLA Latino Film Festival

“Sometimes we see that there is not a great message being put out there about the Latino community, but this film festival is a real prime way to celebrate the positive aspects. I hope that the celebration won’t just end with watching a film, but with really building a positive image within the rest of the community.”

Executive Director Minerva Perez Scelza on OLA Latino Film Festival

The first installment of the fifth annual OLA Latino Film Festival will be held at the Parrish Art Museum in Southampton on Friday, October 3, followed by a second evening with two new films at Guild Hall in East Hampton on Saturday, October 25.

Link: 'Journeys' is theme of this year's Ola Film Festival - 27east.com
Related: OLA's 5th Latino Film Festival
OLA's Children's Art Project Features Hector de Cordova

Broken Identities: A Teatro Yerbabruja Production @ Suffolk Community College

El Teatro Experimental Yerbabruja presents Broken Identities, a physical theatre performance piece that explores issues of borders and identities within our community.

The work is inspired by personal experiences collected by artist Margarita Espada and her daughter Mariana Lima. What does it mean to be Latino/a, Hispanic, or Spanish? What borders are there to identity? These and other questions run throughout this multimedia production that includes music, acting, video, singing, and dance.

The performance is being sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Suffolk County Community College .

Actors Margarita Espada and Mariana Lima, who are mother and daughter, will perform the work.

Original music is by Salvadoran musician Jorge Renderos, and Arturo Vilá, Dragoney, Christopher Bunce y Obdulio de León are artistic collaborators for the work.

Thursday, October 2, 7:00 pm

Free!

OLA's Children's Art Project Features Hector de Cordova

Through the generosity of the town of Southampton, OLA of Eastern Long Island, a Latino advocacy group, has received a grant once again for the Children’s Art Project.

The purpose of the painting workshops is to bring children of different racial and ethnic backgrounds together in order to foster greater understanding and mutual respect for each other.

Established artist, Hector de Cordova will work with youths, ages 8 to 12 from diverse cultural backgrounds to participate in this intensive painting instruction to be held at the Veteran’s Hall in Southampton.

The project will culminate in three exhibits of the children’s work; at Veteran’s Hall and Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton and at Floyd Memorial Library in Greenport.

The Children’s Art Project is currently looking for children who can fit the profile of the workshop.

The classes will be held at the Veteran’s Hall in Southampton beginning on Monday July 21 through Friday July 25. Classes will be from 10am to one pm each day. Classes are free and enrollment is limited.

Please contact the deCordova Gallery at 631-477-0620 or e mail at decordovastudio@optonline.net.

Teatro Experimental Yerbabruja @ Brentwood's Spring Arts Festival

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and Teatro Experimental Yerbabruja are hosting athe 1st Annual Spring Arts Festival on Sunday, May 18th, Noon to 5:00PM, Ross Memorial Park, Brentwood Road, Brentwood.

Musical theater, story time, games and family fun.

Free admission.

Founded in 2004, Teatro Experimental Yerbabruja's encourages understanding among people of different cultural backgrounds while providing opportunities for emerging artists.

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce represents small businesses in the hamlet of Brentwood, Town of Islip.

After School Program Coordinator - Hempstead

Posted 10.29.08

After School Program Coordinator

Commitment: 20 hours per week; starting ASAP and ending June 2009

Location: Hempstead High School, Hempstead, NY

Company: Circulo de la Hispanidad’s mission is to empower Long Island’s underserved populations through access to education, training and support services towards the goal of self-sufficiency and integration. Providing free direct services from two offices strategically located in Hempstead and Long Beach, Circulo serves about 15,000 people annually.

For more information go to www.cdlh.org

Job Description: The After School Program operates five days a week, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday, in accordance with the Hempstead School District calendar. The ideal candidate will command the respect of students by maintaining the organization's strict tone and high expectations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Maintain a quite environment for students completing homework and studying; provide one-to-one tutoring
- Track and chart the attendance, grades and performances of students
- Assist students with planning and time management
- Set up and organize physical after-school space
- Complete required reports

Qualifications: Teaching or youth work experience; classroom management a plus; Bilingual - Spanish-English preferred.

Please email cover letter and resume to: flasso@cdlh.org