Islip's Renee Ortiz fights to save community pools

Islip community leader Renee Ortiz speaks to News12 about the town's pool closures travesty. 

Article and video

Islip's Latino Community Fights Pool Closures

“It is important for the community to stand up and send a message to the authorities that our communities are concerned about the pools, and more importantly, that we need them. These parks are safe spaces which our families deserve, they should be kept as a right." Renee Ortiz



Article

Renee Ortiz: "A Moment of Overwhelming Pride"

“Today I had the privilege of attending the 24th Annual Suffolk County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, Inc. Awards Luncheon. It was a lovely tribute to the legacy of Dr. King. But what I wanted to share with you was the moment of overwhelming pride I experienced there.

First, a member of the Central Islip Concert Choir sang the National Anthem followed by our very own LEEP* family member Kaliah (Princess of Zamunda) Greene who sang ‘Lift Every Voice & Sing’ and finally a performance by the entire Central Islip Concert Choir.

With each POWERFUL performance I was overcome with pride and moved to tears. So many negative stereotypes and stigmas are often permeated about our community.

Still, it's moments like this, when the best of the best from our community are before you…when you see the committed, talented representation I saw today, and you just fill with pride. And you remember why you chose to come back to what is truly your home. And why as long as you call this home, you will fight with all you have to make this the best community it could possibly be for our families and all our children.”

Renee Ortiz

Chief Deputy Clerk

Suffolk County Legislature

* Leadership towards Empowerment through Education and Participation is a Central Islip, Brentwood and Bay Shore forum for civic engagement and leadership development. 

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez: First Latino Leader to Give Keynote at Dr. King Commemorative Service

Reverend Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, who was named one of America’s 7 most influential Hispanic Leaders by the Wall Street Journal, will be the First Latino leader to serve as keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Commemorative Service.

Article

Richard Gutierrez: 1st Latino president of Queens Bar Association

"It's significant for young Hispanic attorneys to see that there is a president of a mainstream bar association who is Latino because then it becomes something they can hopefully achieve if they want because someone else has achieved it.

It gives us all hope, because diversity is so important in the legal community; inclusion is important." Richard Gutierrez

 

Full Daily News Article

Briarcliffe College President Santiago Receives Honors

Dr. George Santiago Jr., president of Briarcliffe College (Long Island City, Bethpage & Patchogue N.Y.) and a prominent advocate of advanced education opportunities within the Hispanic community, received the 2009 Nassau County Hispanic Heritage Award and was named Educator of the Year by the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Alarmed by the underrepresentation of Hispanics in America's colleges, Santiago has committed to reaching out, including financial support through the Briarcliffe College Hispanic Scholarship Program.

Source: The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine

Long Island's Top 10 Corporations

1. CA Inc.
One CA Plaza
Islandia, NY 11749
800-225-5224
http://www.ca.com/

# of Employees: 13,700
Annual Revenues: $4.32B billion

CA is one of the world's largest information technology (IT) management software companies, unifies and simplifies the management of enterprise-wide IT. Founded in 1976, CA serves customers in more than 140 countries.

John Swainson - CEO
Russell Artzt - Founder
Amy Olli - EVP
George Fischer - EVP
Jacob Lamm - EVP Strategy/Corporate Development
Michael Christenson - President/COO
Alan Nugent - EVP/CTO
Donald Friedman - EVP/Chief Marketing Officer
John Ruthven - EVP WW Sales Operations
Andrew Goodman - EVP WW HR
Nancy Cooper - EVP/CFO
Kenneth Handal - EVP Global Risk
James Bryant - EVP/Chief Administrative Officer

2. Cablevision Systems Corp
1111 Stewart Ave
Bethpage, NY 11714
516-803-2300
http://www.cablevision.com/

# of Employees: 17,082
Annual Revenues: $7.230 billion

Cablevision Systems Corporation is engaged primarily in the business of cable television. The Company's businesses include the residential telephone and high-speed modem businesses; the commercial telephone and Internet operations of Lightpath; the New York metropolitan area sports and entertainment business, including Madison Square Garden, professional sports teams, Radio City Music Hall, MSG Network, News 12 Networks and Clearview Cinemas.

James Dolan - CEO/President
Charles Dolan - Chairman
Jonatha Schwartz - EVP
Kevin Watson - SVP
Victoria Salhus - SVP General Counsel
John Bickham - Pres Cable/Communication
Joshua Sapan - Pres Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Patrick Dolan - Pres News 12 Networks
Thomas Dolan - EVP/ CIO
Gregg Seibert - EVP Cablevision System Corp
Tom Rutledge - COO
Michael Huseby - EVP/CFO

3. Canon USA
One Canon Plaza
Lake Success, NY 11042
516-328-5000
http://www.usa.canon.com/

# of Employees: 12,000
Annual Revenues: $45b (Canon, Inc. revenue)

Canon USA is the domestic affiliate of Canon, Inc., a global leader in professional, business and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon products include color and black-and-white copiers, printers, image filing systems, facsimile machines, cameras and lenses, camcorders, semiconductor, broadcast, encoders/optoelectric components and optical equipment, flatbed scanners, and other specialized industrial products.

Yoroku "Joe" Adachi - President/CEO
Yuichi Ishizuka - SVP
James Sharp - SVP Systems Technical Support
Shunichi Uzawa - EVP/CTO/R&D
Tod Pike - SVP Sales Marketing
Masahiro Haga - SVP CFO
Seymour Liebman - EVP Chief Administrative Officer

4. Griffon Corp
100 Jericho Quadrangle
Jericho, NY 11753
516-938-5544
http://www.griffoncorp.com/

# of Employees: 4,100
Annual Revenues: $1.28b

Griffon Corporation is a manufacturing company with operations in four business segments: Garage Doors, Installation Services, Specialty Plastic Films and Electronic Information and Communication Systems.

Ronald J. Kramer - CEO
Franklin H. Smith - EVP
Gary Abyad - Pres Clopay Plastic Products
Patrick L. Alesia - VP/CFO

5. Henry Schein, Inc.
135 Duryea Road
Melville, NY 11747
631-843-5500
http://www.henryschein.com/

# of Employees: 12,550
Annual Revenues: $6.39B

Henry Schein, Inc. is the largest distributor of healthcare products to office-based practitioners in the combined North American and European markets. Customers include dental practices and laboratories, physician practices, and veterinary clinics, as well as government and other institutions

Stanley Bergman - CEO/Chairman
Michael Zack - President International Group
James Breslawski - President/COO
James Harding - SVP/CTO
Mark Mlotek - EVP Corporate Business Development
Michael Racioppi - SVP/Chief Merchandising
Steven Paladino - CFO/EVP
Leonard David - SVP/Chief Compliance Officer
Gerald Benjamin - Chief Administrative Officer/EVP

6. JetBlue Airways Corporation
118-29 Queens Blvd
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Phone: 718-286-7900
http://www.jetblue.com/

# of Employees: 8,902
Annual Revenues: $3.39b

JetBlue is a low-fare, low-cost passenger airline, which provides high-quality customer service. Since launching operations in February 2000, the airline has carried more than nine million passengers.

David Barger - CEO
Alex Battaglia - VP Airports
James Hnat - EVP Corporate Affairs/General Counsel
Russ Chew - President/COO
Joseph Eng - EVP Systems/Technology
Scott Laurence- VP Network Planning
Martin George - SVP Marketing & Commercial Strategy
Robin Hayes - EVP/Chief Commercial Officer
Ed Barnes - CFO/EVP

7. NBTY, Inc.
2100 Smithtown Avenue
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
631-200-2000
http://www.nbty.com/

# of Employees: 13,760
Annual Revenues: $2.33b

NBTY is a leading vertical integrated U.S. manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of high-quality, value-priced nutritional supplements in the United States and throughout the world. The Company markets more than 1,200 products under several brand names, including Nature’s Bounty®, Vitamin World®, Sundown®, CarbSolutions™, MET-Rx®, Puritan’s Pride®, Holland & Barrett®, Nutrition Headquarters®, American Health® and Home Health®.

Scott Rudolph - Chairman/CEO
Harvey Kamil - President/CFO
James Flaherty - SVP Marketing/Advertising
John Leahy - SVP, Wholesale Business
Hans Lindgren - SVP, Operations & Corporate Secretary

8. North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System
145 Community Drive
Great Neck, NY 11021
516-465-8100
http://www.northshorelij.com/

# of Employees: 33,000
Yearly Revenues: $?

Serving Long Island, Queens, and Staten Island, the North Shore-LIJ Health System, headquartered in Great Neck, N.Y., strives to provide an unparalleled spectrum of services in the region. The 18 hospitals of the System include three world-class tertiary hospitals recognized throughout the N.Y. area for their clinical, teaching, & research capabilities. The System includes a nationally recognized children's hospital, psychiatric facility, and community hospitals dedicated to providing outstanding primary and specialized surgical care.

Michael Dowling - President/CEO
David Battinelli - SVP/Chief Academic Officer
Jeffrey Kraut - SVP, Strategic Planning/Marketing
Howard Gold - SVP, Managed Care/Business Development
Gene Tangney - SVP/Chief of Staff
Mark Solazzo - SVP/COO
Robert Shapiro - SVP/CFO
Lawrence Smith - SVP/Chief Medical Officer

9. Pall Corporation
2200 Northern Boulevard
East Hills, NY 11548
516-484-5400
http://www.pall.com/

# of Employees: 10,600
Annual Revenues: $2.51b

Pall Corporation is the largest and most diverse filtration, separations and purifications company in the world.

Eric Krasnoff - Chairman/CEO
Donald Stevens - President
Sandra Marino - SVP & General Counsel
Roberto Perez - President Life Sciences
Lisa McDermott - CFO

10. Yellow Book USA
398 RexCorp Plaza
Uniondale, NY 11556
561-730-1900
http://www.yellowbook.com/

# of Employees: 8,100
Annual Revenues: $1.89b

Founded in 1930, Yellow Book USA is one of the nation's largest publishers of Yellow Pages directories, with almost 600 directories in 41 states and the District of Columbia. It also publishes college directories, city and county directories, and a business-to-business directory serving Long Island, New York. Yellow Book USA is a subsidiary of Yell Group.

Joseph Walsh - CEO/President
Mark Cairns - Chief Publishing Officer
Patrick Marshall - Chief New Media Officer
Victoria Sharrar - SVP, Organizational Development
Gary Shaw - CIO
Jim McCusker - Chief Sales Officer
Jim Haddad - Chief Financial Officer
Tim Zalak - SVP, Mergers/Acquisitions

Julissa Ferreras vs Francisco Moya in Queens D21 Special Election

Corona, Queens is represented in state legislature by newly elected Senator Hiram Monserrate and Assemblyman José R. Peralta. The vacancy in the New York City Council created by the elevation of Monserrate will be filled in a special edlection next week, February 24th, 2009. Vying to fill the seat by two Latinos: Julissa Ferreras (endorsed by 1199SEIU) and Francisco Moya (endorsed by Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez).

In addition to Corona, the district (21) includes East Elmhurst, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights -- all communities with high concentrations of Latinos.

Related:
Corona candidate steps up to plate
Council Candidates Both Cite Early Service
Francisco Moya Endorsed by Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez
Council Candidate Moya Gets the Obama Crowd

Taino Roots on Native America Calling - 2.5.09

Before it was Puerto Rico, it was known to the Taino people as Borinquen – “land of the brave noble lord.” Many of today’s Puerto Ricans, both those born on the island and in the states, trace their indigenous roots to Taino ancestors.

One geneticist discovered 3 out of 5 native Puerto Ricans have remnants of Taino DNA streaming through their blood. As the legacy of the Taino people of the Caribbean is rediscovered, what is turning Puerto Ricans back to their Borinquen roots?

Native America Calling's Special Guest: Roberto Mukaro Agueibana Borrero, President and Chairman of the United Confederation of Taino People.

Thursday, February 5, 2009, 1-2pm EST

To participate: call 1-800-996-2848, that's 1-800-99-NATIVE

TO LISTEN ONLINE:

KNBA-FM 90.3 Anchorage, Alaska

NV1 Albuquerque, NM

KISU 91.1 FM Pocatello, Idaho

KUNM-FM 89.9 FM Albuquerque, New Mexico

KSJD 91.5 Cortez, Colorado

KSUT-FM 91.3 FM Ignacio, Colorado

KSFC 91.9 FM Spokane, Washington

WOJB-FM 88.9 FM Hayward, Wisconsin

KGVA-FM 88.1 Fort Belknap, Montana

Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny's Stony Brook University

Links:
Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny (official bio)
Stony Brook University president Shirley Strum Kenny to retire in 2009
A Response to Newsday Article: A Crisis at LI Campus

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.

LIIA to Steve Levy: Change Suffolk's Immigrant Policies

“My brother left a message, a legacy in this country, one of unity and appreciation.” – Joselo Lucero, brother of slain Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero.

Statement of Luis Valenzuela, Executive Director, Long Island Immigrant Alliance:

The senseless murder of Marcelo Lucero, a good and decent man who lived in Suffolk County for sixteen years, has brought the Suffolk community together to grieve and demand an end to hate.

When Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy delivers an address on race and tolerance on Tuesday, he has an opportunity to distance himself from the divisive rhetoric and policies he and other Suffolk politicians promoted in the past.

Out of this tragedy, there is a chance for Mr. Levy to lead Suffolk toward more practical policies that reduce tensions and build a stronger community.

To start with, it’s time to stop the divisive legislation and instead Mr. Levy and the legislature must seize the opportunity to act on serious proposals that can improve the situation here in Suffolk.

This horrendous crime and other recent attacks on immigrants make it clear that Suffolk police need to formally adopt a confidentiality policy to reassure crime victims and witnesses that they can reach out to Suffolk police without fear of deportation.

Marcelo Lucero need not have died in vain. We can honor his life by ensuring that his legacy is in forging unity and finding solutions.

The Long Island Immigrant Alliance stands ready to work with Mr. Levy and the county legislature on more inclusive policies that promote the well-being of all Suffolk residents.

Vigil for Marcello Lucero -- A LI Latino Awakening?

I joined 1,000 or so of my fellow Longer Islanders at last night's outdoor vigil in in Patchogue for Marcello Lucero.

It was a diverse crowd, young and old, Latino and nonLatino. They came from the Latino precincts of the Patchogue area, as well as from communities across the length of Long Island, including Astoria, Jackson Heights, Sunset Park, Corona, Elmont, Hempstead, Long Beach, Glen Cove, Freeport, Amityville, Huntington, Brentwood, Central Islip, Southampton, Montauk. Some travelled from New Jersey and points further west.

The crowd though was comprised mostly of Latino immigrants -- most I suspect from Ecuador.

The vigil was held at the very site of Marcello's murder, on a street along side the Patchogue commuter rail station. It's the back and poorly lit side of the rail station, so one can easily see why the thugs would chose to do their evil work there.

Under a steady drizzle one mourner said were 'tears from heaven', the vigil included prayers, chants, speeches and songs offered in Spanish, English and sometimes in both. Many in the audience held flickering candles. Many held home-made signs protesting Marcello's murder or demanding an end to hate. A lit shrine with a large photo of Marcello, religious artifacts, messages and flowers drew a wall of bereaved a hundred deep.

Especially touching was that a two other vigils were held simultaneously last night: One in Marcello's hometown in Ecuador and another in Nanuet, New York. The proceedings in Patchogue were heard by Marcello's mother via cellphone.

People speaking from the podium included a number of politicians:

- State Senator Malcolm Smith of Queens who promised to use the full weight of the state to protect New York's immigrant communities.

- Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri who spoke about his family's own immigrant origins in a small town in Italy and how the death of Marcello has wounded the community he loves and has lived in all of his life.

- Assemblyman Phil Ramos condemned the murder of Marcello and the pattern of anti-Latino immigrant violence that has been a shameful part of Suffolk life. He spoke about his experience as a former Suffolk police officer in which he responded to several horrific acts of racist violence against Latino Immigrants.

There were labor leaders who rallied the crowd with chants of 'Justicia', 'Yes, We Can!' and 'Un Pueblo Unido No Puede Ser Vencido!'.

A number of Latin American nations sent their representatives, including Ecuador's Ambassador to the United Nations, embassy officials from Venezuela, El Salvador and others.

There were religious leaders including the Imam of Long Island's Muslim community who offered prayers and solidarity.

Marcello's younger brother spoke again about the need to stop the violence against immigrants who he described as good people, hardworking people.

Latino and immigrant leaders addressed the mourners, including Dr. Luis Valenzuela who called for Suffolk County politicians to stop bashing immigrants. Another noted that Lucero means 'bright star' in Spanish and that Marcello was shining a light towards a better place from his perch in heaven.

Finally, one very animated speaker--whose name and role I didn't get--opened his comments with 'good morning' even though it was night. It wasn't a mistake. His point was that Long Island's Latino community has been asleep for too long, reluctant to stand up for itself. But that last night's large turn out was a sign to him that the community has awakened.

Video: Newsday
Photos: Gerry Vazquez

Patchogue Press Conference & Rally Against Hate - Video & Photos 11/12/08

1) Joselo spoke lovingly about his older brother Marcello whom he described as a peaceful and hard working person.

He also confided that he had been feeling very lonely as a result of his loss, but that the expressions of support gave him comfort.

What was also touching was watching Joselo receive that comfort from his fellow Latino immigrants. While Joselo waited in the back of the crowd for his turn to talk, quietly, one-by-one, women and men approached Joselo to offer condolences, a hug or a hug. It was very moving.

2) Speaking as a fellow Latino immigrant (Dominicana), former educator, parent and Suffolk County Deputy Presiding Officer, Vivian Viloria-Fisher expressed -- in Spanish and English -- her condolences to Joselo and the Lucero family.

She also called for united across racial, ethnic and class divides because 'we're one Suffolk'.

3)Nassau County Legislator David Mejias expressed his condolences and those of his Ecuatorian immigrant mother to the Lucero family.

Mejias also relayed how he became angry when he first heard of the slaying, but remembered the faith taught to him by his mother to hate the sin but love the sinner.

Mejias sought to model his faith by embracing Jack Eddington -- the county legislator for Patchogue and a supporter of anti-immigrant legislation.

4) Dr. Luis Valenzuela, executive director of the LI Immigrant Alliance, also expressed his condolences in Spanish and English to the Lucero family.

But unlike the other speakers, Dr. Valenzuela went further than merely calling for unity which may not happen if key leaders don't change their ways. He connected the hate killing of Mr. Lucero directly to the poisonous atmosphere promoted over the last few years by nativist-pandering legislators and County Executive Steve Levy -- and he demanded change.

Specifically, Dr. Valenzuela demanded that the legislator representing Patchogue--Eddington--never again promote anti-immigrant policies.


5) Joselo also spoke about the need to teach young right from wrong.

Unfortunately, for some it's always just about politics. Inter cut in this video is local schools superintendent Michael Mostow boasting that in four years he's only had one racial incident. This is also the fellow who spent his time at the mic shamelessly lobbying for more state funding.

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

Gov. David Paterson Condemns Murder of Latino Immigrant in Suffolk County

“Today, I ask New Yorkers to join me in mourning the death of Marcello Lucero, a Hispanic man of Ecuadorian descent who was the fatal victim of a vicious hate crime over the weekend in Suffolk County. This disgraceful act should serve as a source of outrage for all of us.

“Suffolk Police tell us that Mr. Lucero and a friend were attacked late Saturday night by seven teenagers who were driving around looking for a Hispanic to beat up. The companion walking with Mr. Lucero escaped, but Mr. Lucero was stabbed to death. This senseless and cowardly attack by these teenagers cannot stand. I am directing State law enforcement agencies to assist Suffolk County officials in any way possible to ensure swift and certain justice for this heinous crime. Our State has zero tolerance for such bigotry and I urge authorities to move quickly to prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.

“Today, I ask that you offer your prayers to Mr. Lucero's family. I would like to extend my deepest condolences as they come to the terms with the enormous pain of this loss. Mr. Lucero's death is a jarring reminder that we must remain vigilant and continue our fight to eradicate prejudice in our words and in our actions.”

Phil Ramos: Suffolk County's 1st Latino State Rep Fights for Re-election

Philip Ramos (D, WFP, I -Central Islip), Suffolk County's only Latino state representative, has been endorsed for re-election to the State Assembly by Islip Town Councilman Gene Parrington (D-Oakdale).

“I’m endorsing Phil wholeheartedly because I know how hard he works on behalf of Islip,” said Parrington.

The endorsement is important because Phil is being challenged in September 9th's Democratic Party primary by Waldo Cabrera--a video entrepreneur and a 2004 contestant in the 6th Assembly District. Cabrera's challenge is viewed by political observers as spurred by conservatives unhappy with Phil's leadership in fighting bigotry on Long Island.

While Cabrera is expected to lose the Democratic primary, he'll continue his run in the fall general election as a candidate on the Conservative Party line.

A former Detective with the Suffolk Police Department, Phil receives strong support from local Democratic party and it’s leaders, including endorsements from Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan, Suffolk Democratic Chairman Rich Schaffer and Suffolk County Legislators Ricardo Montano and Jon Cooper.

His legislative agenda includes property tax relief, enhanced public safety and affordable health care. The 6th Assembly District includes Brentwood, Baywood, Central Islip, Bay Shore, North Bay Shore, Islip and Islandia.

Photo: Ricardo Montano, Phil Ramos and Jon Cooper

Related: Phil Ramos: Fighting the Good Fight on L.I.

The Borinqueneers: March 11th, 10PM, WNET

A one-hour version of THE BORINQUENEERS will air on WNET Channel 13, Tuesday, March 11th at 10pm. The acclaimed documentary on the all-Latino 65th Infantry was produced Raquel Ortiz and narrated by Hector Elizondo. Make sure to let your family and friends know about it!

For more information on the film visit www.borinqueneers.com.