PRSF Discussed at Meeting of Puerto Rico's Flourishing Community Anti-eviction Movement

Barriada Morales, Caguas. Photo courtesy of endi.com Meeting to coordinate neighborhood struggles Government’s “tactics” to facilitate expropriations denounced By: Ricardo Cortés Chico rcortes@elnuevodia.com Translation by: NYC Steering Committee foronyc@gmail.com *Note: Besides informing about developments in the planning of the Puerto Rico Social Forum (PRSF) as well as local events of interest to NYC social justice activists, the NYC Steering Committee’s weblog would like to serve as a source of information about Puerto Rico’s many and diverse social movements. The article below, originally published in Spanish in the daily newspaper El Nuevo Día, describes a recent meeting of Puerto Rico’s important community anti-eviction movement, where the PRSF was discussed. We need your help! Stories like this are published every day. If you are able and willing to help find and translate them, please contact us at foronyc@gmail.com. August 27, 2006 Mayagüez – Yesterday, nearly a hundred community leaders debated strategies in their struggle against “unjust” processes of expropriation, and participated in workshops on the legal and communication aspects of forced evictions in their communities. During the event, those present also outlined themes to be discussed during the Puerto Rico Social Forum, an event to be held on November 17-19 in Río Piedras whose purpose is to promote unity among communities and their tactics in the struggle against inequality. “What we want is to generate reflection before the forum that allows us to know the experiences of change that are taking place in this country. Groups like those represented here are re-making the country in their community struggles, but people don’t know about it,” noted Edwin Quiles, one of the spokespersons of the group that organized the event. The activity began in the morning with the screening of videos about attempts and processes of expropriation in the communities of San Mateo in San Juan, Los Filtros in Guaynabo, and Barriada Morales in Caguas, and a workshop in which these experiences were discussed. In the afternoon, workshops about legal aspects of relevance to the communities, the use of information and media, and the preparation of community design proposals. Jorge Ortiz, another spokesperson for the organizing group, specified that the event also seeks to identify points of convergence between community and environmental struggles. “Oftentimes the displacement of nature takes place through the same process that affects our communities. We are uniting environmental and community organizations so they know about each other’s struggles and can join efforts,” said Ortiz. According to Luis Cruz, of the residents’ board of the community of Juan Domingo, in Guaynabo, one way the government promotes the relocation of a community is the abandonment of its infrastructure, and reducing the provision of services. “This turns communities into a problem for the government. When communities become a ‘problem’, the easiest thing is to replace them, and that’s why they abandon them,” pointed out the community leader. In late June of this year, the Legislature and Governor tried to eliminate Law 232, which requires that forced expropriations in areas identified as “Special Communities” be approved by the Legislature and 75% of the residents of the affected neighborhood. Project 911 of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, which would have replaced this law, did not provide for consulting residents, and eliminated the requirement for a Joint Resolution by the Legislature authorizing an expropriation. The project, which was approved by the Legislature, was stopped when Senator Antonio Fas Alzamora asked to change his vote in favor during the very last day of the legislative session. Original Source: http://www.endi.com/XStatic/endi/template/nota.aspx?n=60603

PR SOCIAL FORUM NYC REGISTRATION WORKSHOP

Photo courtesy of indymediapr.org The next meeting of the NYC Steering Commitee of the Puerto Rico Social Forum will be a registration workshop. Everyone who wishes to participate at the Puerto Rico Social Forum should come ready to register the panels, workshops, or performances they wish to host at the Foro! We will go through the registration sheets step-by-step - you don't have to have every exact detail ready, just a general idea so the activity can be included on the program. This workshop is important, because the activity registration deadline is September 15!!! The workshop will be held: Tuesday, Septmeber 5, 2006, 6:30-8:00pm Martin Luther King Labor Center (1199 SEIU), 7th Floor 310 West 43rd Street, Manhattan Between 8th and 9th Avs. (A or C to 42nd Street) Please come, and bring anyone who is interested in the Foro, even if this is they have never come to a meeting before!

Jorge Farinacci Garcia, 1950-2006

Frente Socialista de Puerto Rico Spokespersons: Rubie Alicea, Manuel Rodríguez, Rafael Bernabe 939-640-8530, 787-487-0600, 787-225-7071 The Socialist Front Informs The Country About the Death of Our Spokesperson Jorge Farinacci García The Socialist Front today (Saturday August 26th) has the sad task of informing our entire country about the death of our spokesperson, Comrade Jorge Farinacci García. The death of Jorge Farinacci leaves a monumental void in the life of our people. All those in Puerto Rico who struggle against any form of oppression are today in mourning faced with the loss of this fighter and untiring activist. Jorge Farinacci dedicated his life to the struggle for the independence of Puerto Rico and for socialism and from that perspective was present in practically all the social and political struggles in Puerto Rico in recent decades. Jorge began in the decade of the 1970’s as a student activist in the struggle against the military draft, against the presence of the ROTC at the University of Puerto Rico and against U.S. interventions in Vietnam, the Dominican Republic and other countries. Since he graduated from law school he was active in the workers’ movement as a labor lawyer. As such he participated in dozens of workers’ battles both big and small: from the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements in small shops to the big national strikes against privatization. There was no arena of struggle in which Jorge Farinacci would not get involved, from the diplomatic efforts at the United Nations for the self-determination for Puerto Rico, to armed self-defense against the attacks of the death squads of the police. He was an organizer of independent electoral campaigns and was also imprisoned in the United States for five years as a leader of the Macheteros. For years he was one of the main promoters of the journal Pensamiento Crítico (Critical Thought), when this publication became an important forum for the analysis of our reality. Fari, as his friends and comrades call him, was well known for his untiring energy: he was never still. There was always something else to do. We do not doubt that this commitment without pause helped to undermine his health. But Fari was equally known for his indomitable optimism. Sometimes we would joke with him about this, but in reality we nourished ourselves from day to day from that optimism. It is one of the elements of his personality that we miss the most. At the beginning of 1990’s, faced with a period of incarceration and at a moment when the world spoke about the “death of socialism”, Comrade Jorge Farinacci, with contagious enthusiasm, joined efforts to build a unitary political Project, the Socialist Front, that focused precisely on the relevant of the anti-capitalist Project. For those of us that got to know him in that process, Fari was a political teacher and alongside him we were able to see how the most terrible effects of capitalism were ever increasing and how a new anti-globalization movement was emerging that once again placed in the forefront the need for a profound social transformation. Jorge loved Puerto Rico and at the same time, as a socialist, he was an ardent internationalist, who felt that any struggle against oppression was his own. From his solidarity with the Cuban Revolution to his defense of unity of Puerto Rican and Dominican workers, Fari embodied a level of patriotism that was always generous, loyal to the working class in any part of the world and that can only be described as exemplary. The Socialist Front, all its members and sympathizers, conveys our message of support and solidarity to all of Jorge’s family and especially his wife Rosa Meneses and his children. We cannot avoid the inevitable and we cannot bring Jorge back to be among us especially now that we need him most. But what we can do is what Jorge would have most wanted: to continue the struggle for the ideals to which he so dedicated himself during each moment of his existence. To insist in the struggle for another world which is more just and filled with solidarity. This is the tribute that is within our grasp and which our unforgettable Comrade Jorge Farinacci García deserves.

FILIBERTO: ENTREVISTA CLANDESTINA

FILIBERTO: CLANDESTINE INTERVIEW WED AUG 23RD, 7PM SISTA'S PLACE 456 NOSTRAND AVE @ JEFFERSON AVE BROOKLYN, NYC for more info: ricanstruction.net september23.org 212-696-6804 September 23rd 1868, is traditionally celebrated and commemorated as the birth of the Puerto Rican nation, when Puerto Ricans rose up against Spanish colonial rule in a revolt know as El Grito De Lares. On September 23rd of 2005 Filiberto Ojeda Rios, leader of the Puerto Rican People’s Army, Los Macheteros, was assassinated by the US government in an attempt to kill the spirit of the Puerto Rican liberation struggle. Filiberto: Entrevista Clandestina is an interview Comandante Filiberto did with Puerto Rican reporter Daisy Sanchez. The interview was done while he was in clandestinity, a short while after cutting off an electronic ankle shackle placed on him while he awaited trial for his alleged involvement in the Macheteros Wells Fargo armored truck robbery of Hartford Connecticut. Filiberto speaks for himself and the Macheteros on the colonial issues that continue to plague the island nation of Puerto Rico to this day. The interview aired uncut on Puerto Rican television and was the most watched television program in the history of Puerto Rico. This film is an excerpted version of that television program. This Wednesday, August 23rd marks 11 months since his passing. On this anniversary we will gather, as we have done each month, to honor his life and legacy. Join us in the countdown to the NEW Grito de Lares when once again a nation will rise. JOIN US SEPTEMBER 23RD @ 1PM - TIMES SQUARE MARCH TO THE UNITED NATIONS TO FREE PUERTO RICO!!!

Preliminary Schedule

Puerto Rico Social Forum November 17, 18, and 19, 2006 Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico Friday 17 12:00 pm March/Parade Through the urban center of Río Piedras and the campus of the University of Puerto Rico 6:00 pm Opening Statements Welcome from the organizers Keynote Guest: Camille Chalmers 8:00 pm Artistic Festival Plaza Robles, Río Piedras Saturday 18 8:30 am Opening Session Theater or Amphitheater, University of Puerto Rico Greetings from the UPR Rector Speaker: Camille Chalmers Chalmers is a Haitian economist and activist who is very involved in the WSF and tied to topics such as democratization, human rights, alternative economies, and migration. His visit is possible thanks to the support of the UPR. In his talk, Chalmers will locate our Forum in the framework of the Caribbean and alternative struggles at the international level. 10:00 am Panel/Encounter of Community Movements (co-managed activity) – The Community Movement: Building the Other Puerto Rico that is Possible 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Self-managed Activities The organizers of each activity will be asked to gather the proposals that emerge from the activity (two copies) for the Mural of Proposals. Documentary Screening Simultaneously, there will be a screening of Puerto Rican documentaries and films at the Amphitheater of the Education or Architecture Buildings. Childrens’ Activities Children will have their own schedule of workshops, which will lead to their own Mural of Proposals. Artistic Events At nightfall, Río Piedras will become a stage for diverse manifestations of music, theater, dance, etc., including the participation of international artists. Sunday 19 9:00 am Plenary/Panel: Looking at Puerto Rico: The hemispheric and local context Panelists: Guests from the Hemispheric Council of the Americas 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Self-managed Activities 3:00 pm Closing Event: Roundtable Discussion There will be a summary based on the Mural of Proposals, geared towards the question “After the Forum... What comes next?” A document synthesizing the diverse proposals will be produced and sent to the press.

Press Release, 8/16/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Conference held on August 16, 2006 at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras The Puerto Rico Social Forum (PRSF), to be celebrated November 17, 18, and 19, 2006 at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, invites individuals and groups from Puerto Rico, the Americas, and beyond, to reflect, share experiences, elaborate proposals, and promote the creation of networks whose objective is to build the “Other Puerto Rico that is Possible.” It stresses the need for critical collective action to confront the negative effects of neoliberal globalization. It highlights the importance of diversity, inclusion, and justice as means to achieve necessary social changes. It is dedicated to community movements because they are agents of that social transformation. It privileges the marginalized and/or excluded. Its goal is to broaden participative democracy and develop political, economic and social alternatives beyond the limits of traditional politics and the control of multinational corporations. The PRSF adheres to the Charter of Principles of the World Social Forum (WSF), planetary encounter which, every year for the past six years, has gathered hundreds of thousands of people from around the world in Porto Alegre, Mumbai, Caracas, Karachi, and Bamako. The motto of the WSF is “Another World is Possible.” In Puerto Rico, there are also processes and projects that, from the perspective of culture, education, the environment, economic struggles, spirituality, and others, propose “another world”, that is, a country that is more inclusive and democratic. The FSPR is a space that is being created to facilitate experiences between these projects and the promotion of their experiences. Following the WSF, the PRSF will consist of self-managed activities, registered at a minimal cost, by groups and organizations. Self-managed activities should be registered by September 15, 2006. Throughout the three days of the event, there will be presentations, debates, workshops, musical performances, a film festival, public art projects, and many other activities. Professional, student, labor, artistic, religious, gender, community, environmental, and anti-war organizations, among others, as well as individual presenters, are welcome to register activities that will be organized in the program under the following themes: Diversity and Human Rights Inhabitable Spaces, Power, and Social Change Alternative Economies, Work, and Capital Democracy, Social Movements, and Neoliberalism Cultura, Media, and Education Peace Movements, Militarism, and War Environment and Sustainability Spirituality, Ethics, and the Construction of Subjectivities The event is open to all those interested, residing in Puerto Rico or elsewhere, and is being supported by the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, the Departments of Architecture and Social Sciences, and the School of Law, which are providing their facilities. A New York City Steering Committee has been formed to provide information and assistance to all those interested in coming to the Puerto Rico Social Forum from the New York Metropolitan Area. Contacts: Puerto Rico: (787) 764-7679 (787) 764-0000 (10am-3pm) http://www.forosocialpuertorico.org/ New York: José A. Laguarta (212) 817-7866 foronyc@gmail.com http://foronyc.blogspot.com COMUNICADO DE PRENSA Conferencia de prensa celebrada el 16 de agosto de 2006 en la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Río Piedras El Foro Social de Puerto Rico (FSPR), evento que se celebrará los días 17, 18 y 19 de noviembre de 2006 en la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, convoca a grupos e individuos puertorriqueños, de las Américas y de todo el mundo a reflexionar, compartir experiencias, elaborar propuestas y promover la creación de redes cuyo objetivo es construir el “Otro Puerto Rico Posible.” Enfatiza la necesidad de la acción colectiva crítica para enfrentar los efectos negativos de la globalización neoliberal. Destaca la importancia de la diversidad, la inclusión y la justicia como medios para lograr los cambios sociales necesarios. Estará dedicado a los movimientos comunitarios porque son agentes de esa transformación social. Privilegia a los marginado/as y excluído/as. Tiene como meta ampliar la democracia participativa y desarrollar alternativas políticas, económicas y sociales fuera del ámbito de la política tradicional y el control de las corporaciones multinacionales. El FSPR se rige por la Carta de Principios del Foro Social Mundial, encuentro planetario que cada año, durante los últimos 6 años, ha reunido a cientos de miles de personas de todo el mundo en Porto Alegre, Mumbai, Caracas, Karachi, and Bamako. El lema del FSM es “Otro Mundo es Posible.” En nuestro país existen procesos y proyectos que, desde la cultura, la educación, el ambiente, las luchas económicas, o la espiritualidad, entre otras áreas, plantean “otro mundo”, es decir, un país más inclusivo y democrático. El FSPR es un espacio para facilitar el encuentro entre estos proyectos y la divulgación de sus experiencias. De acuerdo al modelo del FSM, el FSPR constará de actividades autogestionadas, inscritas a un costo mínimo, por grupos y organizaciones. Las actividades autogestionadas deben estar inscritas para el 15 de septiembre. A través de los tres días del evento habrá presentaciones, debates, talleres, actos musicales, un festival de cine, proyectos de arte público y muchas otras actividades. Organizaciones profesionales, estudiantes, iglesias, sindicales, de género, comunitarias, ambientales y enti-guerra, entre otras, así como deponentes individuales, pueden inscribir actividades que serán organizadas en el programa bajo los siguientes temas: Diversidad y derechos humanos Espacios habitables, poder y cambio social Economía alternativa, trabajo y capital Democracia, movimientos sociales y neoliberalismo Cultura, medios y educación Movimientos de paz ante el militarismo y la guerra Medio ambiente y sustentabilidad Espiritualidad, ética y la construcción de subjetividades El evento está abierto para todos los/as interesado/as, residentes de Puerto Rico o de otros lugares, y cuenta con el apoyo de la Rectora del Recinto de Río Piedras de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, las de Arquitectura y Ciencias Sociales y la Escuela de Derecho, las cuales estarán proveyendo sus instalaciones. En la ciudad de Nueva York se ha creado un Comité Timón para proveer información y asistencia a todos los/as interesados/as en asistir al Foro Social de Puerto Rico que residan en dicha Area Metropolitana. Contactos: Puerto Rico: (787) 764-7679 (787) 764-0000 (10am-3pm) http://www.forosocialpuertorico.org New York: José A. Laguarta (212) 817-7866 foronyc@gmail.com http://foronyc.blogspot.com

Event: Tuesday 8/22: Supporting Youth in Schools, On Campus, Lock-Down & On the Streets!

TUESDAY, August, 22nd, 2006 6:30-8:30 PM Carlitos Cafe y Galeria 1701 Lexington Avenue (bet. 106th + 107th streets, El Barrio/ East Harlem, NYC) 6 Train to 103rd or 110th street stations Early this year we gathered a group of about 25 individuals to discuss how we can share information/ resources to support youth battling injustice. We'd like to gather again before the start of another school year, to make those connections for support before taking off to campuses and/ or hitting another wave of classes, struggles and the bull that can come along with it unfortunately. Things like expensive education that seems impossible to reach, institutionalized racism, fighting off military recruiters, lack of representation in school staff, faculty, class offerings, the push factors that contribute to increased drop-out rates, etc. Again, this is an open invitation to folks from all different aspects of youth organizing, student organizing, street organizing, etc., to participate in a dialogue about how we can bridge the gaps between the organizing that takes place on campuses, in organizations/ institutions and on the streets. What are the issues affecting communities of color on campuses and on the streets, their differences and similarities? What initiatives are already in the works? How can we identify, collaborate with and support more folks who dedicate their time to changing the system? For more information: info@yasminhernandez.com

SUPPORTING YOUTH…

in schools, on campuses, on lock-down and on the streets (Please forward to interested folks) TUESDAY, August, 22nd, 2006 6:30-8:30 PM Carlitos Cafe y Galeria 1701 Lexington Avenue (bet. 106th + 107th streets, El Barrio/ East Harlem, NYC) 6 Train to 103rd or 110th street stations Early this year we gathered a group of about 25 individuals to discuss how we can share information/ resources to support youth battling injustice. We'd like to gather again before the start of another school year, to make those connections for support before taking off to campuses and/ or hitting another wave of classes, struggles and the bull that can come along with it unfortunately. Things like expensive education that seems impossible to reach, institutionalized racism, fighting off military recruiters, lack of representation in school staff, faculty, class offerings, the push factors that contribute to increased drop-out rates, etc. Again, this is an open invitation to folks from all different aspects of youth organizing, student organizing, street organizing, etc., to participate in a dialogue about how we can bridge the gaps between the organizing that takes place on campuses, in organizations/ institutions and on the streets. What are the issues affecting communities of color on campuses and on the streets, their differences and similarities? What initiatives are already in the works? How can we identify, collaborate with and support more folks who dedicate their time to changing the system? For more information: info@yasminhernandez.com

Get Your Tickets for August 12 to DC! Advanced Purchase Only!

It's now clear that thousands upon thousands of protesters will flood the streets of Washington, this Saturday, August 12, to demand an immediate end to the bombing and invasion of Lebanon and Palestine. Here in New York, our phones have been busy with calls from individuals and organizations trying to find a way to DC this weekend. You can still buy a bus ticket online or by calling ANSWER at 212-694-8720. Buses are leaving from four locations: Union Square South (Manhattan), Astoria Blvd & 31st St. (Queens), 125th St. & Lenox Ave. (Manhattan), and Bay Ridge Ave. & 4th ave. (Brooklyn). All buses leave at 6am and return around 10pm-11pm the same night. Each bus will have a bus captain who will provide passengers with logistical information on the protest and on the return trip to New York. All bus tickets must be purchased in advance. There is no guarantee that by showing up at the assigned time and location without a ticket, you will be able to get a seat. Click here to buy your bus ticket right now. If you are unable to come on the 12th, you can still make a contribution. Click here to make a donation to help subsidize travel costs of people who cannot afford a ticket on the 12th. Stop the U.S.-Israeli War!Defend the People of Palestine and Lebanon!From Iraq to Lebanon to Palestine, Occupation is a Crime!Stop U.S. Aid to Israel!Money for Jobs and Education, Not for War and Occupation! Support the Palestinian People's Right to Return!

SEPTEMBER 23, 2006

Thursday August 3: Free Puerto Rico Art Tour at Museo del Barrio

Join Puerto Rican artist Yasmin Hernandez for a free guided tour at El Museo del Barrio tomorrow! Unete a la artista boricua Yasmin Hernandez para una gira gratiuta en El Museo del Barrio este proximo jueves 3 de agosto! Theme: ARTE: Printmaking, Plena & Poetry of the Nuyorican School-focusing on the artistic traditions of Puerto Rico. Tema: ARTE: Printmaking, Plena & Poetry of the Nuyorican School- enfocando en las tradiciones artisticas de Puerto Rico Tours based on the following exhibitions/giras basadas en las siguientes exhibiciones: I. Between the Lines: Text as Image. A Homage to Lorenzo Homar & the Rev. Pedro Pietri II. Hector Mendez Caratini: The Eye of Memory. Three Decades, 1974-2003 Also on view/Tambien en exhibicion: Yasmin Hernandez, Soul Rebels Installation, Hecksher Theater doors. Also/Ademas: August 10/Agosto 10- NACION: From el Grito de Lares of 1868 to 1979 Release of Nationalist Political Prisoners and the Recent Struggle to Take Back Vieques When/Cuando: August 3/agosto 3, 6pm Where/Donde: El Museo del Barrio 5th Avenue between 104th & 105th Street El Barrio/East Harlem (Manhattan) All tours coincide with El Museo's Summer Nights Series "Del Son al Reggaeton" with free music performances from 6:30-8:30pm. For more information visit/para mas information visite