PRESS RELEASE |
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| Contact: Raul Avila Phone: (203)843-5810 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4pm EDT, February 17,2009 |
NEW HAVEN, CT. FEBRUARY 17, 2009: Raul Avila, President of the FLECHAS Board of Directors began the conference by providing information about the organization. He stated that " FLECHAS is a 501c (3) Not-For-Profit Organization established in Connecticut in 1977 and that it is the only Puerto Rican organization in the State that has maintained a consistent focus on the African experience of the Puerto Rican national identity".
Avila noted that the theme of the organization is "A Puerto Rican Expression of Three Cultures" as FLECHAS will feature the contribution of Africa to the island's Taino culture while celebrating the fusion of Spain's Culture.
Mr. Avila said that the Annual Leadership Banquet will be held on July 16 followed by the Festival at Long Wharf Park during July 17 to 19, 2009. He also noted that FLECHAS was founded by a group of Connecticut residents many of which were born in the Municipality of Loiza in Puerto Rico like the Osorio-Lopez family. He further stated that the Acronym FLECHAS stands for Fiestas de Loiza en Connecticut en Honor al Apostol Santiago and that the Feast of Saint James was transported to Puerto Rico from Spain. After the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico, the fiestas naturally developed into a merger of the three cultures. The people of Loiza became the keepers of this annual event.
Avila indicated that while FLECHAS is not a religious entity those historical elements remain part of the organization. The feast became a multi-cultural event in Puerto Rico. It displays traditional Bomba and Plena, music and dance unique to African influences along with other typical Puerto Rican Music, Loiceno cuisine, Puerto Rican food, mask making and other art forms. Avila stated that the Fiestas attract thousands and thousands of attendees over a three day period. In addition to the aspects of ethnic and cultural heritage, these efforts will certainly contribute to enhance the self-esteem and national pride of Puerto Ricans especially the youth, he said.
Avila also introduced the names of this year's Honorees that will receive recognition awards during the Leadership Awards Dinner, they are; Mr. William Newton, Hispanic Public Relation Director for Bob's Discount Furniture, LLC And TV/Radio Personality in the Hispanic Media throughout Connecticut and Puerto Rico, Dr. Richard Torres the chief medical officer of the Optimus Health Care, Inc., and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine, and Detective Rafael Segarra of the New Haven Police Department.
The New Haven Register stated "Registro and the New Haven Register are proud to be Official Sponsors of the 2009 FLECHAS Festival and Leadership Awards Dinner". The official website launching was conducted by Ms. Rose Fonseca, the Multicultural Markets Specialist- Connecticut, State Farm Insurance. Also in attendance were Marta Morales of Univision, Other community, Elected Officials and Board Members.
Carlos Silva, President Pro-Tem to the Bridgeport City Council stated "I am honored to participate in this event today and salute FLECHAS for its efforts to share the African experience in the Puerto Rican national identity". He was joined by Councilwoman Hilda Santiago from Meriden, who said "The launching of this website is an exciting opportunity that provides greater access to the work of the organization on a statewide level". And State Rep. Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) said. "I would like to thank and congratulate FLECHAS on the launching of a new web site and for celebrating the varied and vibrant Puerto Rican culture that includes many ethnicities such as African, Spanish and Taino,"
In conclusion, Avila mentioned FLECHAS signature events which are; 1. The annual Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery in Puerto Rico scheduled for March 20, 2009 at Gateway Community College (March 22,1873). 2. The annual Leadership Banquet in July 16, 3. The three day Fiestas from July 17-19, 4. The Folkloric Bohio Dance Troupe and workshops are held at various times during the year and 5. The Essay Contest and Scholarship event.
For more information people can refer to the website at FLECHASCT.ORG.
