Building community in the age of Urban "Gentrification".....

Just when one feels the “Bushies”, neo-conservative storm troopers and real estate developers have taken over the world (well, maybe just the US), it is gratifying to come across communities of people who uplift the heart with hope for human kindness and possibilities for doing the next right thing. 

Cemi Underground (CU) is one of a number of new cultural beacons in East Harlem which aspires to promote change and mutual assistance through art, poetry and citizen activism.   CU is a funky, colorful & and cozy bookstore that is also a gallery with a performance space.  It recently opened on Lexington Avenue where a dull 99 cent store that use to be.    This cultural hotspot celebrates indigenous Taino, African and Spanish roots of  Puerto Rican (and Nuyorican) culture while recognizing the deep interconnections between fraternal cultures in the Americas. 

That this is happening in NYC’s El Barrio at a time of massive upheaval and displacement resulting  from  a “gentrification” tsunami is significant.  The founders of Cemi Underground, Luis Cordero and Sery Colon are no strangers to the “upheaval and displacement” brought on by colonialism on their island of Puerto Rico.   Their choice of books, artwork, merchandise and featured performing artists reflect these object lessons and connections as do their nationalist and community building perspectives.

This past Friday night’s poetry series featured well known Puerto Rican Poet and AIDS activist, Prisionera  ( <a href="http://www.myspace.com/prisionerasoy" mce_href="http://www.myspace.com/prisionerasoy">www.myspace.com/prisionerasoy</a> ).  She read from her moving upcoming collection of poems called “Ritmo Y Patriotismo.”     She is a passionate voice for Puerto Rican Nationalism and social justice. 

The depth of feeling, eloquence and artistry of her message wasted no words in getting to the point.  She celebrates the heroes of the PR independence movement, the struggles and beauty of the island culture she left behind.   She gives voice to her own struggle, pride and love for her life and experience as an independent Latina woman. 

In her capacity as an AIDS worker and activist and as a poet, Prisionera also calls attention to the AIDS crisis in Puerto Rico.  In particular, the island  government’s complicity in withholding minimal humanitarian aid and medical care to Puerto Ricans living with AIDS.  She and a community of collaborators ( <a href="http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/HRC/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=11954" mce_href="http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/HRC/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=11954">www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/HRC/campaign....</a> )  are engaging in a local, Federal and international call to action to investigate the island government’s corruption and misuse of Federal funds earmarked for the provision of medication and services for AIDS patients.  

All in all, this past Friday evening was a moving experience.   Cemi Underground is a great place to connect with wonderful talented people who care about justice and positive change.  Like the song from Hair says: “ people who care about strangers Who care about evil and social injustice.”

Stay tuned.....the Cemi Underground bookstore/gallery will be featuring quite an array of poets, artists and musical acts.  On Friday, July 20th, 7:00pm,  “A night of Poetry with Dos Mujeres” will feature Marina Ortiz and Maegan “La Mala” Ortiz.    Coming Friday, July 27, 7:00pm  will be Ricky Ortiz y Los Charlatanes “Musica de Ayer y de Hoy”.   

Support Cemi Underground through your patronage and participation.  It is located at 1799 Lexington Avenue at 112th Street ni El Barrio.  <a href="http://cemiunderground.com/" mce_href="http://cemiunderground.com/">cemiunderground.com/</a>