Latino Culture Lives At Sofrito For Your Soul

I Want To Keep Building Bridges... For You!

Mi Gente... Happy 2012!

This time last year, I was in a hospital bed, fighting for my life with my family by my side and in many of your thoughts / prayers. It was a scary time for me so much so that when I got out of intensive care, reading your emails and tweets is what made my day. I have said many times that I have the most amazing network of people who know the meaning of true community. 

For almost 15 years, I have personally financed this website and have refused to give in to advertisers that do not really believe in the website or it's mission... they simply wanted to use the trust you have in me to promote their products / services to you and make their sales numbers.

I did not think that was right... so I kept it grassroots and now the current state of the economy threatens the legacy we have been building. It is getting harder for me to fund these programs.

Since my return in March... it has been a struggle physically, financially and mentally. Due to almost 4 months of income loss...there were many days that I thought that this blog would cease to exist after almost 15 years in existence. The thought of that happening breaks my heart because this blog is so much more than a website. This blog gave birth to projects that serve thousands of Latinos like

• Capicu Poetry & Cultural Showcase - a grassroots multicultural producer of  performing arts based in Brooklyn NYC that provides paid opportunities for poets, authors and artists to showcase their talents.

 

• Radio Capicu - A live radio show that features 2 way discussions about issues important to the Latino community in the United States. This show was the first live show on the internet dedicated to the Latino community. 

• Latino Community Info, a job board that posts jobs for bilingual and multicultural candidates.

 

• Pa'l Pueblo Christmas Charity - Toys for headstart program that currently serves 500 children annually in 5 different schools.

 

• Promoting Healthy Community - Our company donates Social Media support for major health initiatives like Por Tu Familia, the Latino campaign for the American Diabetes Assoiciation for the last 4 years. We have also developed smaller health fairs and screening days with local medical practices.

 

• Over the years we created an extensive community accross several social media platforms of community minded and action driven Latinos ready to respond to community concerns and celebrate our cultural heritage.

 

 In addition to these established projects, Sofrito Media Group and it's sister company Capicu Cultural Showcase have been leaders in the NYC cultural community in developing / participating in events ranging from grassroots, academia and even in the diversity corporate circle.

That said... I have 60 days to figure out how I can continue the work we started in 1997, can you help?

I will say that if you are able to help keep this site alive... click here, or use the PayPal link below.

Your support will help us provide a variety of of education and outreach services that will take our commitment beyond the website and directly address needs in the community. We still need to reach those who may not have access to the internet.

 

Please consider making a contribution today!

Thank you for empowering us to continue to enrich the lives of all those looking to feed their souls with the best of Latino culture on the web!

All donors will be recognized on our website for contributing to the mission.

For more information on how you can help, contact us at SofritoMediaGroup@gmail.com

GRACIAS!!!!

 

As I am, 

George Torres
The Urban Jibaro

What is happening in your Community? 

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On The Topic Of Latinos And Mentorship...

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. when you become a Leader, success is all about growing others.” – Jack Welch.

In April, I shared a story about someone who cared enough to tell me when I was not living up to my brand promise. It was thru that conversation that I was able to build a relationship with Mariela Dabbah from Latinos In College. Indirectly... she took the role of mentoring me in that situation in which I needed guidance. Since then... we have had some invigorating conversations about impacting the educational landscape for Latinos in America.

Earlier today, we announced on twitter that we will be collaborating on a webinar to help students and young professionals tap into the power of mentorship. This webinar is free and sponsored by Latinos In College in association with Sofrito Media Group. Now this is a hot topic and space is limited... so do yourself a favor... register today and help us spread the word to some young people that can benefit from this webinar.

Here are all the details...

Topic: Mentors and Sponsors: Key Distinctions for Career Growth  Speaker: Mariela Dabbah  Date: Tuesday, December 06, 2011  Time: 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Eastern Time)

 

Cost - $0 - Gratis - Nada... yes... we said F.R.E.E but you do have to register to attend. 

We will be discussing the following topics:
 
•Differences between mentors and sponsors
 
•Identifying mentors who are a good match for your needs
 
•Best ways to find and approach mentors and sponsors
 
•Managing these valuable relationships and much more. 

 

REGISTER NOW!

About Latinos In College

www.latinosincollege.com is the only all-encompassing resource for assisting Latino students and their families in choosing schools, finding funding, and succeeding in college.

Created by Mariela Dabbah, award-winning author, spokesperson and expert on education and career issues, in February 2009, the website was re-designed and re-launched in October of 2010. 

About Sofrito Media Group

Founded in 1997, Sofrito Media Group is  a multi-media company currently located in Freeport, NY that manages and produces branded projects that appeal to the Latino / Hispanic segment. These projects include web properties, live events, social media campaigns, internet radio production, content development and consulting services.

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Urban Jibaro Reflects: Honor Your Elders...

I am a very fortunate man and I know this.

I recognize the fact that not many have gotten the opportunity to witness and experience some of the the things I have.

I have been taught values and work ethic by my grandmother, Gloria del Rio, a community activist in Brownsville Brooklyn. I have heard stories about our Taino forefathers and know today that Tainos are not extinct because of Bobby Gonzalez. I have receieved counsel and mentorship from Young Lords Richie Perez (RIP), Felipe Luciano and Olgui Toro. I have had a chance to share my goals in life with Black Panthers Denise Oliver, and Gina Amaro. I have had a chance to meet my favorite visual artists Seen, Bua, Maria Sanchez, Olga Ayala, Obed Gomez, Mia Roman, Derek Santiago and De La Vega.  I have shared a stage with poets I love like Reverendo Pedro Pietri, Papoleto, La Bruja and so many more. I have had a chance to hear some of my favorite musicians play live like Yomo Toro as well as Tato Torres and Yerba Buena. I have been apart of great movements like Alianza Latina, Por Tu Familia, Muevete and Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc. I have had the opportunity of creating something powerful in Brooklyn with Paposwiggity, my Capicu Family under the counsel of great men like George Acevedo, Keith Roach and Jaime El Maestro Emeric.

Last but not least... I have even had the opportunity to read a book that planted a seed and meet the author that continues to sow my soul, Don Piri Thomas. My dream come true was the ability to speak to him many times since we met in 1996 and when Capicu was able (with the help of a friend named Esteban Jimenez) share quality time to pay tribute to his life's work. 

But the most beautiful opportunity I have ever had, was the opportunity to tell each of them in life what they mean to me...and how they continue to drive me every single day. I will never forget the day that I read True Boricua to Piri over the phone...and all he said was Vayyyyya que chevere. It is still my favorite piece and the one that he inspired.

As I reflect on the loss of my hero Piri Thomas... I urge each one of you... honor your elders, learn from your elders and most importantly do not forget to let them know that their life's work inspires you.

PUNTO.

As I am,

George Torres

The Urban Jibaro

 

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Down These Mean Streets Author, Piri Thomas Passes Away.

Today is a very sad day as I got news that Piri Thomas, one of my personal heroes has passed away at the age of 83...

I cannot even really process this all right now all I can say is that I met Piri at the Alianza Latina Conference at Old Westbury in 96... and since then he has been an inspiration. After corresponding with Piri for a few years... even following him to different schools I know he would be at... my friend Esteban offerred us an opportunity to give him a mic at Capicu Poetry so that a new generation can learn about his legacy...the highlight of our series... and to our knowledge that will have been the last night he performed before he fell ill.

Our prayers are with his wife, family, friends and fans of this great Boricua author.

I walked down mean streets too Piri...and like you I have learned what life is about... and I turned it all around. You will be missed but carajo... I am such a better man having met you. PUNTO. 

Here is the official press release about brother Piri's passing...

As I am,

The Urban Jibaro...

 

 

 

The Passing of Piri Thomas 1928-2011

 

Beloved Puerto Rican-American author and poet Piri Thomas died Monday, October 17, 2011, in his home in El Cerrito, CA surrounded by his loving wife, Suzie, his children and caregivers, after succumbing to pneumonia.

 

Born September 30, 1928, in Harlem Hospital, New York City, of a Puerto Rican mother and Cuban father, his early years were documented in 1967 in his bestselling book, Down These Mean Streets, for which he was best known. He later wrote two other novels, Savior Savior Hold My Hand and Seven Long Times, several plays (The Golden Streets and Ole Ole Oy Vey), a book of short stories (Stories from El Barrio) , many poems, and recorded two CDs of poetry and music (Sounds of the Streets and No Mo' Barrio Blues). Three award-winning films (Petey and Johnny, The World of Piri Thomas, and Every Child is Born a Poet) were made about him.

 

He spoke and performed at countless events at colleges, high schools, middle schools, senior centers, community gatherings, political rallies for peace and justice causes, and many more, while encouraging a whole generation of young people to be socially responsible in their career choices, and to write and perform poetry, which subsequently birthed the new wave of "spoken word" that has appeared throughout the country. His intuitive grasp of identity, race, and class issues inspired everyone he touched as his ideas were grounded in his moral authority and personal sense of dignity. He was sincere and generous to a fault.

 

He is survived by his wife, Suzie Dod Thomas, of El Cerrito, CA, six children, Peter Stacker of Chicago, Ricardo Thomas and SanDee Thomas of Orlando, FL, Raina Thomas and Tanee Thomas of Columbia, SC, and Renee Shank of Seattle; and 7 grandchildren, Megan, Brenann and Eryn Stacker, AJ Linares, Arielle and Kristen Thomas, and Sahali Shively, three stepchildren, Michael and Laura Olenick of NY, and David Elder of Los Angeles, and two step granchildren, Jacob and Lily Olenick.

 

The family requests no flowers or gifts. Written sentiments may be sent to Cheverote@aol.com or 2503 Edwards Ave. El Cerrito, CA 94530. Tax deductible donations (payable to Social Justice, earmarked for the Piri Thomas Fund) maybe made in his name and sent to:

 

Piri Thomas Memorial Fund

C/O Social Justice/Global Options

PO Box 40601

San Francisco, CA 94140

 

To date, memorials are being planned for the Bay Area, New York, and Orlando, Florida. Dates to be announced.

 

For more information, please e-mail:

Suzie Dod Thomas at Cheverote@aol.com  

or view his website, www.Cheverote.com

No phone calls, please.