Libros/ Books

Revolution Around the Corner | Voices from the Puerto Rican Socialist Party

edited by JOSÉ E. VELÁZQUEZ, CARMEN V. RIVERA, and ANDRÉS TORRES • Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press | February 2020 | 408 pages

Description: Active from the late 1960s until the mid-1990s, the U.S. branch of the Puerto Rican Socialist Party (PSP) worked simultaneously to build support for Puerto Rican independence and to engage in radical social change within the United States.

Revolution Around the Corner chronicles this unique social movement, describing various mass campaigns and the inner workings of the organization. The editors and contributors—all former members, leaders, and supporters of the PSP— offer a range of views and interpretations of their experience. Combining historical accounts, personal stories, interviews, and retrospective analysis, Revolution Around the Corner examines specific actions such as the National Day of Solidarity (El Acto Nacional), the Bicentennial without Colonies, the Save Hostos struggle, and the Vieques campaign. Testimonies recount the pros and cons of membership diversity, as well as issues of loyalty and compañerismo. In addition, essays describe the PSP’s participation in coalitions and alliances with Left and progressive movements. The book concludes with the editors’ reflections on the PSP’s achievements, mistakes, and contributions. Contributors: Maritza Arrastía, Teresa Basilio Gaztambide, Rosa Borenstein, Ted Glick, Alfredo López, Pablo Medina Cruz, Ramón Jimenez, Lenina Nadal, José-Manuel Navarro, Alyssa Ribeiro, Olga Iris Sanabria Dávila, Digna Sánchez, América “Meca” Sorrentini, Zoilo Torres, and the editors

About the Authors

JOSÉ E. VELÁZQUEZ is a lifelong activist for social justice in the United States and Puerto Rican independence, and is co-editor with Andrés Torres of The Puerto Rican Movement: Voices from the Diaspora (Temple). His opposition to the Vietnam War in the early 1970’s resulted in an important legal case in United States v. José Emiliano Velazquez. José is a retired educator and curriculum writer from the Newark Public Schools. A presenter at the founding of the Amistad Commission of NJ, he often lectures on Afro-Latino issues. CARMEN V. RIVERA recently retired after having served as a Certified Life Coach and capacity building consultant for over 25 years. A public health policy advocate, she held top ranking positions in New York City government and for the City of Boston. Her activism has centered on women’s rights, national liberation and social justice movements. One of her personal passions is documenting the history of Puerto Rican political activism in the United States from the 1960s to early 1990s. She directs the Recovering History Project and its archival collection on the Puerto Rican Socialist Party in the U.S. ANDRÉS TORRES is a retired Distinguished Lecturer from Lehman College, City University of New York. Previously he was professor at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He is the author or editor of Between Melting Pot and Mosaic: African Americans and Puerto Ricans in the New York Political Economy, The Puerto Rican Movement: Voices from the Diaspora, and Latinos in New England (all Temple). He is also the author of the memoir Signing in Puerto Rican: A Hearing Son and His Deaf Family.

The Case against the Jones Act edited COLIN GRABOW and INU MANAK • Washington, DC: CATO INSTITUTE | June 2020 | 250 pages

How has an archaic, burdensome law been able to persist for a century?

Passed in 1920, the Jones Act restricts the waterborne transport of cargo within the United States to vessels that are U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-built. Meant to bolster the U.S. maritime sector, this protectionist law has instead contributed to its decline. As a result, today’s U.S. oceangoing domestic fleet numbers fewer than 100 ships. Beyond leaving a shrunken and uncompetitive maritime sector in its wake, the law has also inflicted considerable damage on the broader U.S. public that range from higher transportation costs to increased pollution. The chapters in The Case against the Jones Act delve into some of the act’s founding myths and the false narrative its supporters have helped to perpetuate. The book evaluates the law’s costs, assesses its impact on businesses, consumers, and the environment, and offers alternatives for a way forward. The Jones Act’s failures reveal that the status quo is untenable. Contributors to this volume hope that the evidence presented will spark discussion about the Jones Act and lay the groundwork for the repeal or significant reform of this outdated law.

About the Editors And Contributors

Colin Grabow is a policy analyst at the Cato Institute’s Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies, where his research focuses on U.S. trade with Asia as well as domestic forms of trade protectionism, such as the U.S. sugar program and the Jones Act. His writings have been published in a number of outlets, including USA Today, The Hill, National Review, and the Weekly Standard. Inu Manak is a research fellow at the Cato Institute. She is an expert in international political economy, with a specialization in international trade policy and law. Manak’s research focuses on the World Trade Organization, non‐judicial treaty mechanisms, technical barriers to trade, regional trade agreements, and development. With an introduction by Anne O. Krueger. Contributors to this volume include: Keli’i Akina, James W. Coleman, Andrew G. Durant, Steve Ellis, Timothy Fitzgerald, Thomas Grennes, Daniel Griswold, Howard Gutman, Daniel J. Ikenson, Taylor Jackson, Logan Kolas, Ted Loch‐Temzelides, Nicolas Loris, Robert Quartel, Manuel Reyes, and Bryan Riley.

Agencia de Seguros Latina abre oficina en Holyoke

HOLYOKE, MA | GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2 de julio de 2020 - Los propietarios de Rewarding Insurance Agency, Miguel Rivera y Lidia Rodríguez, se complacen en anunciar su nueva oficina ubicada dentro de la Cámara de Comercio de Greater Holyoke en 177 High Street en el centro de Holyoke. Tanto Miguel como Lidia tienen 10 años de experiencia compartida y están dedicados a proteger financieramente a familias, individuos y empresas en Massachusetts y Connecticut. “Estamos orgullosos de poder abrir nuestras oficinas para atender a nuestros más de 500 clientes de Holyoke y de las ciudades aledañas desde donde ayudamos a nuestros clientes a evaluar sus opciones, revisar sus pólizas y procesar sus reclamos”, afirmó Miguel Rivera, copropietario y miembro del Comité de Negocios Latinos de la Cámara. La directora ejecutiva de la Cámara, Andréa Marion, agregó: “Es maravilloso tener a Rewarding Insurance Agency dentro de nuestra oficina. Vemos una gran cantidad de personas que vienen a nosotros para comenzar un negocio en Holyoke, muchos de ellos latinos. Los seguros son

Lidia Rodríguez y Miguel Rivera una gran parte de la operación de un negocio y es una combinación perfecta y una oportunidad para todos. Esperamos ver florecer su negocio y abrir nuevos negocios en nuestra comunidad gracias a ellos”. Rewarding Insurance Agency ofrece a los clientes una amplia gama de productos que incluyen: Reemplazo de ingresos, Protección de ejecución hipotecaria y Servicios notariales. Para programar una consulta gratuita y obtener más información sobre los productos que ofrecen, puede enviar un correo electrónico a RewardingInsuranceAgency@gmail.com o llamarlos al 413-317-0043. También puede encontrarlos en Facebook e Instagram: @ RewardingAgency. Durante la epidemia de coronavirus, solo habrá consultas virtuales disponibles. Una vez que el gobernador Baker levante su prohibición, puede encontrar a Miguel y Lidia en la Cámara de Comercio de Greater Holyoke, 177 High Street, Holyoke, de lunes a viernes de 9 am a 5 pm.

What’s Inside “The Con$umer Toolbox?” by MILAGROS S. JOHNSON

Perpetrators prey on vulnerable consumers and make this their practice to gain your trust, personal information and money. Did you know that “Education is the Best Prevention” in avoiding scams, fraud and identity theft? Welcome to The Con$umer Toolbox, El Sol Latino’s new consumer column. First, let me introduce myself. I am Milagros S. Johnson and I represent the (Springfield) Mayor’s Office of Consumer Information (MOCI), a Local Consumer Program working in the Cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO). Our program serves residents and consumers of Hampden County and parts of Worcester County. For the past 19½ years, I have dedicated my work to consumer education and advocacy.

Each month The Con$umer Toolbox will provide you with knowledge and confidence so that you can make informed decisions. Because we are at the forefront for you, the Con$umer Toolbox will bring awareness about scams and fraud targeting our local consumers, as well as how to avoid falling victim to one. Other topics will include buying a car (not a lemon), home improvement, credit, retail sales, and so much more. While we are not lawyers, we are well-versed on consumer protection and regulations. In other words, we are your source of information and want to keep you informed. If it’s important to you, it’s important to us! We are currently in the midst of an unprecedented coronavirus pandemic which has caused insurmountable financial harm to millions of consumers and businesses worldwide. Many of you are unemployed and afraid how you will recover once the Massachusetts Temporary Moratorium on evictions and foreclosures is lifted, while others have deferred automobile loans and credit card payments. The best advice we can offer you right now is: 1) don’t panic 2) don’t ignore the letters and telephone calls from creditors and utility companies, 3) avoid disregarding your situation. Remember you’re not alone, there are resources available for you. Seek immediate help! To learn more about our program or to request assistance, please visit us at springfield-ma.gov, email us at moci@springfieldcityhall.com or call us at (413) 787-6437 (se habla Español). Please note that we are currently not accepting walk-ins, however teleconferences are welcomed and strongly encouraged. Stay safe, be well…and stay informed. MILAGROS S. JOHNSON is the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Consumer Information - Springfield

Publish your bilingual ad in El Sol Latino! Call us today at (413) 320-3826.

STCC plans mix of on-campus low-density labs and online courses for fall

SPRINGFIELD, MA | SPRINGFIELD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE | June 1, 2020 - Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Springfield Technical Community College this fall will offer a combination of on-campus low-density labs using social distancing protocols as well as online instruction. Dr. Geraldine de Berly, Vice President of Academic Affairs, outlined summer and fall semester instruction plans in an email shared with the campus community today. Instruction plans were made in light of the Commonwealth’s four-phased approach to reopening the Massachusetts economy. Dr. John B. Cook, STCC President, said students will continue to receive a high-quality educational experience from the most affordable college in the city. “Our efforts to adapt given the COVID-19 pandemic have been comprehensive,” Cook said. “I am confident this plan offers the best set of options for our students; the decisions we made were difficult, but thoughtful, and were driven by the health and well-being of STCC students, faculty and staff.” STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts, offers upwards of 90 programs, many of which are unique to the region. In addition, students avoid student loan debt, and find opportunity and more in STCC’s multiple bachelor’s degree transfer options. The college is known for its state-of-the art laboratories and equipment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs, as well as a nationally recognized patient simulation facility used by students in its acclaimed health programs. “STCC has no intention of becoming a fully online institution. The pivot to online is driven by a health pandemic,” de Berly said. “COVID-19 has forced the college to adjust, and we do hope in the future to return to the robust utilization of campus facilities which include our labs, specialized equipment, unique technologies and the rewarding in-person experiences STCC faculty generate with and for students.” STCC will offer fully online Summer Session classes, which begin today. Some online classes may include virtual meetings between instructors and students while the remainder will be “asynchronous” – not delivered in real time, an approach that affords flexibility. Some programs in the School of Health and Patient Simulation (SHPS) will include low-density, on-campus labs that could begin as soon as June 8 as part of a Phase 2 pilot, and will include necessary social distancing, personal protective equipment and sanitizing protocols. For the fall semester, SHPS will deliver courses and programs using a combination of low-density instruction and online, with gathering size set in accordance with state and federal social distancing guidelines. Programs in the school include nursing, dental, respiratory, medical imaging, rehabilitation studies and medical laboratory technician. The School of STEM will offer courses that include online, online with video conferencing in real time, and on-campus low-density labs. Programs in the School of STEM include fields of study such as engineering transfer, computer and IT security, mechanical engineering technology, energy systems, optics and photonics, electrical engineering technology/robotics, architecture building technology, graphic design, and digital media. All courses in the School of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (LAPS) will be taught online. Administrators decided to convert all classes in LAPS to online as a response to the need to limit campus density and population. Many of the classes in the School of LAPS are lecture-oriented, which lend to the decision to go fully online, Vice President de Berly said. Two-year programs include business transfer, criminal justice, early childhood education, urban studies, applied psychology, social work and more. In certain instances, STCC will use “synchronous” teaching strategies, which means students gather with their instructor at a specific date and time through video conferencing. But most of the classes will be taught using an asynchronous approach, which gives students greater flexibility to set their own hours to complete their studies and assignments. “Many of our students have childcare obligations, work commitments, and a host of other complicated circumstances,” Cook said. “We know that our students benefit from having flexibility in their classwork, and online is yet another way STCC lives its mission of ensuring access to higher education.” Cook said he was impressed with the way the faculty transitioned during the spring semester when the COVID-19 emergency forced the college to make sudden adjustments. STCC offers professional development resources for faculty, including support and training through the Center for Online and Digital Learning. “I applaud our faculty for their resiliency over the past several months,” Cook said. “They showed tremendous dedication and commitment to our students, and were resolved during an unprecedented time in our history as an institution. I truly appreciate their efforts to help students transform their lives.” Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333. About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC student honored as ‘29 Who Shine’ recipient

SPRINGFIELD, MA | SPRINGFIELD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE | Who Shine award. June 1, 2020 – A Springfield Technical Community College student from Agawam was named one of the state Department of Higher Education’s “29 Who Shine,” a program that recognizes an outstanding graduating student from each public college and university in Massachusetts. “Her hard work, dedication and commitment to the community, STCC and her Delia Fuentes said she was thrilled to be selected. She received the news peers made her the from STCC in mid-May, a time when she was mostly confined to her home perfect candidate for this with her family due to the COVID-19 pandemic. recognition,” Tarpey said. “It came as a huge surprise,” she said. “It actually brightened my whole family’s month. We were pretty low because of the quarantine. Then I got the email, and I thought, ‘This is amazing!’ I never in a million years thought I would win an award like that.” “I’ve been impressed with Delia since she came to STCC and became one of our student leaders. We’re proud of her and wish her Andrea Tarpey, coordinator of student activities at STCC, and Lidya Riverasuccess in the future.” Early, director of community engagement, nominated Fuentes for the 29 continued on page15