FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Yolanda Sánchez
Caché Program Coordinator,
Casabe Houses Community Dev. Fund
Tel: 212-410-6030 •  Fax: 212-996-8134

A Free Program Rich in Afro-Latino Culture,
Film and the Arts is Newly Offered in El Barrio!

Series of classes and performances catering to East Harlem’s seniors, families and older teens preserves and shares the history, traditional artistry and culture of this great community.

New York, NY, August 10, 2010 – Starting September, Casabe Houses shares its collaboration with El Barrio’s finest art organizations as Casabe’s new, free and exciting Caché Program begins with classes for the community focused on Puerto Rican / Latino and African-American culture.

“By us and about us,” is how Program Coordinator, Yolanda Sánchez sums up Caché.  She further explains,”Casabe is filling multiple community needs recognized in programming for our resident seniors, and while planning activities for their children and grandchildren to share.  Just as we acknowledge the seniors in El Barrio clutching tradition, we also observe young families and older youth losing their connections with, or lacking a clear understanding of their cultural roots.  In spite of the economy shooting arrows into the hearts of all education and arts funding, Caché is able to deliver vital support to critically important cultural arts organizations in our community.  We are ensuring that the ethnological wealth, heritage and histories belonging to the Puerto Rican / Latino and African American people of East Harlem will not only be taught and enjoyed in the present, but also nourished and preserved for the future.”

In full swing by mid-September, the program will be housed in Casabe’s newly renovated space on East 121st Street and Lexington Avenue; a perfect venue to accommodate the inter-generational cultural arts activities that will bridge old and new, past with present.  African and Puerto Rican historians and new media professionals, accomplished teaching artists, dancers, and musicians from:

• La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña,
• PRdreams / MediaNoche,
• and BombaYo, among others will provide the eclectic mix of:
  • drawing, ceramics, painting,
  • contemporary and traditional Afro-Puerto Rican dance,
  • drumming, songs and music,
  • discussions and workshops on the historical roots of African-Americans and Puerto Ricans,
  • Puerto Rican / Latino / American film screenings, documentaries,
  • and live performances and showcases.

Added caveats within the history and education portion of the program deliver a unique video diary project, workshop in traditional medicinal herbs and well being, as well as classes in Tai-Chi, basic computer use and surfing the internet.  Programming is scheduled during convenient weekday and weekend hours to ensure that everyone interested can participate.

Registration for the Caché Program is currently underway.  Ms. Sánchez is filling classes on a first-come, sign-up basis and urges organizations and individuals to call, or stop by to speak with her on Thursdays from 3 – 6 pm.  In addition to requesting the Registration form, be sure to pick-up the updated Schedule of Classes that can also be faxed, or sent by post and/or e-mail.

Casabe Houses is located at 150 East 121st Street in El Barrio.  Please contact the Program Coordinator at (212) 410-6030 with your questions, or requests for additional information.