Brook Park Volunteer Day February 9

South Bronx, NY (UCTP Taino News) - Since 2010, community organization Friends of Brook Park (FoBP) planted over 40 trees in the South Bronx area. Using volunteers, the plantings have taken place around Brook Park in an effort to create green corridors in the local community and leading to the Bronx waterfront. FoBP has called a Volunteer Day on Saturday, February 9^th to plant more trees in the South Bronx area near the park.

“This is a wonderful and necessary initiative” stated R. Mukaro Borrero, President of the United Confederation of Taino People. “We need more trees in our urban areas and the experience of planting and seeing the trees grow in the neighborhood is something positive for young people. It introduces them to the concept of stewardship – taking care of the land.”

Borrero notes that many Taino community members use the park regularly and he is calling on community members to consider assisting. Along with the tree-planting other park maintenance will taken place. No experience is necessary, but it is “welcome” as are tools and equipment. All ages are welcome and the start time is 10am till about 2pm at Brook Park at East 141st Street and Brook Avenue in the Bronx. Interested persons can contact FoBP’s Tree Planting Coordinator, Carol Zakaluk at carol@friendsofbrookpark.org.

UCTPTN 02.02.2013

Taino celebrate Equinox and International Day of Peace in the Bronx

Bronx, NY (UCTP Taino News) – Taino People gathered in the South Bronx on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008 in recognition of the Autumnal Equinox and the International Day of Peace. Organized by the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society, Bohio Attabei Women's Circle, and Iukaieke Guainia in collaboration with Friends of Brook Park the gathering included ceremonies, songs, music, food, and discussion. Along with representatives of the host organizations, also in attendance throughout the day were members of Casa Atabex Ache, and hip hop poetry duo “Taino Survivalists.” A focus on the protest campaign against a proposed Columbus monument in Boriken (Puerto Rico) was featured among the various discussions taking place. The plans to erect the Columbus statue are being initiated by the Mayor of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and The Holland Group Inc. The establishment of an international, inter-tribal coalition against the statue was announced. Follow-up on the campaign will be coordinated by the United Confederation of Taino People.

UCTPTN 09.22.2008

Taino Solstice Gathering in the Bronx

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) - In recognition of World Peace and Prayer Day and the summer solstice, the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society and Iukaieke Guainia will host a ceremonial gathering and purification ceremony at Brook Park in the Bronx, New York on Saturday, June 21, 2008. A special focus of this event will be to offer prayers of unity for the participants of the Peace and Dignity Journeys Spiritual Run and the Longest Walk II. A naming ceremony for several community members will also take place. The gathering will begin at 12noon sharp and the event is free. The organizers have requested that attendees please bring food to share and consider monetary donations to the Friends of Brook Park. The park is located at 141st Street and Brook Ave in the South Bronx. For more information on the gathering contact uctp_ny@yahoo.com or call 1(212)604-4186.

UCTPTN 06.13.2008