Taino to bring attention to Suicide Crises

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) - Taino community member Raul Kahayarix Rios will join hundreds of others in a 20 mile walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in June 2008. The walkers will travel through the night in this special event called “Out of the Darkness Overnight”, which is designed to raise funds and make a bold statement to bring the issue of suicide “out into the light.”

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from suicide. With more than 30,000 lives lost each year in the U.S. and over one million worldwide, Rios notes that “the importance of AFSP's mission has never been greater, nor this work more urgent.”

Kahayarix Rios has a personal fundraising goal of $1000 for this cause and he is currently seeking support from the community at large. Rios has set up an “Overnight” fundraising page where donations can be made or the community can check on his fundraising progress. The page and additional information about the “Overnight” event is located at the AFSP website, is accessible at http://www.theovernight.org/?fuseaction=extranet.personalpage&confirmid=10010500.

The Out of the Darkness Overnight will start at 7:00 pm on Saturday evening, June 7, with a short, reflective and motivating Opening Ceremony framed by the setting sun. Upon completing the route, the walkers will gather back at the Ceremonies site on Sunday morning, June 8. Starting at 5:00 am, a Closing Ceremony will complete the event with a celebration of community.

UCTPTN 03.15.2008

Taino Take Action to Support Head-Start Program

New York (UCTP Taino News) – Taino artists Reina Miranda and Aguilar Marrero of TAINO SPIRIT were among a group of esteemed supporters of the “Pa’l Pueblo” charity drive for the United Head-Start program of Bushwick, New York on December 14, 2007.

A call for support of the program was announced on a recent RADIO CAPICU program aired in New York. Supporters were urged to sponsor a special event for the charity drive, which took place at the Notice Lounge in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In the spirit of their ancestors, Miranda and Marrero, co-owners of Taino Spirit (http://www.cafepress.com/aguilar), contacted the radio show to pledge their support as official-sponsors as well as confirm their appearance to donate for raffle 4 hand-painted jackets and other “surprises”.

To the delight of the event organizers, Taino Spirit had also organized the participation and toy donations of a local PATHMARK supermarket, the New York Pod Café, Despierta Boricua, and the United Confederation of Taino People’s Office of International Relations. On behalf of these entities, three large bags of toys as well as financial donations were presented to this charity event that also featured cutting-edge poetry, comedy, and music presentations.

The gifts will be distributed to the children on December 19.

Photo (From left to right): Raul Kahayarix Rios, Joanne Ramirez, George "Urban Jibaro" Torres, Aguilar Marrero, Reina Miranda, Margarita Cheng, Papo Swiggity, and Jessica Arocho.

UCTPTN 12.19.2007