[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LOISAIDA, INC. CENTER FESTIVAL COMMITTEE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2018

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Loisaida Inc. 
Center Festival Committee on its 31st Annual Celebration in the Lower 
Eastside of Manhattan, New York. The festival was initially founded by 
grassroot leaders in the LES and led by Puerto Rican activists and 
Latino residents in the 1970's during a dark period in the community. 
Its goal was to provide a festive local fair for underserved families 
who could not afford to go away for the holiday weekend.
  Loisaida Inc. was formally incorporated as a local development 
corporation in 1978. Throughout the years, a once single block event is 
now a major cultural celebration attracting more than 30,000 visitors. 
The fair features the Nuyorican--Latin American cultural contributions 
to the historic immigrant tapestry of the LES. It is a chance for 
locals and visitors alike to enjoy day long theater, craft, music and 
delicious food.
  This year's theme is Bridging Resurgence: From Sandy to Maria, an 
urgent reminder of the continuing struggles of the Puerto Rican people 
and New Yorkers who suffered after Sandy. The Loisaida Center remains 
committed to the Island's recovery as an affirmation of the 
neighborhood's Puerto Rican heritage.
  I also want to recognize and congratulate this year's VIVA Loisaida 
honorees for their tireless lifetime commitment to social justice and 
bettering the community: Damaris Reyes, Executive Director of GOLES; 
Dr. Manuel Moran, Founder of Teatro SEA; Aixa O. Torres, community 
leader and President of Alfred E. Smith Housing Residents Association; 
and Luis and Abigail Rivera owners and son and daughter of Adela 
Fargas, beloved community icon and founder of Puerto Rican restaurant 
Casa Adela.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the rich history and 
legacy of The Loisaida Center Festival.

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