A Puerto Rican Evening
Last Friday, November 13th, I attended the Comité Noviembre 14th Annual Gala Celebrating 23 Years of Puerto Rican Heritage Month held at the Hilton in New York City. My very good friend Carlos A. Picón asked me to attend and present him with the award he was receiving that night. Carlos, a fascinating fellow, is the Curator in Charge of the Department of Greek and Roman Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One could only wish to have him along while exploring the ancient ruins of Greece and, to my great fortune, that is exactly what happened back in 1996. I was vacationing with a group of friends and Carlos joined the group as our informal lecturer and cultural guide to the wonders of ancient Greek history - a most memorable experience.
Established in 1987, the mission of Comité Noviembre is to commemorate and acknowledge all aspects of Puerto Rican life from the social and cultural to the educational, economic, and political. This organization strives to create an awareness of the rich culture, language, and heritage of the Puerto Rican community. The gala last week was a benefit to raise funds for its scholarship awards program. The event is known for the exciting musical entertainment it draws, and I must say that it was certainly a lively and fun evening. Thank you, Carlos, for inviting me and congratulations to all who were honored!
-
- A 1996 photo taken of me and Carlos during a cruise around Greece. Carlos was a fabulous tour guide.
-
- Before the festivities began – the sound check and pre-dinner preparations
-
- Here I am with Jesus Omar Rivera – aka El Boricuazo – historian and author – 2009 Spokesperson
-
- With my good friend Kathy Sloane
-
- An adoring fan who wanted her picture taken with me
-
- A friend of Frankie Negron, who performed that evening
-
- Here I am with Carlos Picon and Benefit Committee members – Lourdes Torres, Suleika Cabrera Driane, and Teresa A. Santiago
-
- At the Gala Benefit – a good photo of me and Carlos – Curator in Charge, Department of Greek and Roman Art Metropolitan Museum of Art
-
- This is in the ornate Trianon Ballroom at The New York Hilton
-
- There was very lively dancing by Bomba Y Plena Extravaganza.
-
- Whirling around the ballroom
-
- Vibrant swirls of color
-
- Frankie Negron – International Recording Artist – performed two National Anthems – The Star Spangled Banner and La Borinqueña
-
- Choco Orta – salsa diva and awards presenter
-
- The Master of Ceremonies – Jorge Ramos – Anchorman, NBC/Telemundo
-
- Teresa A. Santiago – Chairperson
-
- Presenter – The Honorable Sallie Manzanet-Daniels – Associate Justice of the Appellate Division First Department
-
- Laura Posada – wife of baseball legend, Jorge Posada – Co-Founder & President of Jorge Posada Foundation
-
- A dinner entree – New York strip steak, spinach and wild mushrooms, gruyere potato au gratin
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
