Diaz Team Announces the Fifth Abrazo Garifuna

What You Should Know
By State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District 

You should know that the Diaz Team is comprised of New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, along with Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake – and we are announcing that this Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 7pm there will be more than 500 people attending the Fifth Abrazo Garifuna in New York celebration at Maestro's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue.

This Abrazo Garifuna is celebration of the many contributions of the Garifuna community to the City and State of New York. New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, along with Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake will be honoring from distinguished members of the Garifuna community for their outstanding achievements.  They are: Marcia Gomez, for Community Leadership; Yeny Budari Placios, for Arts and Culture; Deacon Apolonio Mejia, for Religion; and Arnol Guity-Martinez for Youth Leadership.

It is important for you to know that this event for the Garifuna community is completely free - and that there are the 500 seats that will be available to the first 500 people who arrive.

Editors Note:  We call it Team Diaz rather than the Diaz Team.

Councilmember Ruben Diaz announces the celebration of the 8th “Abrazo Garifuna in New York.”

 NY-Council Member Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with New York State Senator Luis Sepulveda, Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Victor Pichardo and City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, will celebrate the 8^th“Abrazo Garifuna Banquet in New York.” in recognition of Garifuna Heritage Month.

The “Abrazo Garifuna Banquet” will take place at Maestro’s Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, New York, on Friday, May 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and is completely free for all attendees.

The elected officials, together with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., will be presenting proclamations to five (5) distinguished members of the Garifuna Community.

For more Information, please contact Ms. Leila Martinez at 718-792-1140.

 

Councilmember Ruben Diaz announces the celebration of the 8th “Abrazo Garifuna in New York.”

  Council Member Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with New York State Senator Luis Sepulveda, Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Victor Pichardo and City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, will celebrate the 8^th“Abrazo Garifuna Banquet in New York.” in recognition of Garifuna Heritage Month.

The “Abrazo Garifuna Banquet” will take place at Maestro’s Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, New York, on Friday, May 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and is completely free for all attendees.

The elected officials, together with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., will be presenting proclamations to five (5) distinguished members of the Garifuna Community.

For more Information, please contact Ms. Leila Martinez at 718-792-1140.

Senator Ruben Diaz announce the celebration of the 6th “Abrazo Garifuna in New York”

  Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with  New York State Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Michael Blake and newly elected City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, will celebrate the 6th   “Abrazo Garifuna in New York.”  This event will honor the contributions of the Garifuna-Americans to the State and City of New York .   

The Abrazo Garifuna,  will take place at Maestro’s Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, New York, on Friday, March 11 from7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. 

Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz together with  the  elected official and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. , will be presenting  proclamations to five (5) distinguished members of the Garifuna Community. 

  

For more Information, please call the Office : Michael Blake –718-538-3829, Marcos Crespo 718-893-0202, Luis Sepulveda 718-931-2620 or Senator Ruben Diaz 718-991-3161

Senator Ruben Diaz announce the celebration of the 7th “Abrazo Garifuna in New York”

Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with  New York State Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Michael Blake, Victor Pichardo and City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, will celebrate the 7th “Abrazo Garifuna Banquet in New York.”, in recognition of the Garifuna’s Heritage Month. 

The “Abrazo Garifuna Banquet”, will take place at Maestro’s Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, New York, on Friday, March 17from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and is completely free for all the attendees. 

The elected official together with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. , will be presenting  proclamations to six (6) distinguished members of the Garifuna Community. 

  

For more Information, please contact Ms. Leila Martinez at 718-991-3161

Senator Ruben Diaz announces the celebration of the 7th “Abrazo Garifuna in New York”

  NY-Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with New York State Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Michael Blake, Victor Pichardo and City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, will celebrate the 7^th “Abrazo Garifuna Banquet in New York.” in recognition of Garifuna Heritage Month.

The “Abrazo Garifuna Banquet” will take place at Maestro’s Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, New York, on Friday, March 17 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and is completely free for all attendees.

The elected officials, together with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., will be presenting proclamations to six (6) distinguished members of the Garifuna Community.

For more Information, please contact Ms. Leila Martinez at 718-991-3161.

 

Abrazo Garifuna 2017 By TEAM DIAZ

  It was flag waving, and dancing by the Garifuna Folkloric Dance Company with a few political speeches thrown in by some members of TEAM DIAZ as they hosted the Abrazo Garifuna 2017 in honor of Garifuna-American Heritage Month. There are now six members of TEAM DIAZ who are State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblyman (and Bronx Democratic County Leader) Marcos Crespo, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Assemblyman Victor Pichardo, Assemblyman Michael Blake, and Councilman Rafael Salamanca. Each of the six members of Team Diaz had one person that they selected to be their honoree. 

  The honorees were Mr. Pablo Gomez by State Senator Diaz Sr. Ms. Linda Lino by Assemblyman Crespo. Mr. Felipa Manaiza by Assemblyman Sepulveda, Mr. Edson Arzu by Assemblyman Pichardo. Ms. Mirtha Colon by Assemblyman Blake, and Ms. Morphy Valentine by Councilman Salamanca. 

Above - State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda hold each others arm high in celebration of their many years of friendship. If you enlarge the photo, you can see that Senator Diaz Sr's cowboy hat is green for St. Patrick's Day.

Below - Five of the six members of TEAM DIAZ 2017. Assemblyman Michael Blake who is missing from the photos was returning from Washington where he was recently elected a Democratic National Committee Vice-Chair. Blake arrived right before the ceremony ended and is pictured in a few photos at the end.

Above and Below - Before the ceremony there was time to get in a few photos with some of the attendees.

Above - Pastor Andrew Nunez gives the Invocation.

Below - Ms. Lucy Blanco sings the U. S. National Anthem.

Above - The six honorees for the evening.

Below - The elected officials hold the awards for the honorees. Being that it was St. Patrick's Day on the right side is State Committeeman for the 80th A.D. Joseph McManus a real Irishman is there for good luck. Just like a leprechaun as you turned around he was gone and off to another event.

Above and Below - The Garifuna Folkloric Dance Company danced up a storm.

Yes these two lovely ladies were two of the dancers who performed.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins to be Honored at the African-American Abrazo

 What You Should Know 
By State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District 

You should know that since 1976 when United States President Gerald Ford declared the month of February as Black History Month, every U.S. President since has followed suit, giving all Americans, elected officials and organizations one full month to host events and activities that recognize distinguished members of the African-American community.

As you know, during my years in the New York State Senate, I have created annual events called Abrazos." (Abrazo means embrace.) I do this every year to celebrate various communities during their special months, and at each event, distinguished leaders are honored.

I have held the Abrazo Boricua in New York each June to celebrate the Puerto Rican community and heritage.  Each July, the Abrazo Dominicano in New York celebrates the attributes of the Dominican Republic's culture and community.  During the spring, the Abrazo Garifuna in New York honors the traditions that come from West Africa, Arawak, and the Caribbean - and the Abrazo Bangladesh in New York honors the many contributions of the Bangladeshi society.

In February - Black History Month - the African-American Abrazo celebrates the contributions and history of the African-American community.  This year, Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake have joined me to officially be part of all of the Abrazos. We have chosen Friday, February 20, 2015 to celebrate the African-American Abrazo.  

Each of us has chosen one member of the African-American community to honor at our banquet that will be attended by 500 guests. (This event is by invitation-only.)

You should know that my honoree is the distinguished Senator from Yonkers: New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who just happens to be the first African-American woman ever chosen to be the Leader of the Senate Democratic Conference in Albany. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins has made history as the first African-American woman to lead a Conference in the New York State Legislature.

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda has chosen Ms. Neva Shillingford-King to be his honoree. Ms. Shillingford-King is the Executive Vice President of 1199 SEIU, and one of the most powerful women in New York.  She is also the wife of New York City Councilman Andy King.

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo has selected Rev. Dimas Salaberrios, an African-American minister as his honoree.  Rev. Salaberrios works with the youth in the Bronx River Housing Development, and serves as the President of the Concerts of Prayer Greater New York.

Assemblyman Michael Blake's honoree is Mr. Abraham Jones, the Executive Director at Claremont Neighborhood Centers, Inc.

It is important for you to know that the 2015 African-American Abrazo will be held on Friday, February 20th at Maestro's Caterer (located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue) where the three Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake - and myself - will gather to honor four hardworking and inspiring members of New York's African-American community.

Ladies and gentlemen, as a proud Hispanic, I have to say that it is a great honor for me to join my colleagues in coordinating the 2015 African-American Abrazo to celebrate Black History Month and recognize the contributions of four of our great leaders.

This event is by invitation only. 

State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. ABRAZO GARIFUNA 2014

  As he has done the past several years State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. has held an Abrazo Garifuna in honor of Garifuna-Americn Heritage Month. Over 500 people attended this years event that was held Friday night at Maestro's Caterers. The elected officials on hand with Senator Diaz were Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Congressman Charlie Rangel, State Senator Fernando Cabrera, Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, Councilwoman Maria Del Carmen Arroyo, Civil Cort Judge candidate Brenda Rivera, and others who stopped in. 

  After there was an award reorganization of the four honorees there was a fabulous dance performance in which several audience members joined in with the Budari Dance Company. Below are some photos of the event.

The new Team Diaz? City Councilwoman Maria Del Carmen Arroyo and Congressman Charlie Rangel join Assemblymen Marcos Crespo & Luis Sepulveda and State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.

 

 Left - As Assemblyman Marcos Crespo is speaking Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda tries on Senator Diaz's hat.

Right - Assemblymen Luis Sepilveda and Marcos Crespo point to Senator Diaz's favorite assemblyman.

Left - State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. reads from Community & Civic Leadership Award presented to Aquina Valentin.

Right - Assemblyman Luis Sepilveda reads from the Culture & Arts Award presented to Felix Gamboa.

 

Left - State Senator Fernando Cabrera reads from the Faith Leadership Award presented to Pastor Andrew Nunez.

Right - State Senator Marcos Serrano reads from the Youth Leadership Award presented to Perla Gonzales.

 Senator Diaz, Assemblyman Crespo, and Jose Avila join the Budari Dance Company for this photo.

The dance company at the start of the performance.

 The dancing was so inviting that even several audience members joined in.

6th “Abrazo Garifuna in New York”

  Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with  New York State Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Michael Blake and newly elected City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, celebrated the 6th  “Abrazo Garifuna in New York.” held Friday night at Maestro's Caterers. Over 500 people attended this standing room only event, and the photos below will tell the rest of the story.

Above - There were photo ops with the elected officials before the event.

Below - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was on hand and almost everyone wanted to greet him, or have their photo taken with him.

Above - BP Diaz opened the event as the five Honorees came into the room with an elected official.

Below - Honoree Yasmin Ramos enters with Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.

Above and Below - After showing off some dance moves Honoree Mirta Reyes and Assemblyman Michael Blake come to the front of the room.

Above - Honoree Barbara Neil Lopez enters with New City Councilman Rafael Salamanca.

Below - Honoree Sulma Arzu-Brown enters with Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda who stood in for his semi-twin brother Assemblyman Marcos Crespo who arrived afterwards. 

Above and Below - No it is not the same photo, but Mr. Felix Gamboa was the hit of the night when he sang the International Garifuna Anthem. 

Above - The five Honorees, Barbara Neil-Lopez, Mirta J. Reyes, Yasmin Ramos, Candido Nunez, and Sulma Arzu-Brown. 

Below - I was able to take my place as one of the members of 'TEAM DIAZ'  as I stood in for Assemblyman Marcos Crespo. 

TEAM DIAZ ABRAZO GARIFUNA

  It was the Annual TEAM DIAZ Abrazo in Honor of Garifuna-American Month. Well almost TEAM DIAZ as two members were missing. Newly elected State Senator Luis Sepulveda and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. were absent from the event for various reasons. No matter former State Senator now Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. took center stage and the Abrazo went on as you will see from the photos below.

Above and Below- As is custom the elected officials pose with members of the audience before the Abrazo.

Above - Another photo with the electeds.

Below - Members of the Garifuna Cultural Group Anyana Yankunu Dance Group performed. 

Above - The invocation is given by Evangelist Dr. Mery Alvarez. What is Assemblyman Marcos Crespo thinking?

Below - The National Anthem is sung by Rosemary Bermudez.

Above - Without the Bronx Borough President 'In the House"', Assemblyman Crespo stands in for him to say a few words.

Below - The five honorees (l-r) Mr. Pablo Blanco, Ms. Daysi Fernandez, Ms. Luz F. Solis, Ms. Emi VAlerio, and Mr. Eduardo Solano. 

Above - Honoree Eduardo Solano receives Proclamations and citations from the elected officials.

Below - Honoree Emi Valerio Receives her Proclamations and citations from the elected officials.

Honoree Luz F. Solis receives her Proclamations and Citations as did Honorees Ms. Daysi Fernandez and Mr. Pablo Blanco.

African American Embrace "Abrazo Afro-Americano 2018

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Councilman, Ruben  Diaz Sr.

District 18 Bronx County, New York

You should know that on Friday, February 23^rd 2018 from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am at Maestros Caterer’s, 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, in the Bronx, together with Assembly Members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Victor Pichardo and Council Member Rafael Salamanca we will be celebrating  the Annual “African American Embrace “Abrazo Afro-Americano”  in recognition of the Black Heritage Month.

The African- American Embrace “Abrazo Afro-Americano”, is a free banquet for 500 people where the elected official recognize with proclamations and certificates five (5) distinguish members of the African-American Community in the Bronx County.

You should also know, that this is one of four (4) different Abrazos that we started many years ago to recognize different community and cultures.  

Beside the Abrazo Afro-Americano we also celebrate Abrazo Garifuna, Abrazo Boricua and Abrazo Dominicano.  In the month of December for Christmas we celebrated a  Christmas Party for over 800 people.

I am Councilman Rev. Rubén Díaz, Sr., and this is what you should know.

For more information, please contact Leila Martinez at (718) 792-1140.

Bronx Democratic County Committee - Upcoming Events

Rally for Hillary Clinton When: Wed. 3/2/16 at 3:15p Where: Jacob Javits Center - Javits Center North Enter at 11th Avenue and West 39th Street Welcome Hillary Clinton back to New York after Super Tuesday. For more information, Text RALLY to 47246* or visit www.hillaryclinton.com/nyrally. Click to Enlarge   Women's Empowerment Dinner When: Fri. 3/31/16 at 6 - 10p Where: Maestro's Caterers - 1703 Bronxdale Ave., Bronx, NY You are cordially invited to join Hon. Cynthia Cox, Female District Leader of the 79th Assembly District, for the 2nd Annual Women's Empowerment Dinner With Honorees: Letitia James - Public Advocate for the City of New York, Inez Harvey -Community Leader, Annie Oliver - Church Organizer/Church on the Hill A.M.E. Zion,  Pastor Georgiette Morgan-Thomas - Mustard Seed Faith Ministries, Rochelle Mangual -  President of DC 37 Retiree's Association, Isom Malika - Community Activist. For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Florence Davis - (347) 693-8767, Tee Lawton - (646) 463-9917, Diana Diaz - (917) 535-5295, or Ernestine Jackson - (347) 224-2002. Click to Enlarge   Abrazo Garifuna When: Fri. 3/11/16 from 7p - 12a Where: Maestro's Caterers - 1703 Bronxdale Ave, Bronx, NY Please join Rev. Ruben Diaz, Sr., Hon, Michael Blake, Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Hon. Luis Sepulveda, and Councilman-Elect Hon. Rafael Salamance for the 6th Annual Garifuna Abrazo in honor of Garifuna-American Heritage Month. Invitation Only, for tickets call the district offices of Michael Blake at 718-538-3829, Marcos Crespo at 718-893-0202, Luis Sepulveda at718-931-2620, or Ruben Diaz, Sr. at 718-991-3161. Click to Enlarge    Bronx Young Dems' Spring Gala When:   Wed. 4/20/16 from 7 - 10p Where:    Michaelangelo's - 2477 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY The Bronx Young Democrats' request your attendance at their first Spring Gala. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the New York State Young Democrats Convention, hosted in the Bronx this May. The Gala will honor the following Bronx Young Dem Elected Officials: Hon. Michael Blake, Hon. Marcos Crespo, Hon. Vanessa Gibson, Hon. Latoya Joyner, Hon. Victor Pichardo, and Hon. Ritchie Torres. To purchase tickets to this event please visitthebyd.org Click to Enlarge     In solidarity,   Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Chair The Bronx Democratic County Committee 1640 Eastchester Rd.