Clemente Soto Vélez

A poet, journalist, activist and nationalist..Clemente Soto Vélez left Latinos everywhere a legacy that contributed enormously to our social, cultural and economic lives.

Born January 4, 1905 in Lares, Puerto Rico, Clemente was orphaned at the age of seven. At an early age he began to study painting, electrical engineering and business administration. It was in San Juan during his early youth that he had the opportunity to meet poets Alfredo Margenat and Pedro Carrasquillo, whom together would find the vanguard literary group “El Atalaya de los Dioses” (The Watchtower of the Gods). Joined by several other young talented poets, the group attempted to create a connection between the poetic/literary world and politics at a time when the Nationalist Party of Puerto Rico (Nacionalista de Puerto Rico) was emerging. His involvement in the party led his arrest in 1936, on conspiracy charges, for a period of seven years. Although, he was released in 1940(served prison time in Atlanta, Georgia) he was quickly arrested for violating the conditions of his release.

In 1942, he was once again released but was restricted from returning to Puerto Rico so he settled in New York City. He quickly became politically active, directing the Puerto Rican Merchants Association, Inc. throughout the 1970's and organizing numerous literary and cultural events.

Clemente's literary works span a lifetime. Many of his early writings were published in newspapers and periodicals. His first writings were published in 1937 by friends due to his incarceration. In 1954, his first book of poetry entitled 'Abrazo Interno' was published.

Clemente served as a mentor to young artists, musicians and writers who revered him. He continued both his journalistic work and poetry and was invited to many seminars and conferences. One of his most ardent supporters and promoter of his work was his second wife, Amanda Andrea Vélez, a political activist in Argentina and a member of the Partido Socialista de Argentina. Clemente Soto Vélez died in Puerto Rico on April 15, 1993.

Full info from:
Center for Puerto Rican Studies (Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños):

1. Guide to the Clemente Soto Vélez and Amanda Vélez Papers
2. The Life & Times of Clemente Soto Vélez

Estos Árboles / These Trees

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos: A Small Impactful Memory

The fondness of a memory can bring a smile upon ones face. As the holidays come to an end around this part of the world (as Capitalism takes precedence over all), I am reminded of a time when I would travel far away enough from the concrete jungle of New York and make it to the warmth of Puerto Rico. I smile as I think back to a time when I put grass in a box and put that under the bed. A small memory, to say the least, but one that stands out like a picture before me. I can see and understand the significance of the moment now more than ever.
As Three Kings Day (Día de los Tres Reyes Magos) is celebrated, on Jan. 6, in Spain, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba and many other Latin American countries, very little is heard of or celebrated in the U.S. Nonetheless, it is a part of our cultures (Latino) and one that should at least be taught and carried forward into future generations.

A Short History Of Three Kings Day

El Museo del Barrio: Three Kings Day Parade

La Parada de los "Tres Reyes Magos de Brooklyn"

2010: Let's Continue being in the Forefront

This past year, 2009, brought on many things that put a smile on my face. It would be inappropriate to say that these very things made me proud to be Latino because I have always been proud. Nonetheless, the fact that a Latina, Sonia Sotomayor, made it to the U.S. Supreme Court (the highest court in the land) and that a Latino, Joseph Acaba, made it out to space put a huge smile on my face. President Obama's appointment of Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor and Thomas Perez as assistant attorney general for Civil Rights Division (USDOJ) reflect a commitment by Latinos to persevere. Some of their stories mirror the stories of other Latinos who are struggling against the odds and looking to persevere as well.



Many things throughout the year brought me happiness from a loving wife, beautiful daughters and a wonderful family. Other things outside of my immediate circle that made me proud were the new friendships I developed throughout the year, seeing everyday Latinos do some amazing things within and for their communities and the selfless promotion of nuestra culturas. I witnessed everything from Latino artists, painters, authors, singers, community activists and many more who are doers in their own right. Many have amazed me with their abilities and never ending energy to go forward, while others have inspired me just the same.

The year was not without its challenges and/or issues, that as Latinos we must keep abreast of and continue to keep an eye and ear to. Challenges to and issues related to health-care reform, immigration laws, education and the old ugly face of stereotypes and racism. All of these are issues and challenges which remain in the forefront of things that we face, must come together and tackle and educate each other and others about. When MTV's "True Life: I'm a Nuyorican" was pulled off the air and Lou Dobbs was ousted from CNN we demonstrated that Latinos can unite, organize and bring about positive change.

The challenge to all Latinos is to stand up and continue to prosper. To continue to connect and share so as to be better informed and prepared in the face of diversity. To take pride in ourselves and in the accomplishments of others. To make 2010 a year of even greater unity and accomplishments. The possibilities are endless and even more attainable than ever, we must continue building on the achievements of 2009.

May 2010 prove to be just as exciting and may we continue to unify and solidify our communities. P'alante!