Modern Indian boys meet General Custer at the principal's office in high school and this time lose the battle.



War dances are held in front of the 7/11 while holding on to a 40 oz. for good luck.



Gang colors are the new traditional regalia as they fight each other instead of the true enemy.



Manhood ceremonies are now called hazings or gang bangs.



Modern Indian boys cut their hair short and wear bandannas around their heads that are now symbols of… Continue

Don Manuel (left) and Grandfather Cyril (Right)



This year we have lost 2 of our great spiritual leaders, Grandfather Cyril Taylor, Carib, in July, and Don Ángel Manuel Galagarza, Boricua, this past Sunday, December 13. When we lose an elder, we lose an encyclopedia of knowledge as well as their wisdom and strength for our community.



I had the privilege of accompanying the two Grandfathers, Grandmother Naniki Reyes Ocasio and Don… Continue

Awhile back I did some interpretations of myths that I had read in the writings of Ramon Pané. Here is my interpretation of the myth of Deminan and Turtle Woman.

As soon as they came to the door of Bayamanaco, the old man and saw that he carried cazabe (bread made from cassava flour), they said “Ahiacabo guarocoel!” which means, “We know our grandfather!” In the same way, Deminan Caracaracol, seeing his brothers ahead of him, entered… Continue

This image was suggested to me by my dear friend, Joanna Aviles-Soto. It is a chalk drawing (6 feet x 5 feet) and will be on display at the Kennedy Center until November. Then it will be "hosed down" to make room for another chalk drawing. Many people asked about the symbolism of the piece and there were "boricuas" who I didn't have to explain anything to. It was a long hot day but worth… Continue