11/26/2023
Loisaida Magi is a team of community organizations & volunteers supporting Puerto Rican playwright Angie Hernandez to provide gifts, food & fun by retelling a culturally relevant story. In 2020, we raised funds to help Casa Adela Restaurant's stay open by giving vouchers for meals to families who participated in our gift program. This year's program will have a live narration of âThe Greatest Gifts,â an excerpt from Angie HernĂĄndezâs âGifts of the Magi,â & live music. Families will receive to-go food boxes from local restaurants & children will receive gifts. Please help us provide gifts by buying a present for our toy drive:
https://www.shopexit9.com/toys/toy-drive/
Loisaida = Before it was a haven for private university students, the Lower East Side (LES) was a working-class neighborhood for immigrants. In the mid-70s, the local Latinos it âLoisaida.â Puerto Ricans & other working-class residents made Loisaida ground zero for community-led activism in NYC from the 40s to the 90s. The community spirit that grew out of this Puerto Rican Renaissance launched initiatives & neighborhood revitalization activities that positively highlighted the rich culture, heritage, & contributions of the Nuyorican & Hispanic community in NYC.
Growing out of this, community activist & playwright Angie HernĂĄndez, with the support of revered Nuyorican poet & community organizer JesĂșs âTatoâ Laviera, presented & produced the play âPeace/La Pazâ at the historic Henry Street Settlementâs Playhouse. Peace/La Paz tells the biblical story of the Three Kings, the Three Wise-men or The Magi, using Puerto Rican music, dance, & cultural references. The performance happens with a large community toy drive that serves children & families in need. Additionally, seeing themselves, their cultures & traditions in this story is empowering & entertaining for the children.
Loisaida Magi 2024 is...Angie HernĂĄndez & CHARAS, Inc., David Soto (DaSo) & Piragua Art Space, Trinity Lutheran Church, Loisaida, Inc., Henry Street Settlement, Edgar Ochoa, and Chris LaCass & Save Our Storefronts, El Grito del LES & Lilah Mejia, Aura Olavarria, Noreen Kelly.
