History of Comite Noviembre
40th Anniversary
Celebrating 40 years of culture, education, justice and equality
1. What does the 40th anniversary of the November Committee represent?
We celebrate four decades of commitment to preserving our culture, our history, and our Puerto Rican identity.Forty years ago we began with one conviction: our history matters, our culture matters, and our contributions deserve to be recognized.We are not only celebrating 40 years of history, but 40 years of action and service to our community.
2. Why was November established as Puerto Rican Heritage Month?
The November Committee was created with the purpose of ensuring that the contributions of Puerto Ricans to the United States were recognized and celebrated. November 19, 1493 marks the arrival of Europeans to Puerto Rico, an event that invites us to reflect on our indigenous roots, our history, and our resilience as a people. Celebrating our heritage means preserving our identity and passing it on to future generations.
3. What have been the greatest achievements of the November Committee?
We have awarded more than 470 scholarships to young Puerto Ricans to support their university studies.We develop youth leadership programs to train the next generation of community leaders.We recognize our unsung heroes and heroines through the Best of Our Community awards .We promote Puerto Rican culture through art, music, literature, and our traditions.We carry out community service and solidarity initiatives with families in need, both in New York and in Puerto Rico.
4. How important is solidarity among Latino communities?
Although our cultures and histories are different, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Colombians, Mexicans, Peruvians, Guatemalans and all our Latin American brothers and sisters share many of the same struggles.We are united by the search for opportunities, dignity, justice and equality.Our diversity is our wealth and our unity is our strength.
5. What is the message of the November Committee for the new generations?
That they feel proud of their roots and know their history.That they understand that education is a powerful tool to transform lives.Let them not forget that our culture is a source of strength and that they have a responsibility to continue our legacy.We cannot build our future if we forget where we come from.
6. What is the vision for the next 40 years?
Continue investing in the education and leadership of our youth.Strengthen our culture and our Puerto Rican identity.To defend social justice, human dignity and equality.Expand our alliances with other Latino communities.
.png)
Message from the Chairwoman – Teresa A. Santiago
As we commemorate our Fortieth year of celebrating, promoting, educating, and acknowledging Puerto Rican culture, history, and people and the outstanding contributions and impact on this nation and world.
The theme for this year is, “The Path of Our Identity", which tells the story of our people—our struggles, resilience, and
continuing journey toward justice and equality.
Forty years and Counting…
Established in 1987, Comité Noviembre is a nonprofit organization that commemorates and pays tribute to the contributions Puerto Ricans have made to this nation. It supports educational opportunities for youth through college scholarships, promotes, acknowledges, creates awareness, and takes ownership of our rich culture, language, and history. Comité Noviembre creates open forums to discuss critical issues affecting the Puerto Rican community— specifically in the areas of education, youth leadership development, health, politics, and civic involvement. Comité Noviembre seeks to institutionalize November as Puerto Rican Heritage Month throughout the United States, which it has successfully done for the past 40 years.
Comité Noviembre is the only collaboration of its kind in the United States that brings together the collective talents and resources of the following Puerto Rican organizations: ASPIRA of New York, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños at Hunter College (CUNY), El Museo del Barrio, Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College (CUNY), Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly (IPR/HE), La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, La Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular, Justice Committee: NCPRR, Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts (PRIDA), The Puerto Rican Agenda, Boricua College , National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW) and The White Plains Puerto Rican Cultural Committee.
This coordinating body plans and promotes Comité Noviembre’s annual programs and events. With the continued network support of past members like Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education, Centro de El Puente, LatinoJustice: PRLDEF, Música de Camara, National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW), and National Institute for Latino Policy, Comité Noviembre has the combined network and outreach potential of over 800,000 people through its member lists and internet capabilities.
"For 40 years, Comité Noviembre has demonstrated that our Puerto Rican heritage is not just something we celebrate, but something we live, defend, and pass on to future generations. Because when we preserve our culture, we strengthen our identity; when we educate our youth, we build our future; and when we unite as Latino people, our voices can never be ignored. Long live Puerto Rico, and long live our heritage!"
Siempre p'alante,
Teresa A. Santiago
Chairwoman
Contact
Comite Noviembre values your opinions and concerns. We are always looking for ways to help the Puerto Rican community in the States and on the island.
914-263-6599