La Peña Cultural Center

Take Action for Environmental Justice Plus: Opportunity for Visual Artists and Extended Deadline to apply for our Productions Manager position! - https://mailchi.mp/lapena/april_22 Art by Jackie Fawn

Did you know that dancing neurologically increases our trust towards people? Happy International Dance Day! See exciting upcoming events + opportunities for artists and more in this week's newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/lapena/april_29

DEADLINE EXTENDED! We are hiring a Full-Time Productions Manager. Come join the LP team! In this role, you will be responsible for managing all production aspects of executing LP events, rentals, and special projects in our space. The position requires being bilingual (Eng-Spa), and being able to coordinate and manage events that are on-site, digital, and livestreamed.... Go to Lapena.org/Jobs to learn more about this position and how to apply. Applications will now be accepted until April 30, 2021.

#Repost @brownissues Art by @town_creations Police released footage of the events leading up to the death of a Latino man in Alameda, California, showing officers kneeling on the man’s back and shoulder until he became unresponsive. The video contradicts officials’ original account of the incident. .... Mario Gonzalez, a 26-year-old Latino man, died on the morning of April 19 after what police claimed was a scuffle and physical altercation as they attempted to restrain him, followed by a medical emergency. . Gonzalez calmly spoke with officers for nearly nine minutes before they attempted to place his hands behind his back. Police pinned him facedown on the ground and at least two officers appeared to get on top of his back, one kneeling on his shoulder, for about five minutes until Gonzalez became unresponsive. . Police said Gonzalez died at the hospital, but the video showed that he had stopped breathing on-site and that one officer declared no pulse shortly after officers began CPR. . Alameda police officers murdered my brother Mario, Gonzalez’s brother Gerardo said, noting that his brother was in the park not bothering anyone and that at no point was he violent.... Police killed my brother in the same manner that they killed George Floyd, he said. . The police report made no mention of officers kneeling on Gonzalez’s back for minutes until he lost consciousness. . Similarly, when Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered Floyd last year, police had described the death as a medical incident, neglecting to mention that Chauvin had kneeled on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes as Floyd repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe. . The Gonzalez family is demanding an entirely independent investigation and that the officers be identified, fired and prosecuted. Their attorney Julia Sherwin is an expert in restraint asphyxiation and was a consultant in Chauvin’s prosecution. @justice4mariogonzalez

The Berkeley Cultural Trust’s Equity & Inclusion Committee will be meeting Thursday May 13 from 9am-10am to dig into one of our new initiatives: convening a focus group for Berkeley artists to address equity gaps in Berkeley. This meeting is open to all interested in advancing racial equity in Berkeley arts and culture. We especially want to invite artists of all forms (musicians, poets, writers, filmmakers, etc) that live in Berkeley to join us at this meeting. Sign-up link: https://berkeleyctrust.weebly.com/equitysignup.html #berkeleyartist #berkeley #cityofberkeley #berkeleyart #bayarea #eastbay #bayareaartists #bayareamusicians #bayareacreatives

Last days to enroll in our Kids Class Series "Mundos Musicales!" We are offering three amazing online classes for kids from 7 to 11 years old, designed to develop musicianship, coordination, self-expression, and a strong sense of identity. Learn details and register at Lapena.org/KidsClasses

#Repost Art by @arielsinhaha Music by Nina Simone. Short of his breath returning to his body, there can never be true justice for George Floyd’s life being taken from him. But today, Derek Chauvin was held accountable for this senseless murderguilty on all three counts. I hope this verdict brings some semblance of peace to George’s loved ones left behind. Further justice will come only when we dismantle the systems that allowed this to happen in the first place so that it may never happen again. #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #GeorgeFloyd #abolishtheprisonindustrialcomplex #investinourcommunities #moderndayabolitionist

Final countdown to enroll in our "Mundos Musicales: Kids Classes Series!" Don't miss out this amazing opportunity go now to http://lapena.org/kidsclasses to learn more details and give your kids a learning experience made out of pure joy and play

ACTION ALERT: Please help spread the word by sharing this video and following Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice and @Justice4MarioGonzalez on IG. Alameda Police killed 26 year old Mario Gonzalez on 4/19/21. Mario was an Oakland father and caretaker for his brother who has autism. He was a kind and noble man and should be here with his family. We demand: all audio and video footage, the names and records of all 3 officers, an independent autopsy and investigatio...n. The family deserves to know what happened to their loved one. #justice4mariogonzalez

Vacunas sin costo en Richmond!

#REPOST @curyj510 Follow @justice4sean_ This beautiful young man should be celebrating his 23rd birthday. Instead Sean Monterrosa’s life was stolen by Vallejo PD. Send love and support to the Monterrosa family today especially. Drop off a book to their lending library because Sean loved to read. Hit their GoFundMe with $23. Link in @justice4sean_ bio. We love you today and everyday. #Justice4Sean #SeanMonterrosa

Hi everyone! We are very excited to share with you our second round of "Mundos Musicales: Kids Class Series" starting on May! We are offering three amazing online classes to develop musicianship, self-expression, and a strong sense of identity in our kids (7-11 years old). ... See details in our event below and register here: https://lapena.org/kidsclasses/

See all our featured artists at Lapena.org/Dinero4Artists and check out our Holiday Gift Guide at Lapena.org/HolidayGuide2020! . THIS WEEK’S FEATURED ARTISTS: Deuce Eclipse @deuceeclipse Bay Area based Emcee/rapper Deuce Eclipse draws influence from both his Nicaraguan heritage & the hip hop culture he grew up with in the US. He is also co-founder/vocalist of Bang Data and has released a variety of albums and over 200 songs, some of which have been featured in TV shows, comm...ercials & movies. Support him by buying his music & merch at DeuceEclipse.com, streaming his music, and sending him a tip at paypal.me/deuceeclipse, CashApp $DeuceEclipse, or Venmo @DeuceEclipse . Chiapas Support Committee The Chiapas Support Committee is a grassroots collective based in Oakland. They have worked with Indigenous Zapatista communities since 1998 to support & accompany their process of constructing autonomous institutions such as health care, education and economic production. They are selling hand woven bags, embroidered blouses & other beautiful textiles made by the Mayan communities of Chiapas at tinyurl.com/y3d6ejyw . Arturo Méndez @cultural.producer Arturo Méndez is an arts producer working in areas of communication, event production & curation, development/fundraising, community organizing, coalition-building & cultural diplomacy in San Francisco for over 10 years. He is the creator and Director of La Diáspora Festival, and producer of the Mission Arts and Performance Project. Amongst other projects, he is selling a Zine named Urban Prophets llustrated visit his profile to learn how to get your copy! . Siempre Viva Dolls @siempre_viva Gloria Toscano is the creative force behind Siempre Viva Dolls, a Bay Area Latinx business. Siempre Viva Dolls specializes in handmade dolls for the Latinx & POC communities. Gloria's passion is to create dolls that make people feel represented and seen. You can make a purchase at SiempreVivaDolls.com and see all her works in progress on Instagram! See more

Private ceremoy before the dia de muertos event starts

Takeaways from Town Hall! Plus, Chilean sopaipilla recipe, featured artists, vendors and more!- https://mailchi.mp/lapena/dec2-1314132

We can't wait to see your (masked) faces at our Dia de Muertos event this Sunday, November 1st 5:30pm-8:30pm! As with every event we present at La Peña, it takes a village of cultural workers to create authentic community events. We asked the cultural bearers who are helping us put on this event: "What does Dia de Muertos mean to you?" Swipe to see their responses!

Today is the day! Town Hall on Zoom. Register here! - https://mailchi.mp/lapena/dec2-1314128

Solidarity with Chile! Plus, Dia de Muertos is this Sunday at La Pena! Special menu by Los Cilantros. - https://mailchi.mp/lapena/oct-1314096

#repost @cci_arts Are you a California artist, creative, cultural practitioner, and/or arts worker who needs professional development? We’ve got a QUICK GRANT for that! APPLY BY THE 15TH OF EACH MONTH. IN BIO. CCI's Quick Grant program provides reimbursement funds to help you enroll in workshops, attend conferences, and work with consultants, coaches, and mentors in order to build administrative capacity, hone business skills, and strengthen the financial sustainability ...of your arts practice or area of cultural production. Up to $600 awards offered monthly. Apply by December 15 for activities beginning after January 15, 2021. Questions? Email [email protected] #californiaartist #artsgrants

SPECIAL DIA DE MUERTOS MENU: Get your orders in for food from Los Cilantros by 12pm on Friday, October 30th! Agua fresca, pozole, flautas, champurrado, tostadas de tinga, tamales, churros and more are on the menu! Order at the link in @loscilantros bio and pick up at our Dia de Muertos event this Sunday, November 1st from 5:30pm - 8:30pm!

Salud! We've Made it to December! CLICK THROUGH FOR PHOTOS, A SPECIAL HOLIDAY COCKTAIL RECIPE & HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY! - https://mailchi.mp/lapena/dec2-2020

Join us this Monday, December 7th for our Online Town Hall! This online event is open to all La Peña community and stakeholders and is presented by La Peña’s Staff and Board. There will be a presentation with updates on La Peña and time to hear from and respond to the community! Landing Time: 6:15pm-6:30pm During this time you can learn how to utilize Zoom to best interact at this online town hall. Event: 6:30pm-8pm... PLEASE NOTE: This event will be recorded and may be shared with the public. We want to hear from you: please fill out the "Questions and Comments" section when you register! REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_DbqrNBLhRgqaxZ3hT4HLGQ See more

With our community’s healing and safety in mind, this event is intended to be a social distance walk-through and pick-up of food & art. WE WILL ALSO BE LIVESTREAMING PORTIONS OF THIS EVENT ON LA PEÑA’S FACEBOOK PAGE! STAY TUNED! This event is designed to have an organic & intentional flow through the various points of interest. 1) Outdoor community altar by Manuel Garcia & La Peña Community + featuring artwork by Oree Originol ... 2) Walk through Los Cilantros restaurant for Dia de Muertos Art Series by Ernesto Hernandez-Olmos & ofrenda by Los Cilantros staff 3) Food pick-up counter at Los Cilantros: special menu for Dia de Muertos! Please order your food in advance by October 30th at 12pm to ensure your order: https://los-cilantross.square.site 4) Art for sale by Ernesto Olmos, Oree Originol & artesania by In Lak’ech Danza Azteca Let’s keep each other safe so that we can continue to find creative ways to build community during this global pandemic and global uprisings. Please keep your distance from folks that are not in your bubble. Masks are required.

Thank you for putting this updated list together @oaklandworkersfund #repost OAKLAND HERE IS A LIST OF FREE COVID TESTING SITES THAT ARE CURRENTLY OPEN!!!! PLEASE SHARE! we compiled this list for y’all because we noticed less and less testing sites being shared, meanwhile COVID rates are going up and alameda county is currently re-opening more and more cause capitalism is an endless virus itself ! PLEASE SHARE!!! GET TESTED!!! WEAR A MASK!!! STAY SAFE!!! WITH LOVE XOXO OAKLAND WORKERS FUND [ info compiled by @erotocado / graphics by @hellavelvet ] #freecovidtesting #oakland

Sign up for our newsletter to get featured artists, community updates, social justice and artist opportunities! Plus, you can get a free La Peña sticker! . THIS WEEK’S FEATURED ARTISTS: Jax The Band @jaxtheband Jax The Band has been performing internationally and honing their skills for the past 7 years, finding a sound all their own. Now they're ready to extend their musical reach to all corners of the world, with the The Glo Up. This 10 track project is a genre-bending j...ourney that takes you through the experience of three young artists trying to find their place in the world while working towards a collective goal and dream. The Glo Up is available now on all streaming platforms (link on their profile), and you can purchase it at jaxtheband.bandcamp.com! . Caleb Duarte @caleb_arte_ Caleb Duarte is a Fresno-based artist that works in painting, social sculpture, community collaborations with autonomous indigenous Zapatista collectives, communities in movement, and working children and refugees. He is currently working on a project called Embassy of the Refugee in Tijuana Mexico. Caleb's most recent installation is at YBCA now through March 2021 and is called The Monument as Living Memory. Show him support by visiting his website at CalebDuarte.org, sharing his projects and donating through his website! . Aida Salazar @aida_writes Aida Salazar is an arts activist and an award-winning author whose work focuses on issues of identity and social justice. She is the author of the novels The Moon Within, Land of the Cranes and the forthcoming, A Seed in the Sun. She is a founding member of Las Musas, a Latinx kid lit author collective. Support Aida by purchasing her books at Booklandiabox.com, following her on Instagram and Twitter @aida_writes, and visiting her website at AidaSalazar.com. . Cadex Herrera @cadexherrera Cadex is a multi-disciplinary artist who brings awareness to humanitarian, social and environmental injustices by championing his culture, history, people of color, immigrants and marginalized peoples. Support him by following him on Instagram and Twitter @cadex_h, checking out his website at CadexHerrera.com, and donating at paypal.me/cadex See more

My Shirt Ain’t Stupid: Is it woke to vote, or is it woke to abstain? You might think you're woke cause you're voting, or maybe you think you’re woke cause y...ou’re not voting. So who’s more woke?? Watch this video and let us know. Directed by Marcelo Perez and Meche Perez Written and Recorded by Melina Jones and Juan Wonway Amador Produced by Marcelo Perez Co- Producers : Meche Perez, Mayela Carrasco, Hugo Shiboski Actors: Kyziah Shavers, Roberto Antonio Martin Video: Jesus Jesus Fernando Iniguez Rivas Video Editor : Hugo Shiboski Music Production : Javier Santiago Music Engineer : Dion Decibels Mix : Mychal "MMYYKK" Fisher Master: Keith Kopatz Commissioned by Culture Strike and Culture Surge Special Thanks to Ana Cecilia Perez, Jamila Capitman, Lyla June Johnston #myshirtaintstupid #blackandbrownunity #rapbattle #hiphopmusicvideo #blackandbrown #afrolatino #rapmusicvideo #youthvoters #youthvote #youngvoters #blm #vote #voting #election2020 #culturesurge #maskormail See more

Dia De Muertos at La Peña! Get the details on how you can participate in this week's newsletter: - https://mailchi.mp/lapena/oct-1314092

Save the date! On November 1st, participate in La Peña's Community altar and enjoy a special Día de Muertos pick-up menu by Los Cilantros - order here: https://los-cilantross.square.site There will also be Art for sale by our Día de Muertos artist collaborators: Ernesto Hernandez-Olmos, Oree Originol and In Lak’ech Danza Azteca. To Participate in the Community Altar: Bring a 4x6 copy of a photo or art work of the ancestors you would like to commemorate at La Peña’s communit...y altar. We will provide paper frames to hang the images across the altar. (Please note: do not bring original photos or anything of value because the altar will stay overnight and nothing can be guaranteed!) MORE INFO ON OUR NEWSLETTER: https://mailchi.mp/lapena/oct-1314092 #diademuertos #communityofrenda #communityaltar #bayarea #eastbay #berkeley #lapeña #community See more

Beyond Indigenous Peoples' Day . . . decolonize everyday! - https://mailchi.mp/lapena/oct-1314088