Africans in the Azores

Africans in the Azores

According to a recent study (The African Contribution to the Present-Day Population of the Azores Islands (Portugal): Analysis of the Y Chromosome Haplogroup E), about 0.9% of Azoreans have a Sub-Saharan Y-DNA. This is the highest proportion in Portugal.

4 East Place N.1, 21st October 1931

http://bloggers.top501.nu/Blue/Cape-Verde/84918/

4 East Place N.1, 21st October 1931

by Cape Verde (Cape-Verde) @ Wed, 07 Nov 2007 06:30:10 -0500

In January 1901, I left Cape Verde Islands on the West coast of Africa after a three year’s residence there, and instead of coming home to England direct, I took a trip across the Atlantic to Florida. The first land we sighted was ... Bahá\'í Faith Resources Cuba Travel Free Phone Applications

Original post: 4 East Place N.1, 21st October 1931

Japan-Cape Verde Relations

http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/africa/cape_v/index.html

Japan-Cape Verde Relations

June 2006
Basic Data

Diplomatic Relations:
11 July 1975 (Date of the recognition of the State)

Japanese Nationals:
Number of Japanese nationals residing in the Republic of Cape Verde: 7 (as of Oct. 1998)

Trade with Japan (1998):
Exports: 2 million yen (Fish, sports materials)
Imports: 558 million yen (automobiles, etc)

Direct Investment from Japan (cumulative total fiscal 1951-1998):
none

Japan's Economic Cooperation:
List of Exchange of Notes
Loans: none
Grants: 8,325 million yen
Technical cooperation: 1,018 million yen

VIP Visits

From Japan to the Republic of Cape Verde:
none

From the Republic of Cape Verde to Japan:
Year Name
1990 Feb. Nov. Minister for Foreign Affairs, DA LUZ (November: Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor)
1993 Oct. Minister for Economic Coordination, VEIGA (TICAD)
1997 Nov. State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, JESUS
1998 Oct. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Community, JESUS (TICAD II)

Cultural Grant (cumulative total fiscal 1975-2004)

73.3 million yen (Cultural Grant Aid)
Recent Trends

Economic cooperation between Cape Verde and Japan is developing especially in the area of food aid, fishery and communication.
Press Secretary's Press Conference on Cape Verde

Year Month Date
2006 January 17
2005 April 15

(c) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kasumigaseki 2-2-1, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8919, Japan. Tel: +81- (0) 3-3580-3311

Ernestina Damoura-Moreira And Peter Cousins Chosen As 2003 YMCA Black Achievers

http://bidmc.harvard.edu/tools/newsnow/pr_out.asp?pr_id=389

BIDMC Press Release Details

Ernestina Damoura-Moreira And Peter Cousins Chosen As 2003 YMCA Black Achievers

Date: 2/6/2003
Contact: Anna Kalluri
Phone: 617-667-7305
Email: akaluri@bidmc.harvard.edu

BOSTON –Ernestina Damoura-Moreira and Peter Cousins have been selected as 2003 YMCA Black Achievers for career and community service accomplishments.The pair were honored at Beth Israel Deaconess’ annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration and at the YMCA annual Recognition Awards Gala.

As a Portuguese/Cape Verdean medical interpreter at Beth Israel Deaconess, Damoura-Moreira guarantees that patients receive the best medical care in their own language and in a culturally sensitive manner in addition to improved access for their need. She has a certificate in Medical and Legal Interpreting from Bentley College and is working towards her bachelor’s degree.

“Ernestina demonstrates the values – goodness, spirit, hard work, dedication to family, good faith and good humor – that all of use should aspire to,” said Shari Gold-Gomez, manager of interpreter services, who nominated Damoura-Moreira for the award.

Damoura-Moreira is active in her home community of Providence, R.I. She has taught religious classes on the weekends to local youth and works with young men interested in the priesthood. She also leads “The Friends of Seminary in Cape Verde,” a collaboration with Black Catholic Ministries and the Diocese of Providence to rebuild a religious seminary in Cape Verde. She is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Interpreter Association and the Cape Verdean heritage Commission in Providence.

An Image Archive Supervisor in Beth Israel Deaconess’ Department of Radiology, Cousins has worked at the hospital for 22 years. His ability to successfully implement practice changes and supervise his staff results in excellent service delivery, enhanced patient satisfaction and improved patient clinical care.

“In his position, Peter has demonstrated the excellent ability to lead, organize and train staff; he is a role model,” said Jennifer Hermann, manager of radiology support services, who nominated Cousins for the award.

A resident of Dorchester and proud father of two girls, Cousins is the managing partner of a business in the Dorchester community. He participates in cultural and sporting activities in the Dorchester community and is actively involved in the Harbor School Parents Council where his daughter attends school. This position enables him to interact with young men and women in the community, building relationships, reinforcing respectful interactions and encouraging self-confidence. He is a mentor to his daughter and her peers.

Cousins also is the recipient of The Partnership, Inc. Award. A program designed for young minority professionals in the Boston community, this program focuses on professional development, working in Boston, relationship building and effective communication.

The mission of the Black Achievers is to recognize Black employees for their career accomplishments who, in partnership with their employers, commit their time and talents to the development of young people. Achievers are selected by their employers based upon a demonstrated history of achievement in their field, progression within the company and potential for further advancement, and a commitment to voluntary community service on behalf of youth.

Achievers selected agree to give a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer community service. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a major patient care, research and teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. It is the third largest recipient of National Institutes of Health research funding among independent U.S. teaching hospitals.

Teresa Gomes and Viriato Gonçalves

http://www.ata-divisions.org/PLD/events/pld_meeting_2007_fall_river/program.htm

Teresa Gomes and Viriato Gonçalves

Teresa Gomes LSW, is a Capeverdean native, community social worker, Portuguese and Capeverdean Creole Medical Interpreter, translator and trainer.

Teresa taught Introduction to Translation at Bentley College Medical and Legal Portuguese Interpreting Program for 4 years and more recently a 3-course Portuguese<>English Translation Program at Cross Cultural Communication Institute.

Teresa remains in touch with most of her former students as a friend and mentor, and as a consultant to ones who chose translation vs. interpreting.

Teresa is fluent in Portuguese, Capeverdean Creole, French and English; and conversant in Spanish and Russian.

Viriato Gonçalves is a native of Fogo Island, Cape Verde. He emigrated first to Portugal and then to United States where he completed his Master's Degree in Education at Boston University. Viriato taught Portuguese and Science to bilingual students for twenty-eight years in the Boston Public Schools. In 1996, he was among fifteen recipients of the Golden Apple Award for the excellence in teaching. After his retirement in 2003, he wrote his second book, "O Menino do Campo", the first being "Grito", a book of poems written in 1987. He has interpreted for different agencies in medical, educational, business and legal fields. Most recently, Viriato was approved as a court interpreter by the Office of Court Interpreting Services (OCIS) and has started working in the Brockton District Court as a Portuguese and Capeverdean interpreter. He also teaches a Capeverdean Creole class at M.A.P.S. in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Viriato is fluent in Portuguese, Capeverdean, English, and conversant in French and Spanish.


Portuguese-based Capeverdean Creole Language and Interpreting Challenges

This shared presentation will focus on Capeverdean Creole. Gonçalves will address the role of Portuguese in the formation of Capeverdean Creole and the influence of other languages in the Creole. In addition, he will discuss the Capeverdean communities in Massachussets and worldwide in terms of its culture, literature, music, arts, etc. In a story-telling format, Gomes will address challenges while interpreting for Capeverdean Creole-speakers.

Edmund F. Harrison

http://archive.southcoasttoday.com/daily/03-97/03-23-97/b06lo080.htm

Edmund F. Harrison

Edmund F. Harrison, 11, is in the sixth grade at the Rodman School in New Bedford. He is the son of Edmund and Brenda Harrison.

Edmund is a member of the Newspaper Club, the Yearbook Club and the Glee Club at school.

He enjoys swimming and basketball.

Robert received a most improved swimmers award, Field Day ribbons and school certificates for academics.

Ashley; Viva Cape Verde

http://blackstarnews.com/?c=127&a=3627

Ashley; Viva Cape Verde

Special To The Black Star News
August 26th, 2007

Young Ashley's career is taking off

Our Model Of The Day


Where She’s From: Ashley Malixa Santos was born and raised in Middletown, Connecticut, a small but diverse town. “I was raised by my great-aunt in a strict upbringing as a Jehovah's Witness and when I became of age I converted to be a Christian,” she tells The Black Star News. “The most important things I've learned from my parents were to never let anyone tell me I can’t do anything. If I really want something and work hard at obtaining it I can achieve it. Also to remain humble and gracious take everything as a blessing that can be taken away at anytime.”

Ashley has become an independent young lady who abhors arrogance. “My parents taught me to be my own person—not live for a man or let men make me feel like I have to be subject to or a slave to double standards in society,” she says. Her heritage is Cape Verdean; she is Criole, of Portuguese and West African heritage. “I am very proud to be Criole and I acknowledge myself as an African-American Woman.”

Where She’s At: Ashley attends American Intercontinental University with a double major in Fashion Design and Marketing. “I am taking some time off right now because my modeling has taken off,” she says. “I have always designed clothes since the age of nine; but I started modeling eight months ago.”

"As of now I see myself doing some national print work to start. I would like to be a host or VJ on BET, MTV or VH1,” she adds. “I would like to be if not famous well-known and respected. I would like to record an album and go into acting as well.”

“Because I've done lingerie modeling some people automatically think I am promiscuous or a stupid girl,” Ashley says, when asked how she deals with some challenges in the industry. “They also think that I am following this trend that had swept the nation of the Video-Model Chick. Basically all I can do is continue to be myself because at the end of the day I know I control my career and I know I am doing the things that make me proud of myself. I just don’t listen to or surround myself with the negative people.”

“Anyone can be beautiful outside but being beautiful inside is what counts,” Ashley adds. “It also shows on the outside if you have love for self and caring for others.”

So how does this young lady prepare to step out? “I am a big shoe freak,” Ashley laughs. “I love heels but I'd rather rock flats on a normal day. My favorite shoe designer is BCBG because every pump I see is cute. I am a big fan of Nikes - Air force ones. I have a collection of many colors and designs. I also love Jovan White Musk it smells so sophisticated and fresh. My other favorite scents are Ralph Lauren Romance, All Elizabeth Arden Scents, FCUK and the list goes on. I love Baby Phat, BEBE, Juicy Couture, its right up my alley- cute young classy and sexy! I love Dove soap, its the best for sensitive and ethnic skin. I use Vaseline CoCo Butter lotion because it’s rich in texture and smells great. I also love Maybelline make-up-Dream Matte Mouse. I don’t always wear name brand or designer clothes and things because I don’t believe that’s important - I'm all about expressing my own personal style.”

Ashley’s Words Of Wisdom: “If you fail try, try, try again; for every closed door a new door of opportunity opens.”
Ashley’s Secrets Of Success: “Remain focused and driven. Keeping my eye on the prize. Never giving up or listening to those who try to bring me down. Knowing exactly what I want and how to get it.”
Ashley’s Favorite Three Movies: “The Wiz, Menace 2 Society, and Shrek.”
Ashley’s Favorite Book: “Confessions of A Video Vixen.”
Three Leaders That Most Inspire Ashley: “Tyra Banks, Oprah, and Kimora lee Simmons, because they all started from nothing and kept going; they capitalized on their success and went on to do big things and become positive role models.”
The First Three Things Ashley Would Do As President: “Give health Insurance to everyone; provide homes to more of the impoverished and homeless because when I moved to Atlanta I realized how high the homeless rate was; and, end this stupid war.”
Ashley’s Favorite Cars: “Mustang Convertibles because I could see myself riding top down with the wind blowing in my hair with my stunner shades on, and Phantoms because they are the ultimate in sophistication and luxury. The new Cadillac-- I love the way they look.”
Ashley’s Favorite Entertainers: “ T.I.; Keyshia Cole; Mariah Carey; Stevie Wonder; and Jay-Z and so many others.
Ashley’s Five Favorite Websites: “www.myspace.com, www.google.com, www.modelmayhem.com, www.bet.com and www.craigslist.com.”


For your own profile consideration please send a brief bio and headshot to profiles@blackstarnews.com

To comment or to subscribe to or advertise in New York’s leading Pan African weekly investigative newspaper, or to send us a news tip, please call (212) 481-7745 or send a note to Milton@blackstarnews.com

Also visit out sister publications Harlem Business News www.harlembusinessnews.com and The Groove music magazine at www.thegroovemag.com

Pastor ignites fire under missionary vision

http://mnnonline.org/article/10269


Pastor ignites fire under missionary vision

Posted: 22 August, 2007

* Topics in this story:
* brazil, pastoral training, portuguese, seminary

Portugal (MNN) ― Association of Baptists for World Evangelism's David Southwell says a Brazilian pastor is moving toward shared vision for sending missionaries to the Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa.

What makes this a natural fit is that the project focuses on a group of nations in Africa who share a heritage with Brazil. Southwell notes that during the days of slave trade, there were more Africans taken as slaves to Brazil than to Central and North America together.

This pastor developed "Multi-Cultural Ministries Maranatha" to train new missionaries, and the program will soon be ready to launch. "Hopefully in the end of this year, or very early next year, two couples will be on-site, and they will focus their first efforts at Cape Verde Island. These two young couples will be heading out and beginning a church plant in the city of Praia, which is the capital."

Southwell says ABWE is recruiting missionaries to work with the Brazilians in this project, which currently focuses on Cape Verde Islands. One team will spend a year in language training in Brazil, followed by another year in orientation with the Brazilian mission boards in Fortaleza before joining the Cape Verde team.

However, the pastor is intent on training toward evangelism. "After we go to the Cape Verde Islands," says Southwell, the pastor "has a desire to look at someone going to Angola. We have already made some contacts in Angola for people who want Angolans, who study even at our seminary in the city of Sao Paolo to be able to build some bridges and relationships there so they can fulfill their dream."

Hoodoo Voodoo

http://www.parlezmoipress.com/mermaid/2007_07_01_archive.html

Monday, July 09, 2007
Hoodoo Voodoo

Not long ago I was doing a little bit of research on voodoo because it is something I ma thinking about weaving into a story I am working on. I came across a fascinating little book — Voodoo in New Orleans by Robert Tennant. It’s interesting because it was written in the 1940s when the author was living in New Orleans and had met quite a few older people who still had memories of some of the great voodoo practitioners of the past.

The author interviewed these people and then wove their recollections into his own research on the subject. It is not a “how-to” manual, those a everywhere in occult shops and on web sites. Rather this is a history of voodoo in that city that is deeply based in the stories told by people who were practitioners, believers and, in a few cases, victims.

The first thing you notice in the book, because of the time in which it was written, is the language particularly in reference to blacks. Tennant is always respectful given the era in which he is writing but the fact that he identifies individuals according to their race (i.e. “Joe Smith, white” and “Fred Jones, colored”) seems so archaic now. But, that aside, it is a well-crafted piece of history.

Voodoo, or at least the effect of voodoo, is something I know a little about. It was a couple decades ago and I was working in the psychiatric ward of a large hospital in a different town. I won’t be too specific for the sake of privacy. A young woman was admitted who was absolutely beautiful, sweet, gentle, lovely. She was very slender with caramel skin and huge eyes. She seemed to be the most docile and delicate of women. She had moved to this country a few years back with her family, from one of the Cape Verde Islands and spoke a little English but Cape Verde Creole, a Portuguese based language, was her native tongue.

For awhile we wondered why such a sweet girl, with such limited communication abilities, was in the hospital “for observation”. And then it happened. It started with wild-eyed, fearful reactions to everything — cowering in a corner, hiding under her bed — and it escalated and escalated and escalated until she was hysterical her eyes nearly popping out of her head, doing battle with unseen demons, screaming, until she had to be physically restrained and medicated. Even after the medication was administered the wild, fearful paranoia would continue, sometimes for hours. Eventually she fell asleep and, when she awoke, seemed fine but, within a few days, the demons would return.

It was a terrible thing to see. The psychiatrists and therapists tried all the medically accepted diagnoses of the time but nothing seemed to fit. And no medication seemed to be able to do anything. Finally, after a meeting with her family, one of the therapists said the word “voodoo” in a staff meeting. Everyone stared at her. There’s no such thing as voodoo. Except.... except to the people who think there is.

The truth is, I don’t know whatever became of that girl. She was transferred to another hospital and I moved on in my life but I have thought of her a lot over the years. I remember the horror, the raw, sheer terror, in those big, usually beautiful, eyes when they were nearly popping out of her head.

So reading this book was particularly fascinating for me. Reading descriptions of people who had been “hoodooed” made me realize that, even if voodoo doesn’t exist, it did to that girl and to others like her. I don’t know if this is going to factor into my story or not but I’m pretty sure that next time I roast a chicken, I’m going to save the bones and bury them under my doorstep.... just in case....

Thanks for reading.

posted by Kathleen Valentine at 8:25 AM

Patriot Act critique fails

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13525607&BRD=1343&PAG=461&dept_id=433660&rfi=8 Brad Durrell, Editor December 09, 2004 A City Council resolution denouncing parts of the USA Patriot Act was defeated in dramatic fashion Monday, when Mayor John M. Fabrizi broke a tie vote to oppose the measure. The resolution earlier had failed on an 11 to 9 vote, but then East End council member Henry L. Webb switched his position, and the mayor had to break the stalemate. Fabrizi did not explain his vote at the council meeting, but later said he did not think a resolution on the merits of the federal Patriot Act was pertinent at the local level. "It's federal legislation that doesn't involve a local municipality's legislative body," Fabrizi said. "I'd rather spend an hour and 15 minutes discussing substantive issues affecting Bridgeport." The resolution, introduced by lower North End council member Keith Rodgerson, was called the Bridgeport Civil Liberties Restoration Act. Among other things, the proposal would have directed the Bridgeport Police Department to avoid detaining suspects without filing formal charges and to avoid racial profiling; called on federal and state officials to inform the City Council when any Bridgeport resident was being held for suspected terrorism; and instructed Bridgeport Public Library officials not to divulge what books and magazines a patron has read. After the vote, Rodgerson said he was disappointed in the outcome. He had been cautiously optimistic before the council meeting. "Some of the commitments I got weren't kept," he said. Rodgerson said he had previously discussed the issue with Fabrizi, and the mayor hadn't indicated whether he would support the resolution or not. "I am surprised the mayor didn't follow the recommendations of the state Democratic Party," he said. Passed after attacks Congress overwhelmingly passed the Patriot Act after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as a way to increase the ability of law enforcement to investigate, question and detain people suspected of terrorist involvement. Since its passage, some people have expressed reservations about the sweeping powers the act gives to law enforcement officials and questioned whether this undermines American civil liberties. Rodgerson said more than 350 municipalities and counties and four states have passed resolutions criticizing aspects of the Patriot Act. "This would send a message from Connecticut's largest city," he said at a press conference prior to the vote, noting Hartford and New Haven approved similar resolutions. During the council debate, Rodgerson said the act could lead to unfair treatment of people based on their ethnic background or religion. He said some people are frightened to speak against the Patriot Act in public. "Send a message to an under-represented minority in our community that we care about them," he said. Rodgerson said he didn't want Bridgeport tax dollars spent harassing local residents. He also called racial profiling ineffective and morally wrong. The leading opponent of Rodgerson's resolution was Black Rock council member Thomas A. Mulligan Jr., an attorney who chairs the Miscellaneous Matters Committee. The committee had recommended against passing the resolution, based in part on a legal opinion by City Attorney Mark T. Anastasi. Mulligan said he didn't think the council "has any power or jurisdiction" over the Patriot Act, and Congress and the courts should make any necessary changes to the act. "It's clear this is a federal matter," he said. 'Very dangerous times' Mulligan warned another terrorist attack could happen at any time in the United States. "We are in very dangerous times right now," he said. He said the Patriot Act allows law enforcement tools now used against organized crime and drug dealers to be used on suspected terrorists. He said a court still must approve all warrants. Mulligan said the council should focus on local issues. "We have enough on our plate without getting into these federal matters," he said. Council member Robert P. Curwen Sr., of the Upper East Side, said the council has a duty to point out flaws in a federal law. "We have a moral obligation to send a message," Curwen said. Council member Edwin A. Gomes, of the eastern North End, said the council should take a stand whenever the rights of city residents are being restricted. "I'm old enough to remember when the FBI was seeking out Communists in every household," Gomes said. He said he understood racial profiling because he once was pulled over by a New Jersey state trooper with his son for allegedly driving too slow. Gomes, who is Cape Verdean, said the trooper asked his son if his father had been smoking pot. "Talk about racial profiling," he said of the incident. During the debate, some council members denounced the "right-wing" Bush administration and outgoing Attorney General John Ashcroft for chipping away at civil liberties. Council member Thomas C. McCarthy, of the Lower North End, said the council must send a message. "I firmly believe our country is moving in the wrong direction, and at a brisk pace," said McCarthy, an attorney. Thomas J. Freer of Black Rock, the council's lone Republican, said the Patriot Act allows the FBI to better monitor the activities of suspected terrorists. Freer pointed out that four of the Sept. 11th hijackers had stayed at a Fairfield hotel, and said the terrorist attacks might have been prevented if the FBI had the tools then it has now due to the Patriot Act. Backing resolution During the public speaking session, city resident Beth Lazar said democracy shouldn't be compromised in the name of national security. "Parts of the Patriot Act allows the feds in a big brother, thought-police fashion to interrogate booksellers and librarians concerning books and magazines read by patrons," Lazar said. Resident Patricia Ginoni said city residents could be "disproportionately affected by racial and ethnic profiling and the harsh sanctions against new immigrants and non-citizens." City Librarian Michael Golrick said he opposes parts of the Patriot Act because it bars him from revealing whether law enforcement has asked for information about a patron. He said this could put him in the position of having to lie. "I have some moral issues with that," said Golrick, a board member of the American Library Association. Before the vote, former city resident Jo Ann Patters said she finds the Patriot Act intimidating. "I'm afraid to take a book out of the library because they want to know what I'm reading," she said. Theresa Younger, Connecticut Civil Liberties Union executive director, said the best way to change parts of the Patriot Act is to generate grassroots opposition and to pass municipal resolutions. "People are afraid," said Younger, adding that the courts are finding many parts of the act unconstitutional. She said the government must be held accountable for its actions through monitoring at the local level. Voting for Rodgerson's resolution in addition to himself were Anderson Ayala (South End), Curwen, Gomes, McCarthy, Rafael A. Mojica (West End), Angel M. DePara Jr. (Beardsley Park), Elaine Pivirotto (Brooklawn), Robert S. Walsh (Brooklawn) and Webb. ©Hometown Publications 2007

Published by Hometown Publications 1000 Bridgeport Avenue Shelton, Connecticut 06484 (203) 926-2080 FAX: (203) 926-2091 E-mail: bridgeportnews@add-inc.com

Making the rounds - School leader's goal is to visit all schools

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14705338&BRD=1343&PAG=461&dept_id=433660&rfi=8 Brad Durrell, Editor June 16, 2005 School Supt. John J. Ramos Sr. has been traveling throughout Bridgeport during the past two weeks, in an attempt to visit all the system's 36 schools by the time the school year ends early next week. Now in his second week on the job, his marathon travel sessions have taken him to up to six schools a day. He also has been busy fulfilling other obligations of his position. "I want to get a sense of all the schools and what they look like," said Ramos, a 52-year-old Bridgeport native. "I want to be able to put a face with a name when it comes to principals and teachers, so when the next school year starts I'll know who's who." One reality he has experienced during his visits is the poor conditions of many school buildings, from the lack of air conditioning to playing fields in such bad shape that opposing teams don't want to compete there. "The disparity that exists between Bridgeport and some of the surrounding towns is obviously striking," he said. "What I've found unsettling is the disparity within our own district." Ramos said he was taken aback by the physical conditions at McKinley, which will be replaced by one of four new schools being built in the next few years, and at Harding High. "If you give them a facelift, a fresh paint job, fix the outdoor areas - if you're able to do things like that - it would give them a boost that's psychological as well as physical," he said. Board of Education President Auden C. Grogins said she is impressed with Ramos' determination to visit all the schools. "He's getting to know our staff, teachers and students," Grogins said. "And he wants them to know him as well." Ramos said while everyone is familiar with the many challenges facing the city's school system, he is finding many positive attributes as well. "There is a lot of quality in this district in terms of the teacher-learning environment, security systems and the response I've been getting from students," he said. "We certainly have to celebrate our successes and make it clear, both externally and internally, that we have a good foundation." Ramos previously was state deputy education commissioner for educational programs and services, school superintendent in Watertown, and assistant superintendent and a high school principal in Norwalk. He also has run an alternative high school and worked at a university in Rhode Island. Mayor John M. Fabrizi, a former educator who has talked to Ramos frequently in recent weeks, said the new superintendent's diverse job background is a real plus. "He has strengths as an administrator, a policy-maker and in knowing the state statues, rules and regulations on public education," Fabrizi said. Grogins said Ramos is prepared to deal with issues such as funding shortages, poor test scores and school violence. "He brings to the table a lot of experience," she said. "This isn't new to him." Proficient and college-ready Ramos said his top priorities are to have all students "perform at high levels of proficiency - by that I mean B's, not C's," and to make sure all high school graduates are college-ready. "Whether they want or choose to go to college, that's still the end game," he said. He is waiting for three assessment reports to be completed so the school system can create a strategic plan and establish an accountability model. A private foundation is conducting an organizational assessment of the school system, the state will assist with a fiscal audit and an outside group will do an instructional assessment. "This will give us valuable baseline information," he said. Ramos said the strategic plan would highlight what the district must do and who is responsible for doing it. "It's not a document that will sit on the shelf and gather dust," he said. "We're going to create accountability throughout the system. We want to ensure we stay focused and galvanize our resources." He said having a plan would help the city get more funds from various sources. "This kind of information will diffuse those who say we're just wasting money," he said. "When we go to the state legislature or a private foundation, we won't just be asking people for money for the sake of having more money. We'll be able to show them how we will use the money." While the end of the legislative session last week brought good news for Bridgeport, with a big increase in state education aid, Ramos noted a recent study concluded that the Bridgeport school system would need $69 million more annually to do its job properly. "Money doesn't solve anything, but it helps," he said. He said an increased education budget would allow the schools to lower class size from an average of 30 students. "The current situation makes for a much more difficult presentation for teachers," he said. As for school security, Ramos plans to clarify the code of conduct and coordinate ideas with the police. He also wants to look at "meaningful alternatives" for children having discipline or motivational problems, such as the establishment of more alternative programs. He said when students are actively engaged in their schools curriculum and activities, they are less likely to cause discipline problems. One way to better engage students is through "culturally relevant instructional strategies," he said, noting 90 percent of students in the city's schools are minority. "We have to understand what kids are bringing to the table and take advantage of that to bring them to where we want them to go," Ramos said. Other priorities are improving working conditions so more city teachers will remain in Bridgeport and working closely with the community. "The only way we'll be able to move this district forward is if we link arm-in-arm," he said. Ramos, who is married with two children ages 20 and 31, is unsure if he will move to Bridgeport. He lives in Watertown, just north of Waterbury, and a parent lives with him in an in-law apartment. He said his preference is to move to Bridgeport, but he won't make a decision until he has settled into his job for while. "I've always lived in the district where I've worked," he said. "There's an obvious upside to that, so we'll have to see." Ramos grew up in the East End and graduated from the former Lincoln School. He went to Harding High for his freshman year, and then transferred to Fairfield Prep through the Upward Bound program. His father, the son of Cape Verdean immigrants, worked at Carpenter Steel and Sikorsky Aircraft. Ramos earned a bachelor's degree at Brown University, a master's degree at the University of Rhode Island and a doctorate in education at Columbia University. ©Hometown Publications 2007

Published by Hometown Publications 1000 Bridgeport Avenue Shelton, Connecticut 06484 (203) 926-2080 FAX: (203) 926-2091 E-mail: bridgeportnews@add-inc.com

Cape Verdean Diaspora Websites

Cape Verdeans (Cape Verde Islands)

• http://capeverde-islands.com/
• http://www.umassd.edu/specialprograms/caboverde/lela1.html
• http://www.umassd.edu/specialprograms/caboverde/kgloss1.html
• http://www.umassd.edu/SpecialPrograms/caboverde/cvexpress.html
• http://www.umassd.edu/specialprograms/caboverde/capeverdean.html
• http://www.caboverde.com/
• http://virtualcapeverde.net/news2/index.php
• http://www.caboverdeonline.com/caboverde/cabo_verde.asp
• http://www.visaonews.com/

Cape Verdeans in America (USA)

• http://www.umassd.edu/specialprograms/caboverde/cvahome.html
• http://www.newbedford.k12.ma.us/cverde.htm
• http://www.ernestina.org/history/
• http://www2.bc.edu/~brisk/capeverde.htm
• http://www.dholmes.com/histories/caboverd.html

Cape Verdeans in Argentina

• http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/6876/oaacapev.htm
• http://www.africanbynature.com/eyes/openeyes_miriamgomes.html

Cape Verdeans in Brazil (Brasil)

• http://www.angelfire.com/bc/aacb/

Cape Verdeans in Britain (UK)

• http://www.umassd.edu/specialprograms/caboverde/cardiff.html
• http://www.capeverdianassociation.co.uk/
• http://www.capeverdeinlondon.co.uk/

Cape Verdeans in Canada

• http://www.multiculturalcanada.ca/ecp/content/cape_verdeans.html

Cape Verdeans in Netherlands

• http://www.international.metropolis.net/research-policy/rott/chapt1.html

Jews in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)

• http://www.umassd.edu/specialprograms/caboverde/jewswerlin.html
• http://www.haruth.com/JewsCapeVerde.html
• http://www.saudades.org/jewscapev.html
• http://www.saudades.org/wahnon.html
• http://www.haruth.com/JewsCapeVerdeKlutznick.html
• http://www.saudades.org/cverde.htm
• http://www.kulanu.org/cape-verde/verde.html
• http://www.mindspring.com/%7Ejaypsand/cape.htm
• http://www.mindspring.com/%7Ejaypsand/cape3.htm

This list was based on the website of Mark McBain at http://www.freewebs.com/worldcultures/capeverde.htm. Additional updates were made.