Senators decry bill changing minority-business status

Portuguese would no longer be considered minorities; change could

impact their ability to secure portion of state contracts

STATE HOUSE – Four State Senators have announced their strong opposition to legislation they see as nothing short of discriminatory.

Sen. David E. Bates (R-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol), Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton), Sen. Paul E. Moura (D-Dist. 18, East Providence) and Sen. Daniel Da Ponte (D-Dist. 14, East Providence, Pawtucket) say they will vote against the bill if it reaches the Senate floor, but they will work to make sure it never gets that far.

Three Massachusetts Cities To Host Cape Verdean Cultural Bazaar and Book Fair

Cultural Bazaar and Book Fair Will Bring Cape Verdean Authors To American Audiences

BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 2, 2008 – The Capeverdean Creole Institute will host a three-day Cultural Bazaar and Book Fair fromfrfrom April 25-27, 2008. The event will have the honored presence of Manuel Veiga, the Cape Verdean Minister of Culture, and Joaquim Morais, the Director of the National Library and Book Institute of Cape Verde. It will include panel discussions on Cape Verdean national identity, book sales and signings, live music and dance performances. Manuel Veiga and Adelaide Monteiro, both linguists, will conduct a workshop on Cape Verdean Creole literacy.

“This historic Cultural Bazaar and Book Fair aims to bring together several different groups in the New England community – descendants of and recent immigrants from Cape Verde, Creole speakers, Portuguese speakers, African Americans, and all those with an interest in African literature and scholarship,” said Manuel Gonçalves, President of the Capeverdean Creole Institute. “Our organization is confident that through this event, and others like it, we can educate the New England community about its historic ties to Cape

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Izidora “Grandma” Vincent celebrated her her 80th birthday with loads of beautiful children from the Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford at her side, at least 500. Grandma Vincent, as she is known as at the club, birthday celebration also coincided with National Boys and Girls Club Week. (see page 9 for photos and story) cvn photo

“Grandma Vincent”celebrates 80th Birthday

at the Boys and Girls Club

Dorothy Lopes, a retired educator and recipient of the UMass Dartmouth Martin Luther King Drum Major Award congratulates Dr. Portia S. Bonner the first women of color to head the Public Schools of New Bedford. (This outstanding photo was captured by Frank Pina)

Dr. Portia S. Bonner, first women, first person of color to head New Bedford’s schools

OLOA 2008 CYO Basketball Champs

Our Lady of the Assumption (OLOA) basketball senior are the 2008 CYO Diocean Basketball Champs. Seen in photo l-r kneeing are Jordan DeBarros, E.J. Peirce and Tyler ; standing l-r Coach Steve Burgo, Marc Jadowe, Claude Gomes, Jonathan Fortes, Stew Morais and Butch Silva, coach and coordinating manager. (photo by TD Lopes)

Hundreds attend the 18th Annual MassHousing

Minority and Women Business Enterprise Trade Fair

Several hundred property managers and minority and women vendors were in attendance at the 18 Annual MassHousing Trade Fair held April 3rd at the Braintree Sheraton. The CVN will feature a story and article in its May edition. Seen in photo l-r are Bernard Brown, Manager of MassHousing’s Compliance and Diversity Division, Boston City Councilor Charles Yancy and Mr. Robert Pyne, Director of Rental Development (cvn photo)

Governor Deval Patrick seen in photo out front made a visit to New Bedford in March 26th, to talk with area business leaders. Accompanying him on is visit were the Mayor and various elected officials. See in photo l-r behind the Governor are Rep. Tony Cabral, Senator Marc Montigny, Mayor Scott Lang and Rep. Steve Canassa. The topic of the day was economic development for the South Coast area. One of the major projects proposed for the area is the huge 283 million dollar motion picture studio. Gov. Patrick did himself well as he took on a number of questions from area business people and reporters. (cvn photo)

Gov. Patrick pays visit to New Bedford to discuss economic development - the proposed movie studio

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After a rather grueling selection process which involved a number of open, well attended meetings the New Bedford School Committee unanimously chose Dr. Portia S. Bonner who is now serving as the Superintendent of Schools in Hamden, Connecticut as their new Superintendent of Schools taking over from Mr. Michael Longo who has decided to retire.

With the selection of Dr. Bonner with a 7-0 vote of the school committee was selected the first women, first person of color in the history of New Bedford Public Schools to head its education system.

Upon accepting the $160,000 a year job in which she will start July 1st, Dr Bonner stated “It’s a new time for New Bedford, with new hope, a time for revitalization.

Mayor Scott Lang who chairs the school committee thank everyone who participated in the selection process, the

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