CVN July 2008, page 16
Photos in the News
CAPE VERDEANS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CELEBRATE THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY.
By Mike Costa
Los Angeles - Cape Verdeans from throughout the United States converged on the Marriot Hotel in Los Angeles on Memorial Day weekend for a benchmark celebration of achievement and pride as the Cape Verdeans of Southern California celebrated their 25 th anniversary.
Ambassador of Cape Verde to the United States, Fatima Veiga made the trip to the Golden State from Washington, D.C. “I am very impressed with the Cape Verdeans of Southern California’s level of commitment in promoting our culture and advancing Cape Verde’s mission to create worldwide unity among all Cape Verdeans.”
Highlights of the festive weekend included: a Friday night “Meet and Greet,” where old friends and relatives re-connected. On Saturday, longtime CVSC members, Abel and Iris Barboza and Lorraine Gonsalves-Morris, hosted an exhibit that featured 25 years of the CVSC’s past. Their presentation included an extensive collection of Cape Verdean artifacts, art work, photographs and slides. Keynote speaker, Anthony “Tiny” Lopes addressed the crowd with a heartfelt message, “Attending the 25th Anniversary Celebration this weekend in LA was truly an inspirational experience. When I listened to all of the accomplishments of CVSC during the past twenty-five years, I was so so very proud of those who were a part of our success. Reaching out and sharing our culture with the diverse community in Southern California has gained us local, as well as national, exposure. The Vision and Agenda proposed by the CVSC will continue to educate others about our proud heritage and culture."
Newly elected CVSC President, Catherine Silva-Walker was elated at the success of the event. “The weekend Anniversary Celebration was like a family reunion of all generations and clear expression of our motto..."United Toward a Greater Cape Verdean Unity,"
Banco Comercial do Atlantico's (BCA), the Cape Verdean bank that hails from Praia, added to the magnitude of the event by generously sponsoring "Djuta Barros & her band," which provided authentic live Cape Verdean music for the weekend. This new affiliation between CVSC and BCA will hopefully encourage other established organizations to further the mission of retaining and promoting Cape Verdean heritage in California, while at the same time meeting the needs of the people in the motherland. In the case of BCA, all California Cape Verdeans could benefit from their products and services making partnership mutually beneficial.
Outgoing two-term CVSC President Manny Lima had this to say about the celebration - “It was an honor to serve as President and Co-chair during this important time in our club's history. Looking at all the photos and listening to Tiny Lopes, the pioneer of the club, retell how it all began, gave me a new appreciation for the club and for all the people who have sacrificed so much over the years, so that new members like myself can have a club to partake in. This weekend was special in so many ways whether it was having Ambassador Fatima Veiga as our special guest, Djuta Barros and her band playing a beautiful rendition of "Rosinha", Judy's Cook-off competition, men playing Bisca, our youth partaking in the celebration, or attempting
to get a 100 people together for a photo shoot by the Marina - all of it made the hard work worth it."
“It was a great reflection of our past 25 Years with the presentations and discussions. As well as, a good look at our future with the accomplishments and talents of our younger generations and our clubs overall investment plans for supporting our homeland,” exclaimed entrepreneur Al Barber, who was on hand with his line of Cape Verdean-centric specialty merchandise. Al’s apparel can be found at www.capeverdewear.com. Also in attendance was winemaker Nuius DePina offering his renowned So Sabe wine.
Charter CVSC member, Nancy L. Baptist who checked in from Florida, proclaimed, “As a charter member of the Cape Verdeans of Southern Calfornia this 25th celebration filled me with great pride as we passed the baton to the next generation of Cape Verdeans who share our vision to preserve our history and cultivate our contributions to the Golden State.” Bobby and Dottie Silva came in from Las Vegas, Nevada. Pepe and Muriel Fortes of the Cape Verdean West Association also made the trip from Vallejo, California.
Filmmaker Mike Costa was on hand promoting his latest effort: PROUD TO BE CAPE VERDEAN: A LOOK AT CAPE VERDEANS IN THE GOLDEN STATE, a
documentary film due to premiere in 2009. Check out his website,www.proudtobecapeverdean.com and find out how you can be part of Cape Verdean history by making a financial contribution and getting your name in the movie credits.
No Cape Verdean function would be complete without a raffle. The big winner this time was Lauren Croom, daughter of Julie and Stan Croom in Los Angeles. She won a roundtrip to Cape Verde donated by Alex Furtado & TACV Airlines. Ms. Croom recently graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Lauren is working for Apple Computers until she enters graduate school.
The celebration culminated on Sunday with a cookout at Burton
Doctor Donald Monteiro a Gynecologist who practices in the Boston/Maldan is seen here with his lovely wife Julieann and capable office/medical staff l-r Damaris Melendez, Marth Sheman, Lorie McGibbon, Pamela Seeley, Julianne Monteiro (wife of doctor), Dr. Donald Monteiro, Cheryl Mason, Cristabel Rivera, Marcia Woodbury. (photo by Ervin Russell)
Dr. Donald Monteiro, a Gynecologist opens new medical office in the Boston area
