Ceramic artwork created by Carlos Alberto Torres

In the beginning of April, our students and school launched a letter writing campaign to one of our founders and current political Prisoner Carlos Alberto Torres to commemorate his 30th year of incarceration. Students wrote about the school, about what they have been learning, and what they are hopeful of. Recently, Mr. Carlos Alberto Torres sent a response, his words are included below:

Dear Students and Family of the Pedro Albizu Campos High School:

I want to thank you all for your wonderful letters of support. As you can imagine, it means a lot to me to receive and read them. Also, I want to thank you for your expressions of solidarity embodied in your words and in your many activities and hard work on behalf of the Puerto Rican political prisoners. You are exemplary young people who care about progress, and our community – your sense of justice is admirable.

As a token of my appreciation, I dedicate to you a ceramic representation of a Taino Dujo. The Dujo is an honorary seat reserved for worthy and honored individuals. As you are worthy and honored members of your community, I thought it an appropriate choice.

With affection,

Carlos Alberto Torres

April 3, 2010

Thirty years ago, on a day like today, a group of Puerto Rican men and women faced the dawn to fulfill their patriotic duty. Although the events of that day would taint the date (as the song says) as that damned 4th of April of Puerto Rican daring; a day that would become a symbol of resistance, valor and sacrifice.

On an April 4th, Puerto Rican men and women dedicated their lives, prepared to pay with interest the debt we all owe, not only to those who in the past defended The Homeland with sacrifice, but also with the hope that the load would be lighter for those who will struggle in the generations to come. We affirm that The Homeland is ours, and it is our responsibility to defend it. Today we commemorate the contributions to our struggle, not only remembering the past, but also affirming today, with our voice and our action, our commitment to the force that our struggle requires of each and every one of us.

Today I again state and reaffirm my thanks to all of you who, with your energetic solidarity and commitment, will make possible not only the release of the Puerto Rican political prisoners, but will also make a reality the aspiration for a liberated Homeland.

Thank you.

Carlos Alberto Torres
April 3, 2010