Issuu

September 2026

Volume 22 No.10

Un Periódico Diferente / A Different Kind of Newspaper

Festival Latino de las Artes 2026 en los Museos de Springfield

Un Periódico Diferente / A Different Kind of Newspaper

Foto del Mes /Photo of the Month Latin Divas Volleyball Team Wins the YMCA Holyoke Women’s League Title • August 24, 2026

Standing, left to right: Jajaira Dávila, Michelle Martínez, Yare Nevares, Zelibeth Matias, Jodarys López, Wilmarie Felix. Front row: Robzinette Marrero, and Yanaira Dávila

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2 Foto del Mes /Photo of the Month Latin Divas Volleyball Team Wins the YMCA Holyoke Women’s League Title - August 24, 2026 3 Portada / Front Page Festival Latino de las Artes 2026 en los Museos de Springfield 4 Primer Festival de Música Caribeña de Springfield 5 Puerto Rico has reached its lowest child poverty rate in 30 years, but significant challenges remain 7 Puerto Rico and an Unfulfilled PROMESA: Reflecting on Ten Years of the Territorial Bankruptcy Regime 9 Círculos de Vecinos abre nuevos espacios de diálogo en Holyoke 10 Opinión / Opinion Innovation, Opportunity, and Belief 11Artificial Intelligence Impacts Marginalized Communities 12 Educación / Education Award-winning Puerto Rican film “Esta Isla” coming to Holyoke 13 Medios / Media Award-winning Puerto Rican film “Esta Isla” coming to Holyoke 14 Libros / Books Crítica literaria, periferia intelectual y disonancias - Estudios de literatura puertorriqueña Las bichotas - Cuentos 15 El Monte's New Itineraries The Education of an Artist 16 Deportes / Sports HCC Women’s Volleyball Team Keeps Moving Forward After Outstanding Season 17 Holyoke Old Timers Softball League 2026 18 Puerto Rico 40+ Gana Campeonato Clásico del Caribe 2026

Missing from the photo: Nathalya Felix

Founded in 2004 n Volume 22, No. 10 n September 2026

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El Sol Latino acepta colaboraciones tanto en español como en inglés. Nos comprometemos a examinarlas, pero no necesariamente a publicarlas. Nos reservamos el derecho de editar los textos y hacer correcciones por razones de espacio y/o estilo. Las colaboraciones pueden ser enviadas a nuestra dirección postal o a través de correo electrónico a: info@elsollatino.net. El Sol Latino welcomes submissions in either English or Spanish. We consider and review all submissions but reserve the right to not publish them. We reserve the right to edit texts and make corrections for reasons of space and/or style. Submissions may be sent to our postal address or via electronic mail to: info@elsollatino.net. El Sol Latino is published monthly by Coquí Media Group. El Sol Latino es publicado mensualmente por Coquí Media Group, P.O Box 572, Amherst, MA 01004-0572.

Portada / Front Page

El Sol Latino September 2026

Festival Latino de las Artes 2026 en los Museos de Springfield por MANUEL FRAU RAMOS En vísperas del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, los Museos de Springfield organizaron la cuarta edición anual del Festival de Artes Latinas en colaboración con el comité "Mi Museo". El Festival de Artes Latinas destaca las culturas latinas, caribeñas, centroamericanas y sudamericanas que enriquecen a la comunidad de Pioneer Valley. El evento tuvo lugar el viernes 28 de agosto. El Mes de la Herencia Hispana se celebra desde el 15 de septiembre hasta el 15 de octubre.

Kay Simpson, Presidenta de los Museos de Springfield

Las actividades del festival comenzaron a las 3:30 p.m. con una conferencia por parte de la Dra. Ariana A. Curtis, curadora de estudios latinos en el Museo Nacional de Historia y Cultura Afroamericana del Smithsonian. La Dra. Curtis, originaria del oeste de Massachusetts, compartió su trayectoria en la charla titulada "Del 413 a Washington D. C.: La influencia de Springfield en las historias latinas del Smithsonian", donde exploró cómo sus raíces en Springfield moldearon su carrera y han contribuido a amplificar las voces latinas, tanto en el Smithsonian como más allá.

muestra de obras Legados del surrealismo destaca a pintores de toda América Latina y ejemplifica la profunda influencia del surrealismo en la región. Aunque fueron creadas en la segunda mitad del siglo XX, estas obras resaltan rasgos temáticos y estilísticos que surgieron en la región durante la década de 1930 y evolucionaron en las décadas posteriores. Con obras de artistas puertorriqueños como Miguel Pou y Becerra (1880-1968) y Myrna Báez (1931-2018), así como de otros creadores de toda América Latina, la exposición Markets, Foodways, and the Essence of Place (Mercados, Tradiciones Culinarias, y la Esencia del Lugar) presenta piezas cedidas generosamente por el Museo de Arte de Ponce, Puerto Rico como parte de Art Bridges’ Partner Loan Network. La temática de las obras abarca desde naturalezas muertas con encuadres cerrados hasta coloridas vistas aéreas de mercados puertorriqueños y plantaciones en laderas montañosas. La muestra destaca las representaciones del paisaje en el siglo XX y culmina con obras contemporáneas que siguen explorando el tema perdurable de las representaciones coloniales de lugares paradisíacos. Roshay Roshay, maestro de baile de salsa y bachata ofreció una clase introductoria sobre el baile de la salsa. Brendaliz Cepeda y Bomba de Aquí cerraron los eventos del programa del Festival. Bomba de Aquí es una compañía de danza y música que presenta espectáculos e imparte enseñanza sobre las tradiciones afro-puertorriqueñas en la región del oeste de Massachusetts y el centro de Connecticut.

Madeline Landrau y Lydia E. Martínez-Alvarez, VicePresidenta y Presidenta respectivamente del Comité Mi Museo junto a la Dra. Curtis, curadora de estudios latinos en el Museo Nacional de Historia y Cultura Afroamericana del Smithsonian.

El Festival de Artes Latinas continuó con la exhibición inaugurada en el 2025 de obras provenientes del Museo de Arte de Ponce, Puerto Rico. Esta exhibición está localizada en el Museo de Bellas Artes Michele y Donald D’Amour. La

Bomba de Aquí The Latino Arts Festival es subsidiado, en gran parte, por una asignación legislativa estatal patrocinada por el Representante Carlos González, el Senador Adam Gómez, y la delegación legislativa de Springfield. El Festival fue organizado por el comité Mi Museo y respaldado por El Sol Latino, Full Power Radio, MassLive Media, MassMutual, y New England Public Media. MassMutual es el patrocinador de la temporada de los Museos de Springfield.

Portada / Front Page

El Sol Latino September 2026

Primer Festival de Música Caribeña de Springfield by MANUEL FRAU RAMOS El Centro Cultural y Deportivo de la República Dominicana (CCDD) en colaboración con la Community Music School of Springfield celebró el primer Festival de Música Caribeña de Springfield. El evento se realizó el 29 de agosto en el Robyn Newhouse Hall, Community Music School of Springfield (CMSS, por sus siglas en inglés) localizado en State Street. El evento buscaba celebrar la riqueza de las tradiciones musicales del Caribe para unir a nuestras comunidades a través de los ritmos, la historia y la cultura que conectan a nuestras islas.

PHOTOS

En la celebración participaron una gran variedad de músicos y bailarines que resaltaron algunos de los géneros más emblemáticos de la región del Caribe, incluyendo bomba, bachata, salsa, merengue, güajira, reggae, rumba y Latin jazz. Entre los artistas participantes, se encuentran el reconocido trombonista Mondongo que interpretó ritmos afro-cubanos, Aky Salas (bachata y merengue), Carlos Soto y Rumba Boricua celebrando ritmos puertorriqueños, grupo folklórico Dominicano del CCDD celebrando la cultura de la República Dominicana, Parris con fusión de reggae y Latin jazz, y Bomba de Aquí con el tema de la bomba puertorriqueña. El DJ del evento lo fue Carlitos Way, quien mantuvo al público bailando. Jorge David Martínez, presidente del Comité de Cultura y Deportes del CCDD, y moderador del evento, habló sobre cómo la cultura y las tradiciones caribeñas de Springfield sirvieron de catalizador para organizar este nuevo festival. "Springfield cuenta con una población latina que trae consigo sus tradiciones. Tenemos, entre otros eventos, el Festival de Jazz de la ciudad, pero ¿por qué no crear algo que realmente represente nuestras tradiciones?", dijo Martínez.

2 Aky Salas

1 Momdongo y Bobby

3 Carlos Soto y Rumba Boricua

El Comité Organizador del evento estuvo compuesto por Soraya Tejada, Lanelle García y Judit Duran. El Centro Cultural y Deportivo Dominicano (CCDD) es una entidad sin fines de lucro dedicada a promover y destacar los valores culturales dominicanos. Su misión es la de enriquecer la vida de los emigrantes dominicanos a través de la educación y la recreación y diseminando la historia y la cultura dominicana. La Community Music School of Springfield, fundada en 1983, es una escuela de artes comunitaria sin fines de lucro con la misión es ofrecer un centro de excelencia equitativo e inclusivo en educación musical, aprendizaje artístico y participación cultural que empodere a las personas, inspire la pasión creativa y promueva el bienestar de la comunidad.

4 Parris

6 6 Bomba de Aquí

5 5 Grupo folklórico Dominicano del CCDD

Portada / Front Page

El Sol Latino September 2026

Puerto Rico has reached its lowest child poverty rate in 30 years, but significant challenges remain SAN JUAN, PR | Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud, LLC | June 19, 2026 - Puerto Rico has reached its lowest child poverty rate in more than 30 years, according to the 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, published annually by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and presented in Puerto Rico by the Institute for Youth Development (IDJ). The rate fell from 58% in 2022 to 52% in 2024, a reduction that the IDJ recognizes as a significant sign of progress and as evidence that child poverty can be reduced when the country maintains public policies and investments aimed at strengthening families. Although 248,000 children and youth still live below the poverty line, the IDJ emphasized that Puerto Rico has a clear roadmap for continued progress. The Ten-Year Plan established by Act 84 of 2021, the Puerto Rico Public Policy Act to Combat Child Poverty and Social Inequality, sets forth goals and strategies aimed at reducing child poverty through policies in education, economic security, job creation, the elimination of barriers to employment, human capital development, access to health services, and food security. “Achieving the lowest child poverty rate in more than 30 years is good news for Puerto Rico and a clear sign that addressing this challenge is possible. We now have the opportunity to sustain this momentum and take it even further. At the IDJ, we remain committed to advancing the systemic change that Puerto Rico needs. Concrete solutions already exist to strengthen families’ economic security, expand access to early childhood education, remove barriers to employment, and create real pathways to economic mobility. The challenge now is to implement these solutions through coordination, sustained investment, and a genuine sense of urgency,” said Sarah Vázquez-Pérez, executive director of the IDJ.

Key findings: To sustain this historic progress, the IDJ identifies specific areas where public policy measures and targeted investment can help Puerto Rico continue to reduce child poverty and expand opportunities: • Strengthen families’ economic security. Although child poverty has declined, the economic vulnerability of families with children and youth remains significant. The median income for families with children Puerto Rico is $28,542, nearly $45,000 less than in Mississippi, the jurisdiction with the second-lowest median income for families with children. This underscores the need

Credit: IDJ

to expand access to quality jobs, strengthen income support, and advance public policies that help families achieve long-term economic mobility. • Connecting young people with education, work, and opportunities. Currently, 11% of young people aged 16 to 19 in Puerto Rico are neither in school nor employed, placing the island in second-to-last place among U.S. jurisdictions. This indicator underscores the importance of strategies for reengagement, workforce development, career pathways, and support systems that help young people stay connected to education and employment. • Expand access to early childhood education. With 43% of 3- and 4-year-olds not enrolled in preschool, Puerto Rico has an opportunity to strengthen long-term educational outcomes by expanding access to early childhood development and preschool programs, particularly for families facing financial barriers. • Supporting families and caregivers. The percentage of grandparents living with children the age children 18 and responsible for their care rose to 39%, an increase of five percentage points compared to the previous year. This change highlights the need to strengthen family support systems, care infrastructure, and two-generation approaches that collectively address the realities faced by children, parents, and caregivers. • Building on progress in access to health care. Puerto Rico continues to have a low rate of children without health insurance, with 98% of children by health insurance. This achievement demonstrates that sustained public policy efforts can yield measurable progress and serves as an important example for other areas of child well-being. Although the reduction in child poverty represents a significant achievement, the IDJ noted that this progress must be understood within the broader context of the well-being of children and youth. continued on next page

Portada / Front Page

El Sol Latino September 2026

Puerto Rico has reached its lowest child poverty rate in 30 years… continued from page 5 Through its Child and Youth Well-being Index, the IDJ monitors how Puerto Rico fares across multiple dimensions that shape the lives of children and youth, including economic security, education, health, and family and community conditions. The Index shows that progress in one area must be sustained and expanded across systems if Puerto Rico seeks to improve longterm outcomes for children, youth, and families. “Data allows us to move from diagnosis to action. It provides the information we need to understand where we stand and monitor progress. The reduction in child poverty shows that change is possible, but sustaining that progress requires understanding what support is reaching families, where gaps persist, and how public policy can respond more effectively. This is how measurement becomes a tool for implementation: it helps Puerto Rico focus resources on solutions that can strengthen economic security, educational opportunities, and long-term mobility for children and families,” said Dr. Enid Rosario-Ramos, a research associate at the IDJ.

To move in that direction, the IDJ recommends ensuring • access to early childhood development and preschool programs; • expand and strengthen opportunities for extended learning and after-school programs in public schools;

and multisectoral partners in Puerto Rico to use this information to accelerate coordinated action, align investments with evidence, and advance policies that strengthen the well-being and economic mobility of children, youth, and families. INSTITUTE FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT (IDJ) promotes research and public policy to strengthen the economic security of families with children and youth, with the goal of reducing child poverty in Puerto Rico. The organization drives change by developing evidence-based public policy recommendations, empowering those affected to participate in decision-making processes, and fostering strategic partnerships. In addition, the IDJ conducts in-depth research to better understand systemic problems and generate solutions, while disseminating data that raises public awareness of the challenges faced by children and youth living in poverty in Puerto Rico. The IDJ is Puerto Rico’s KIDS COUNT organization and a member of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s national network. For more information, visit www. juventudpr.org. ABOUT THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION works to create a more promising future for the nation's youth by developing solutions to strengthen families, build pathways to economic opportunity, and transform struggling communities into safer and healthier places to live, work, and grow. For more information, visit www.aecf.org.

• implement two-generation models that connect students and families with the support they need; • create more robust pathways from education to employment for young people; • and use data to guide public policy, investment, and implementation. Now in its 37th year of publication, the KIDS COUNT® Data Book provides reliable data to help leaders identify where progress is being made, where more support is needed, and what strategies can make a difference. The IDJ urges legislators, public officials,

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Portada / Front Page

El Sol Latino September 2026

Puerto Rico and an Unfulfilled PROMESA: Reflecting on Ten Years of the Territorial Bankruptcy Regime by MARIELY LÓPEZ-SANTANA Originally published on the Center on Constitutional Change (CCC) blog on July 11, 2026 Ten years after the passage of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), Puerto Rico’s debt crisis continues to expose the unresolved colonial foundations of its relationship with the United States, argues RFS Deputy Lead Editor Mariely López-Santana. While the Act created a territorial bankruptcy regime that enabled major debt restructuring, it also empowered an unelected oversight board with sweeping fiscal authority over Puerto Rico’s elected institutions. The Puerto Rican case therefore raises wider questions about subnational fiscal discipline, democratic accountability, and the continuing consequences of the island’s ambiguous status as “foreign in the domestic sense.” As scholars of federalism and multilevel governance have often pointed out, subnational fiscal discipline is a key intergovernmental struggle for countries around the world (e.g., Wibbels, 2003; Rodden, 2006). When a subnational level defaults, what is the responsibility of the national level? How should subnational levels respond? Which governance and policy solutions are more effective to overcome these episodes? Puerto Rico (PR) is currently facing many of these questions, as it is facing the largest debt restructuring in the history of the US municipal bond market. While other US localities, including Detroit, have faced similar issues, the ambiguous status of this unincorporated within the US federal context has complicated the debt restructuring process. Foreign in the Domestic Sense To understand the unique status of the US unincorporated territories we have to go back to the first years of the 20th century when it was established that the newly acquired possessions belonged to the United States, but were not part of it. As the US was expanding its federal and Imperial projects, the Insular Cases of the first decade of the 20th century established that “Puerto Rico was not a foreign country in the international sense, ‘since it was subject to the sovereignty of and was owned by the United States. Rather, Puerto Rico ‘was foreign to the United States in the domestic sense,’” since it “had not been incorporated into the United States, but was merely appurtenant thereto as a possession” (cited by Sparrow 2006, 92). While Hawaii and Alaska (i.e., the incorporated territories) eventually became US states, and the Philippines became independent, about to 5 million residents of the unincorporated territories—Guam, Northern Mariana, American Samoa, PR, and the Virgin Islands—are still affected by the doctrines of the Insular Cases. Even if PR gained autonomy in the 1950s through the establishment of El Estado Libre Asociado (Commonwealth), those who reside in the unincorporated territories enjoy a second-class citizenship given that they do not have access to the same rights and obligations as their counterparts in the 50 states.

This unique logic also applies to the financial space. While PR was integrated into the US municipal bond market in 1900, the archipelago could not file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy when the governor declared in 2015 that the archipelago’s $72 billion debt was not payable. In 2016, US Congress intervened by passing the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). Beyond the magnitude of debt restructuring, the launch of a “territorial bankruptcy regime” is noteworthy given that through a federal takeover the nature of US–PR pact was altered. More specifically, the unelected members of PR’s Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB), which became responsible for restructuring the debt, also gained major powers over the Commonwealth’s elected government. After PR experienced a few hurricanes, a pandemic, and various earthquakes, la junta was able to cut the archipelago’s debt by 58 percent. But the most expensive bankruptcy in the history of the United States is yet not over, as the restructuring of PR’s Electric Power Authority has been delayed. Therefore, a decade later it is unclear when the FOMB will exit the archipelago. Meanwhile, Puerto Ricans are experiencing a grim picture, as they face constant blackouts, days without water, and increasing costs, in part to pay bondholders. Ten Years Later: What Have We Learned? Ten years after PROMESA was launched, what have we learned about the consequences of this territorial bankruptcy regime on the status of the US unincorporated territories? a) Despite efforts to decolonize the unincorporated territories in the mid-20th century by increasing their autonomy, these islands are still ruled by the Territory Clause of the Constitution— “The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States.” As it became evident with the passage of PROMESA, Congress still has plenary powers over the unincorporated territories, and is willing to exercise these powers. b) 125 years after Downes v. Bidwell (1901), the doctrines of the Insular Cases are very much “alive and kicking” in that the unincorporated territories still “belong to, but are not part, of the US.” c) By creating la junta, PROMESA launched an ambiguous oversight organization with significant powers, including debt restructuring and fiscal veto powers. As I have explained elsewhere (López-Santana 2023; 2026), compared to US municipalities, the ambiguous territorial structure of PR has complicated the restructuring process. Through litigation, the special Court created for PROMESA and federal Courts (including the US Supreme Court), have established that: • First, the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) is not a federal organization, even if the members of the Board are appointed by the president and Congress. continued on next page

Portada / Front Page

El Sol Latino September 2026

Puerto Rico and an Unfulfilled PROMESA: Reflecting on Ten Years of the Territorial Bankruptcy Regime continued from page 7 • Second, despite being a local organization, in line with states’ protections under the Eleventh Amendment, the Board enjoys sovereign immunity (see Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico v. Centro De Periodismo Investigativo, Inc. 2023). • Third, while its unelected members are considered local officers, there is a democratic deficit, as la junta cannot be checked by local (elected) politicians and institutions, even though the FOMB’s budget is derived from Puerto Rican taxpayers. • Fourth, it has been determined that the FOMB has fiscal and financial powers, including veto powers over fiscal decisions taken by the legislative and executive branches, but the elected government gets to keep its political powers. Still, these lines between economic and political powers are often blurred by the FOMB, as economic decisions often have socio-political implications, as illustrated by the austerity agenda of the FOMB.

These insights are relevant as elements of the PROMESA regime might be transplanted into other territories, as well as US localities in the 50 states, facing fiscal or financial distress. Furthermore, as developing countries explore the possibility of creating their own subnational bond markets, the case of PR provides valuable insights about the politics, policies, and governance of subnational debt regimes and debt restructuring. To conclude, as the US celebrates its 250th anniversary, the case of PROMESA pushes us to challenge the notion that this country is a symmetric federation—after 125 years of colonialism, the unincorporated territories remain “foreign, in the domestic sense.” MARIELY LÓPEZ-SANTANA is an Associate Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. She is currently working on a book manuscript entitled, Indebted Colony: The Political Economy of Puerto Rican Bonded Debt under U.S. Rule. She is Deputy Lead Editor of Regional and Federal Studies. Note: CCC blog represents the views of the authors, and not those of Regional & Federal Studies, the Centre on Constitutional Change, or the University of Edinburgh.

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Portada / Front Page Círculos de Vecinos abre nuevos espacios de diálogo en Holyoke

El Sol Latino September 2026

Neighbor Circles Creates New Spaces for Community Dialogue in Holyoke ONE Holyoke CDC launched Neighbor Circles, a community initiative designed to bring residents from across Holyoke together to discuss neighborhood needs, identify shared concerns, and explore potential solutions through collective dialogue.

ONE Holyoke CDC puso en marcha Círculos de Vecinos, una iniciativa comunitaria diseñada para reunir a residentes de distintos sectores de Holyoke, facilitar conversaciones sobre las necesidades de sus barrios, identificar preocupaciones comunes y explorar posibles soluciones de manera colectiva. El programa comenzó como una iniciativa piloto en el Barrio 6. Las primeras tres reuniones fueron reservadas exclusivamente para residentes y se llevaron a cabo dentro del mismo vecindario, en la vivienda de uno de los miembros de la comunidad. El objetivo fue ofrecer un ambiente cómodo y de confianza donde los vecinos pudieran compartir sus experiencias, expresar sus inquietudes y establecer de manera conjunta las prioridades de su comunidad. Funcionarios y representantes de la ciudad fueron invitados a participar en la cuarta y última reunión. Durante ese encuentro, los residentes tuvieron la oportunidad de presentar las preocupaciones, propuestas y prioridades identificadas en las sesiones anteriores, además de dialogar directamente con representantes municipales. Círculos de Vecinos retoma una experiencia similar desarrollada años atrás por ONE Holyoke CDC en el Distrito 1. En aquella ocasión, la organización apoyó a residentes en sus esfuerzos por organizarse y presentar sus preocupaciones ante la ciudad. Algunas de esas conversaciones contribuyeron a cambios en procesos municipales orientados a promover comunidades más seguras y accesibles. La primera serie de reuniones de esta nueva etapa se realizó en el Distrito 6 todos los jueves de agosto a las 6:00 p. m. Los encuentros fueron moderados por Christian Carde-Guzmán. La cuarta y última reunión del Distrito 6 ya se llevó a cabo y contó con la participación de los concejales Anderson-Burgos, MurphyRomboletti, Panitch y Devine; representantes del Comité Escolar Lefebvre y Lubold; así como la representante estatal Patricia Duffy y representantes de la oficina del senador Velis. A través de Círculos de Vecinos, ONE Holyoke CDC busca fortalecer la participación comunitaria y crear espacios donde los residentes puedan conversar abiertamente sobre los asuntos que afectan sus vecindarios y participar de manera más directa en las decisiones relacionadas con sus comunidades. Los Barrios 1 y 2 tendrán sus círculos durante el mes de septiembre.

The program began as a pilot initiative in Ward 6. The first three meetings were reserved exclusively for residents and were held within the neighborhood at the home of a community member. The goal was to provide a comfortable and trusted setting where neighbors could share their experiences, voice their concerns, and work together to identify priorities for their community. City officials and representatives were invited to participate in the fourth and final meeting. During the gathering, residents had the opportunity to present the concerns, proposals, and priorities identified during the previous sessions and engage directly with municipal representatives. Neighbor Circles builds on a similar effort led by ONE Holyoke CDC several years ago in Ward 1. At that time, the organization supported residents in organizing and bringing their concerns before the city. Some of those conversations contributed to changes in municipal processes aimed at promoting safer and more accessible communities. The first series of meetings in this new phase was held in Ward 6 every Thursday in August at 6:00 p.m. The gatherings were moderated by Christian Carde-Guzmán. The fourth and final Ward 6 meeting has since taken place and included Councilors Anderson-Burgos, Murphy-Romboleti, Panitch, and Devine; School Committee representatives Lefebvre and Lubold; State Representative Patricia Duffy; and representatives from the office of Senator Velis. Through Neighbor Circles, ONE Holyoke CDC aims to strengthen community participation by creating spaces where residents can speak openly about issues affecting their neighborhoods and play a more direct role in decisions that impact their communities. Wards 1 and 2 will hold their Neighbor Circles during the month of September.

Opinion / Opinión

El Sol Latino September 2026

Innovation, Opportunity, and Belief

Innovación, Oportunidad y Confianza

by Dr. SONIA E. DINNALL Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools

¡Bienvenidas nuevamente, familias de las Escuelas Públicas de Springfield! Al comenzar el año escolar 2026-27, me llena de entusiasmo pensar en las oportunidades que tenemos por delante y siento un profundo agradecimiento por los estudiantes, las familias, los educadores, el personal y los colaboradores de la comunidad que hacen de las Escuelas Públicas de Springfield el mejor distrito escolar de Massachusetts.

Welcome back, Springfield Public Schools families! As we begin the 2026-27 school year, I am filled with excitement about the opportunities ahead and gratitude for the students, families, educators, staff, and community partners who make Springfield Public Schools the best school district in Massachusetts.

Dr. SONIA E. DINNALL, Springfield Public Schools

We continue to move forward. This fall marks the launch of Massachusetts’ first Innovation School Zone, bringing eight Innovation Schools together under district leadership. Springfield Public Schools is proud to pioneer this way forward. We are also proud to open the Exceptional Learner Academy, the state’s first public day program designed specifically to serve students with moderate autism. These bold initiatives reflect the mission of Springfield Public Schools: educating to empower all students to thrive academically, personally, and globally. As I begin my third year as Superintendent, I remain deeply committed to that mission, and my belief in our students and in all that we can accomplish together continues to grow stronger. That progress also continues through the four priorities that guide our work: early literacy, middle school transformation, college and career readiness, and post-secondary success. Though there is more progress to be made, we are moving in the right direction: • The percentage of students in kindergarten through Grade 3 who ended the school year reading at or above the expected level increased from 49% in June 2025 to 56% in June 2026. • From 2024 to 2026, the percentage of middle school students meeting or exceeding expectations in English Language Arts increased by seven percentage points in Grade 6, nine points in Grade 7, and three points in Grade 8. • The percentage of students in Grades 6 through 12 completing a personalized plan for their academic goals, future career and life after high school increased from 53% in 2025 to 58% in 2026. • The percentage of graduating seniors completing the FAFSA, an important step toward accessing financial aid for college, increased from 63% in 2025 to 72% in 2026. As we begin this new school year, I encourage our entire community to take stock of the progress we are making and renew our collective belief in what is possible. The gains we have made give us every reason to Believe in our students, our educators, our families, and the future the Fabulous 413 is building together.

Seguimos avanzando. Este otoño marca el lanzamiento de la primera Zona de Escuelas de Innovación de Massachusetts, que reúne a ocho Escuelas de Innovación bajo el liderazgo del distrito. Las Escuelas Públicas de Springfield se enorgullecen de ser pioneras en este nuevo camino. También nos enorgullece inaugurar la Academia para Estudiantes Excepcionales, el primer programa público diurno del estado diseñado específicamente para atender a estudiantes con autismo moderado. Estas iniciativas audaces reflejan la misión de las Escuelas Públicas de Springfield: educar para empoderar a todos los estudiantes a prosperar académica, personal y globalmente. Al comenzar mi tercer año como Superintendente, sigo profundamente comprometida con esa misión, y mi confianza en nuestros estudiantes y en todo lo que podemos lograr juntos continúa fortaleciéndose. Ese progreso también se refleja en las cuatro prioridades que guían nuestro trabajo: alfabetización temprana, transformación de las escuelas intermedias, preparación para la universidad y las carreras profesionales, y éxito después de la escuela secundaria. Aunque aún queda trabajo por hacer, estamos avanzando en la dirección correcta: • El porcentaje de estudiantes desde kindergarten hasta el tercer grado que terminaron el año escolar leyendo al nivel esperado o por encima de este aumentó del 49% en junio de 2025 al 56% en junio de 2026. • Entre 2024 y 2026, el porcentaje de estudiantes de escuela intermedia que cumplieron o superaron las expectativas en Lengua y Literatura en Inglés aumentó siete puntos porcentuales en sexto grado, nueve puntos en séptimo grado y tres puntos en octavo grado. • El porcentaje de estudiantes de sexto a duodécimo grado que completaron un plan personalizado para sus metas académicas, su futura carrera profesional y su vida después de la escuela secundaria aumentó del 53% en 2025 al 58% en 2026. • El porcentaje de estudiantes del último año de secundaria que completaron la FAFSA, un paso importante para acceder a ayuda financiera para la universidad, aumentó del 63% en 2025 al 72% en 2026. Al comenzar este nuevo año escolar, animo a toda nuestra comunidad a reconocer el progreso que estamos logrando y a renovar nuestra confianza colectiva en lo que es posible. Los avances que hemos logrado nos dan todas las razones para Creer en nuestros estudiantes, nuestros educadores, nuestras familias y en el futuro que el Fabulous 413 está construyendo juntos.

Opinion / Opinión

El Sol Latino September 2026

Artificial Intelligence Impacts Marginalized Communities JOSÉ P. ARCE and MIGUEL L. ARCE Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents opportunities to transform society for the better, it also poses real and immediate risks to society at large, particularly to economically impoverished communities. AI has already been shown to give preferential treatment to historically dominant populations while disproportionately harming marginalized communities. Rather than supporting the integration of traditionally poverty-stricken communities into broader society, AI has often reinforced existing inequalities. However, it does present unseen opportunities. In this editorial, we define integration as the creation of equal opportunities, access to the professional class, and respect for the histories of minority communities.

transportation, and more (SlateZ, December 22, 2025). The persistent lack of access to important and much-needed technological resources among residents is especially evident in voiceless communities — communities that lack significant political representation. In theory, economic and social prospects should be available to all citizens, regardless of their place of birth and where they currently reside. Vital civil liberties, resources, and opportunities are essential springboards for the poor to escape their financial, educational, and political struggles. Regardless, in reality, there exist countless systemic technological barriers that limit economic mobility and long-term prosperity (American Bar Association, June 16, 2026).

What are AI and LLMs?

The University of Georgia (UGA), an Artificial Intelligence (AI) infused university since its inception, has been powering its latest technology, expanding its research capabilities, and changing the way it teaches and learns. Artificial Intelligence (AI) “...entered our collective attention...” in 1956 (aihub.uga.edu). Since its inception, AI has been described in multiple ways. In simple terms, “AI is about creating computer systems that can do things that normally require human intelligence and seeks to do it better. Examples include virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa, recommendation systems on Netflix or Amazon, and even selfdriving cars” (aihub.uga.edu). In recent years, the Large Language Models (LLMs) have been the focus, hope, and concern of scientists and the public at large. LLMs are a category of deep learning models trained on immense amounts of data. LLMs are capable of understanding and generating natural language and other types of content to perform a wide range of tasks. They are trained on vast amounts of information and statistics, enabling them to comprehend and produce natural language (ibm.com/think/topics/artificialintelligence). The deep learning models power most state-of-theart AIs. While that framework is powerful and versatile, it comes at the expense of interpretability. There’s often little, if any, intuitive explanation (IBM, n.d.). In other words, it lacks "common sense”.

Communities that are historically marginalized

In various communities throughout the United States, long-term poverty, low household incomes, and a lack of investment can be found. They are located in rural regions, urban communities as well as on Native American reservations. Among the country’s 10 cities with the lowest median household incomes, the average household income was just under $39,000 a year, compared to an average of $189,601 among the 10 highest-income cities (U.S. News, June 5, 2025). This income differential results in unequal access to an ever-changing technological reality of today’s world. Residents of low-income neighborhoods around the world face constant obstacles that limit their economic mobility and enduring prosperity. The United States is no exception. The barriers of ever-changing technological realities of AI affect access to quality education, stable employment, safe housing, health services,

A resolute worker faces off with an AI controlled Robot (GPT Image Generator – 08/23/2026)

Artificial Intelligence Impacts Poor Populations

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) both exacerbates and ameliorates existing socioeconomic inequalities. AI is capable of equalizing content creation and access. It may, however, dramatically expand the production and proliferation of misinformation. AI impacts socioeconomic inequalities and policymaking (The National Institutes of Health, PNAS Nexus, June 11, 2024). AI can be used to promote civil, political, and economic rights, healthcare, education, and help to understand and resolve historic exclusions. "Artificial intelligence (AI) is quietly reshaping society, yet without oversight, some aspects of AI disproportionately harm low socioeconomic communities. Automated hiring tools reject qualified applicants based on biased historical data" (Chen, 2023). Loan approval algorithms reinforce economic disparities by penalizing applicants based on their zip codes (Ferrara, 2024). AI used by law enforcement misidentifies people of color, leading to miscarriages of justice (Pasipamire & Muroyiwa, 2024). AI is also compounding housing discrimination continued on next page

Opinion / Opinión

El Sol Latino September 2026

Artificial Intelligence Impacts Marginalized Communities continued from page 131 by automating housing and lending decisions through unreviewable, biased screening protocols (Kreisman Initiative, 2024). AI is transforming the experiences of professionals, the middle and working classes, and low-income communities. Lowerincome workers, particularly wage earners in physically demanding jobs, may be able to use AI tools to improve the quality and efficiency of their work. However, these workers face significant barriers that may make it difficult to adjust to AIdriven changes without greater access to resources, training, and support. First, workers from low-income households may not have the financial means to pay for upskilling or training programs, especially while also trying to cover basic living expenses. Second, companies and employers currently invest less in training workers without post-secondary degrees compared with those who have college credentials. Third, low-income workers are already more likely to be affected by the digital skills gap (DeRenzis, 2026). Despite the potential risks, companies continue to deploy AI with little oversight, placing efficiency and profitability above fairness and ethical accountability. A robust AI governance framework is urgently needed to ensure transparency, equity, and responsible supervision. ScienceDirect (June 1, 2025) indicates the cycle of poverty can be broken by affirmative steps. It is important to be aware of how Artificial Intelligence is being used in the workplace, in housing markets, in lending systems, in law enforcement, in public services, and in shaping public perception of low-income populations.

Inclusive and Equitable Decision-Making in AI

AI emerges as a double-edged sword. It promises remarkable

Educación / Education

opportunities to alleviate poverty and offers innovative solutions and pathways. AI, however, presents formidable challenges where it could exacerbate poverty (End Poverty Now, December 26, 2023). Artificial intelligence represents a potent force for poverty reduction, offering innovative solutions and opportunities for transformative change. We have the potential through AI to strengthen and renew our commitment to economic rights. By harnessing the power of AI, we can correct historic exclusion and make democracy accessible to all. We emphatically insist that all people deserve meaningful and fulfilling lives — faithful political representation, just laws, safe working conditions, fair wages, affordable healthcare, equitable educational opportunities, safe neighborhoods with reasonably priced housing, healthy and inexpensive food. Our destiny is not merely to endure, but to flourish. We come from proud families and resilient communities that have survived generations of hardship, exclusion, and injustice. We are a strong people who seek to build a secure future for our children and who remain sensitive to all people who need a hand up. Artificial intelligence must not become another tool of exclusion. With accountability, justice, and community power, AI can instead help to shape a world where all people have opportunities to thrive. Clearly, communities that have historically preceded AI must continue coming together to vote, organize, participate in policymaking, and ensure that our representatives in Congress and all our state and local delegates understand these concerns (Brookings, January 15, 2026). We are, all of us, part of what has made this country great. We, the people, continue to be the strong backbone of American industry and innovators of groundbreaking technology, leading the country toward a prosperous future.

Irma Medina Named Dean of New Holyoke Community College Division HOLYOKE, MA | HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE | Aigust 27, 202 – Irma Medina of Springfield, an alum and 22-year employee of Holyoke Community College, has been named the inaugural dean of the HCC division of Integrative and Applied Learning. “For more than two decades, Irma has served HCC with dedication and distinction, championing student success, equity, belonging, and experiential learning,” said Jessica Nicklin, HCC provost and vice president of academic and student affairs. “This is an important leadership role, and I’m delighted to make this announcement.” Medina, the daughter of a seamstress, was a single mom and working full time as a secretary when she enrolled in night classes at HCC in 1997, taking a bus to college every day from her home in Springfield’s North End. She is a graduate of Springfield’s High School of Commerce, where her best class was typing, she said, and her ambition at the time merely to get a better paying secretarial job. “That was all I knew,” she said.

Later, Medina transferred from HCC to Mount Holyoke College on a Frances Perkins scholarship. She graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in urban politics and a minor in history. She soon returned to HCC as an academic advisor for the TRIO program, and two years later became the inaugural coordinator of what was then a new transfer program called Pathways, which she led as coordinator for the next 17 years. continued on page 14

Medios / Media

El Sol Latino September 2026

Award-winning Puerto Rican film “Esta Isla” coming to Holyoke “Esta Isla” (This Island), the award-winning feature film by Puerto Rican filmmakers Lorraine Jones Molina and Cristian Carretero, will screen in Holyoke on September 25, bringing the acclaimed Puerto Rican film to audiences across Central Massachusetts.

with Cristian Carretero, directed and produced the film. The screening in Holyoke will include a post-screening discussion, giving audiences an opportunity to engage directly with the filmmakers and explore the film’s themes and creative process.

BoriCorridor, in collaboration with Experimento Lúdico and Holyoke Media, presents the screening as part of the BoriCorridor Screening Tour, an initiative that brings Puerto Rican artists and cultural productions to communities across the United States.

“‘Esta Isla’ represents the kind of stories that BoriCorridor seeks to bring to our communities: deeply Puerto Rican, honest, and contemporary narratives that invite us to reflect on who we are and how we relate to our country, our history, and our diaspora,” said Elsa Mosquera, founder of BoriCorridor.

“Esta Isla” premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, where it won Best New Director and Best Cinematography and received a Special Jury Mention for Best U.S. Narrative Feature. In 2026, the film received the John Cassavetes Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, further establishing “Esta Isla” as one of the most recognized Puerto Rican films in recent years. Set against the backdrop of Puerto Rico’s coastlines and mountains, the film follows Bebo, a teenager trying to survive amid economic hardship. After a violent incident alters his life, he flees with Lola, a young woman determined to escape her circumstances. Their journey explores identity, belonging, and redemption in a Puerto Rico that is as beautiful as it is complex.

The Holyoke screening is part of a broader nine-city BoriCorridor Screening Tour that will bring “Esta Isla” to communities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Colorado, and Texas, as well as New York City. The tour marks the first time BoriCorridor has incorporated film into its programming, expanding the range of Puerto Rican artistic and cultural productions it brings to the diaspora. Supported by the Mellon Foundation, the BoriCorridor Tour has spent the past three years connecting Puerto Rican artists and cultural productions with communities throughout the United States. Event details: Movie: “Esta Isla” (114 minutes) Date: September 25, 2026 Time: 6:30 p.m. Venue: Holyoke Media, MA Address: 1 Court Plaza, Holyoke, MA 01040 Tickets: https://boricorridor.com/esta-isla-tour-2026/ Tickets and additional information are available at boricorridor.com. About the Directors of “Esta Isla”

More than a chase thriller, “Esta Isla” offers a deeply human and contemporary portrait of Puerto Rican life, exploring inequality, resilience, and the island’s historical legacy.

Lorraine Jones Molina is a Puerto Rican filmmaker and co-founder of Experimento Lúdico. Her work explores women, sexuality, and spirituality in the Caribbean, using film as a tool for reflection, activism, and healing. She has won two Suncoast Emmy Awards and produced numerous internationally recognized projects. Cristian Carretero is an Emmy-winning Puerto Rican filmmaker and co-founder of Experimento Lúdico. His films explore contemporary social and environmental issues in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean and have been screened and honored at international festivals. For “Esta Isla”, both directors received the Best First-Time Director Award, Best Cinematography Award, and Jury’s Special Mention for Best U.S. Narrative Film at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. In 2026, the film won the John Cassavetes Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, establishing it as one of the most acclaimed Puerto Rican films. About BoriCorridor

“This film was born in Puerto Rico—from its landscapes, its contradictions, and its people. Being able to share it now with Puerto Rican communities across the United States is a very special opportunity for us,” said Lorraine Jones Molina, who, along

Produced by Ágora Cultural Architects with support from The Mellon Foundation, BoriCorridor connects a broad network of cultural workers in the U.S. It serves as a platform for Puerto Rican artists from the archipelago and diaspora to connect, collaborate, and showcase their work.

Libros / Books

El Sol Latino September 2026

Crítica literaria, periferia intelectual y disonancias Estudios de literatura puertorriqueña por CARMEN CENTENO AÑESES • PLATANAL | anteriormente conocida como Ediciones del Flamboyán DESCRIPCIÓN Los trabajos de este libro giran en torno a la literatura puertorriqueña y han sido escritos tomando en cuenta su heterogeneidad temática y estética, al igual que la necesidad de que se valore la labor de crítica literaria del archipiélago que compone a Puerto Rico. La crítica literaria expande el entendimiento de la cultura de un país y, al igual que la historia, es también un campo de debate como parte de su capital cultural y simbólico, así como de su acerbo lingüístico interpretativo en esta zona del Caribe, en la que prevalecen el sincretismo y la mulatería, las pieles sospechosas de las que habla Luis Rafael Sánchez. AUTORA CARMEN CENTENO AÑESES nació en Aguadilla, Puerto Rico y ha trabajado en diversas fases de la educación. Es crítica literaria y ha sido asesora en el área de la enseñanza del español, ha brindado diferentes talleres sobre lectura y el ciberespacio hispano y ha sido miembro de los comités de evaluación de la Universidad de Puerto

Las bichotas - Cuentos por ANJANETTE DELGADO MIAMI, FL | VINTAGE ESPAÑOL | Julio 20, 2026 | 216 páginas DESCRIPCIÓN Las bichotas es una colección feroz, lúcida y profundamente emotiva en la que Anjanette Delgado da voz a mujeres que han sido empujadas al límite. A través de historias ambientadas entre Puerto Rico y Estados Unidos, estos relatos exploran el feminicidio, el abuso, la soledad migrante, el racismo y las formas en que las mujeres resisten, sobreviven y se reinventan. Con una prosa poderosa y una imaginación que cruza lo íntimo, lo político y lo fantástico, la autora construye un universo donde cada cuento revela una herida distinta y también una fuerza compartida: la de mujeres que se niegan a seguir siendo víctimas silenciosas. Las bichotas es, al mismo tiempo, una denuncia, una elegía y una afirmación radical de la resistencia de las mujeres. Escritora y periodista puertorriqueña, Anjanette Delgado ha desarrollado una obra marcada por el desarraigo, la justicia social y

Rico en Bayamón y miembro de Amnistía Internacional. Posee una maestría en Estudios Hispánicos de la Universidad de Puerto Rico en Río Piedras y un doctorado en Filosofía y Letras del Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y el Caribe obtenidos con altos honores. Ha escrito los libros *Modernidad y resistencia: literatura obrera puertorriqueña (1898-1910)* (2005); *Lengua, identidad nacional y posmodernidad* (2007); la edición crítica de *Estercolero* de José Elías Levis (2008); *Desde el margen y el Caribe* (2009); *Polifonía caribeña* (2013); *Intelectuales y ensayo* (2017); *Narradoras del Caribe hispano* (2018); *La belleza no existe*; *Un flaneur caribeño: el ensayo híbrido de Eduardo Lalo* (2021); *Marcio Veloz Maggiolo y el mestizaje en el Caribe hispano*, la edición crítica de *Estercolero* de José Elías Levis con el Centro de Estudios Literarios de la Universidad Nacional. la experiencia femenina. Su trayectoria la ha consolidado como una voz singular dentro de la literatura caribeña contemporánea. AUTORA ANJANETTE DELGADO es una escritora puertorriqueña y periodista ganadora de un premio Emmy. Su trabajo explora el sexilio, el desarraigo, la identidad y la justicia social. Es autora de las novelas La píldora del mal amor, La clarividente de la Calle Ocho y Las Bichotas (publicación el 28 de julio), además de los libros de no ficción El sexilio y Cómo querer a un cubano. Su obra ha sido publicada en The New York Times, NPR, The Kenyon Review y otras revistas literarias. También editó la antología Home in Florida: Latinx Writers and the Literature of Uprootedness, ganadora de la Medalla de Oro en los International Latino Book Awards 2022.

Irma Medina Named Dean of New Holyoke Community College Division continued from page 12 In 2023, she was named director of Integrated Learning, overseeing a complement of linked programs that includes Pathways, Honors, Learning Communities, Community Based Learning, and Academic Internships. This summer, Integrated Learning was elevated to become its own academic division under the new title of Integrated and Applied Learning, with Medina as its first dean.

“Those who know Irma recognize her as a thoughtful leader, a trusted colleague, and a passionate advocate for students,” said Nicklin. “I am confident that her vision, collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication to HCC's mission will continue to enrich our students' lives and strengthen our college community.

Libros / Books

El Sol Latino September 2026

El Monte's New Itineraries

Afrodiasporic Spirituality in the Contemporary Caribbean edited by ALBERTO SOSA-CABANAS • contributions by Jossianna Arroyo, Erwan Dianteill, Joshua R. Deckman, Emily A. Maguire, Lazara Menendez, Stephan Palmie, Juan Esteban Plaza, Beatriz Rivera-Barnes, Suset Sanchez, Martin A. Tsang • BRUNSWICK, NJ | ‎RUTGERS UNIVERSITY PRESS | April 14, 2026 | 224 pages EDITORIAL REVIEWS DESCRIPTION “Guide, manual, labyrinth, intricate thicket of El Monte's New Itineraries is the first book fully devoted to the study reality and fantasy, a work of high literary of Cuban author and ethnographer Lydia Cabrera’s El Monte (1954), one of the most influential books in Caribbean cultural history. Highly modernism, scholarly treatise, or an example of the ‘marvelous real’? Lydia Cabrera's El referenced, if understudied, El Monte is a comprehensive work that Monte is a magical, poetic, and idiosyncratic intertwines ethnobotany, popular orality, and Afro-Cuban traditions. rendering of Afro-Cuban religious beliefs and practices. We are Its pages have enjoyed a transnational influence, enriching domains fortunate to have a collection of essays that approach this baffling such as ethnography, politics, theater, and even science fiction and charming book from different perspectives and disciplines: literature in the Caribbean, and the knowledge contained in it lies at anthropology, ethnobotany, the visual arts, literature, history, the heart of Afrodiasporic spirituality and ethnomedicinal practices queerness, and ecology. These essays reveal that El Monte is more across Hispanic Caribbean cultures and beyond. than a text, it is a journey filled with new beginnings."— Alan WestAUTHOR ALBERTO SOSA-CABANAS is an assistant professor in the Department Durán -author of Afro-Cuban Religions and the Arts: A Dog Has of English and Modern Languages at Hampton University. His academic Four Legs But Takes One Path work on the intersections between racism and cultural production has received numerous awards and recognitions, including fellowship support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Institute for the Study of Global Racial Justice (ISGRJ), the Tinker Foundation, and the Cuban Research Institute (FIU). His essays can be found in the journals Revista Iberoamericana, Cuban Studies, and Decimonónica. He is the editor of the volume Reading Cuba, Discurso Literario y Geografía Transcultural (Valencia, Aduana Vieja, 2018).

"Vibrant, daring, and deeply grounded, this book reimagines Lydia Cabrera’s work for our time. Moving across literature, ethnography, and visual culture, the essays uncover how Cabrera’s El Monte continues to breathe through the Caribbean’s art, spirituality, and politics. This collection proves that Cabrera’s forest of symbols is still very much alive and more relevant than ever."— Mabel Cuesta associate professor, University of Houston

Deportes / Sports

El Sol Latino September 2026

HCC Women’s Volleyball Team Keeps Moving Forward After Outstanding Season by MANUEL FRAU RAMOS Last year, on November 2, 2025, the Holyoke Community College (HCC) Women’s Volleyball Team, Cougars, defeated the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) to win the 2025 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III Region XXI Championship.

the development of volleyball in Puerto Rico and acknowledges the significant contributions of Puerto Rican volleyball players in the United States. Caidence White, Rafael “Raful” Rodríguez, vice president of Salón de la Fama del Voleibol de Puerto Rico, y Jaylanie Nieves

It marked the Cougars’ first-ever appearance in a national championship tournament after winning the New England championship for the first time in 11 years. They finished with a 19-4 overall record (18-2 in conference play) and will represent Holyoke at the national tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from November 12 to 16, 2026. In December 2025, the Holyoke City Council honored the HCC women’s volleyball team for their historic season. Coach Ju’wan Collins received an official proclamation of congratulations at the Holyoke City Council. On July 30, 2026, Jaylanie Nieves and Caidence White, Cougars’ volleyball players, attended the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) new exhibition - Puerto Rico Volleyball Exhibition. They had the opportunity to meet the leadership of the Salón de la Fama del Voleibol de Puerto Rico, Pedro “Pedrito” Rodríguez Morales, and Rafael “Raful” Rodríguez, president and vice president, respectively.

Pedro “Pedrito” Rodríguez Morales, president of Salón de la Fama del Voleibol de Puerto Rico, Jaylanie Nieves, Mónica Torres, Chicopee Community Liaison

The new exhibition - Puerto Rico Volleyball Exhibition - highlights

PHOTO courtesy of HCC. HCC women's volleyball team celebrates at City Hall after being honored by the Holyoke City Council. Back row, left to right: Isabelle Garutti, Assistant Coach Bryce Nelson, Jaylanie Nieves, Desirae Destiny Dejaria Robinson, Nyvaeh Fisher, Aldene Scott and Brittany Sumba. Front row: Sehkinah Delvalle, Shaliyah Toledo-Cruz, Alianiz Bonilla, Caidence White, and Head Coach Ju’Wan Collins

Deportes / Sports

Holyoke Old Timers Softball League 2026 23 de agosto de 2026

McNally Field (Flats)

Holyoke, MA

El Sol Latino September 2026

Deportes / Sports

El Sol Latino September 2026

Puerto Rico 40+ Gana Campeonato Clásico del Caribe 2026 22 de agoto de 2026 • Van Sickle Field (El Hoyo Softball Field) • Springfield, MA El equipo de Puerto Rico 40 + ganó la serie del Clásico del Caribe 2026 al vencer al conjunto de República Dominicana 40+. Puerto Rico venció al conjunto Quisqueyano con marcador de 5 carreras a 6 en el primer juego. Los Boricuas volvieron a ganar el segundo desafío con marcador de 17 carreras a 11. Eliezer “Ito” Colón tuvo el honor de realizar el primer lanzamiento. Luis Omar Santiago, del equipo Puerto Rico, fue seleccionado como Jugador Más Valioso (MVP) , y Xavier “Xavy” Oquendo como Mejor Lanzador.