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Let me first share, that before I started creating content online, I was (and still am a poet). I performed for the first time in 1995 at the Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe after a Nuyorican Rule show. The first post on my original geo-cities blog was a poem called True Boricua.

As a teen, I was always fascinated with storytelling thanks to my grandmother, Gloria Delrio who shared countless stories with me in her kitchen and teaching while she taught me all about my cultural heritage.

Then I met Poet & Author, Piri Thomas, who in his book, Down These Mean Streets captured the complexities of race, identity and survival in a way that was relatable to me growing up in East New York, Brooklyn during the “Crack Era”.

His work wasn’t just writing to me. It was a mirror reflecting struggle, triumphs and a raw truth that would eventually inspire me to create Sofrito For Your Soul. He would remain a friend and even perform at our Capicu Cultural Showcase in 2010, his last public performance before he transitioned from this realm.

It is for this reason, that I want to encourage creators to turn to their favorite poets (or discover new ones) for inspiration that will help them be heard in a room full of noise.

What I learned from Piri is that it is ok to be first, to break ground and create something you never seen because you know that someone needs it right now. I have carried this thru my career with Sofrito For Your Soul, Capicu Culture, LATISM and Hispanicize. I am doing it again with this newsletter.

Poets are the unsung heroes of creativity. We have been out here breaking hearts, opening minds, and flipping language upside down since forever. No filters, no algorithms, just raw energy and truth. If you’re a creator, whether you’re a blogger, video creator, podcaster, an artist, or a social media strategist.

There is definitely something you can take from how poets move.

Read this Siembra Lesson as I break it down by creator type.

Read this Siembra Lesson as I break it down by creator type.

Today’s Creator Spotlight is more than just a creator I admire… he is a dear friend and a core member of Capicu Culture for over 10 years. He has documented, performed, organized, painted, contributed and built community on our behalf consistently since he first walked thru our doors. He has also been a great mentor for many as he has spent the last few years teaching art and sharing his knowledge. It is an honor to introduce you to Albert “ Taino Image” Areizaga.

Born in 1956 at Lincoln Hospital, Bronx, NY to traditional Puerto Rican parents, Albert grew up watching his father draw, which inspired him to draw as well. When he was in the first grade his teacher asked the students to draw a picture for their respective areas in the cloak room. Albert drew an Indian Chief that impressed his teacher so much so that they contacted his parents. He has, throughout his entire life, continued to create art in one form or another.

While still in High School, Albert joined the military and departed home a week after graduation as a means to help pay for his continuing education. He initially served in as a reservist in the Army National Guard and in 1981 went on active duty until his retirement in 2001 as a Master Sergeant E-8.

He attended college classes at night during his military service and graduated from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY with a degree in Art and Science. While attending college, Albert also took a photography course and would become a professional photographer and graphic designer. He covered the Latin music industry for about 15 years as a photographer and graphic designer. 

Throughout Albert’s life, there has been an insatiable desire to create art, a desire that has never really subsided. When he retired from the military in 2001, he began a new career as a professional photographer and graphic designer. After a 12 year hiatus from painting to concentrate on photography and graphic design, he suddenly got the urge to paint again about six years ago. He’s been painting regularly since.  Several years ago, his painting titled “The Beginning of the End” was included in the Smithsonian Museum’s Taino exhibit. Albert is also a poet who has been published by CENTRO (The Hunter College Center for Puerto Rican Studies.)

He has taught art at Boricua College and is currently teaching art at the South Brooklyn Community High School. He will be performing LIVE and sharing his art at the Capicu Pa’l Pueblo Holiday Jam to help deliver the Christmas Spirit to kids in Brooklyn.

To connect and commission work, Follow him on Instagram @TainoImage

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upport the Movement: Siembra Connect Needs You! 🌱

I used to provide free / low cost content when I ran my Social Sofrito branding classes, and I realized that one of my opportunities was I never asked for support. I believed that if you were paying attention to my content, you would know to support me.

That was not true, since I was helping people, it gave the illusion that I didn’t need help. I had it all together. This brand experiment is different… this is more of a mutual aid situation. We will grow together.

Creators are the storytellers, the innovators, and the dreamers shaping tomorrow. At Siembra Connect, we’re dedicated to empowering creators by providing resources, community, and opportunities for growth. But I can’t do it alone. 💚

How You Can Help

1️⃣ Spread the Word:
Share our newsletter, our upcoming launches of the YouTube channel, and podcast with your network! Every share brings creators closer to the tools and inspiration they need to thrive.

2️⃣ Contribute Your Voice:
Are you a creator or a storyteller? Share your insights, expertise, or journey with our community. Your content can inspire and guide someone else on their path.

Pitch me your idea… [email protected] 

3️⃣ Invest in the Future of Creators:
Your financial support helps us provide workshops, mentorship, and innovative tools to uplift creators everywhere. No amount is too small, and every contribution directly impacts our mission.

Feel free to make a donation on any of the following platforms

CashApp - $UrbanJibaro

Venmo - @UrbanJibaro

PayPal - [email protected]

Why It Matters

Creators often face gatekeeping, hustle culture burnout, and a lack of resources. Siembra Connect breaks down these barriers by fostering an inclusive and supportive ecosystem. Together, we can amplify their voices and ensure they’re seen, heard, and celebrated.

Let’s cultivate a future where creators can thrive! 🌎
Donate, share, or reach out to get involved: 

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