"Some of my ancestors packed their luggage, while others left wearing only the clothing they owned. The indistinguishable factor was the vast majority were intrinsically armed with dignity, pride and self-determination. Cape Verdeans and their descendants have resided in the city of Bridgeport for nearly a century. Their offspring epitomize the American dream, boasting accomplishments in a variety of academic institutions and fields of employment, as attorneys, doctors, engineers, nurses, state officials and police officers.
However, our accomplishments suffered a setback with the portrayal of the Cape Verdean Association of Bridgeport in the Nov. 2 Connecticut Post article headlined "Cops close down Cape Verdean, bust three." I believe this article is not analogous with the reputation ACEB holds in the community. In the article, ACEB is portrayed as a nightclub patronized by the unruly with no regard for civility. However, the reality is quite to the contrary. ACEB was founded 27 years ago to preserve Cape Verdean culture, provide new arrivals with assistance in adapting to American life and promote civic virtue.
Throughout its existence, ACEB has and continues to strive to meet its founding objective. It provides a gathering place for members and friends to enjoy ethnic food and music. It has and continues to provide those of all ethnic affiliations the ability to sponsor benefits for those in need. ACEB has provided positive outreach in the community; most recently
it has been influential in the Hollow NRZ and community cleanup efforts. ACEB members partially founded and continue to be a pivotal contributor to the Bridgeport American Youth Soccer Organization. ACEB volunteered storage space, hosted training meetings, and members volunteer their personal time for the betterment of all Bridgeport youth. Many local, national and international dignitaries have frequented the association for support.
I will not allow our historical and recent significance to be eclipsed by political policing. The city's SET Team entered our association on the premise of noise complaints and forcefully ordered the doors closed prior to state law. At the same time, the Connecticut Post also published an article on Nov. 2, headlined "Police spook SHU party," demonstrating alarming disparity between the response to a party at ACEB and that of the rental residence of some Sacred Heart University students.
As a result, I and other ACEB members are requesting a town hall meeting with Mayor Bill Finch and Acting Bridgeport Police Chief Joseph Gaudett. It is our intention to bring closure to this matter civilly, in the manner our forefathers would have intended."
Antonio DePina Jr.
Stratford
This letter was also published in the Connecticut Post
Related Topic: Bridgeport Official Suspended After Social Club Melee
