In conjunction with this season's New York City Fashion Week, República was recently invited to preview the debut line of Dominican-born, American designer, Emilio Sosa. The collection was presented at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The Ford-sponsored event brought out the city's brightest and best-dressed for a night full of color and soulful House music--two things that Emilio boasts, truly inspired the unique line titled: Urban Geisha.

The result is a stunning collection that's based on classic American sportswear silhouettes, Japanese aesthetic and vibrant hues of blue and red.

Okay, so maybe we were kidding about an actual "attack" but there's definitely a little friendly competition brewing. You see, for a while now, New York City-based local media celebrity, Juan Bago, has been riding the wave of viral buzz thanks to his brand of Dominican-laden comedy. First there was Pan Con Queso, a comedic remix to Wiz Khalifa's breakthrough single, "Black And Yellow," that centers around the popular Dominican breakfast ritual of the grilled cheese. And in his latest spoof, Dominis In The Heights, an ode to Kanye and Jay-Z's "N***as In Paris," Bago manages to score a cameo from Broadway golden-boy, Lin Manuel Miranda (In The Heights). Huge, right? Perhaps.

But enter Manuel Minus P of ThatsDominican.com and this virtual town might not be big enough for two viral funnymen. Unlike Bago, Minus P's material highlights more island-centric quirks, complete with segments about the comedic archetype Dominican male, Dominican female and even Dominican parents! And now the million dollar question: Who's funnier and why?

Bago:

Minus P:

Does the Bago charm do more to foster humor?

Or does P's island approach make a stronger demographic of fans laugh?

We're letting the reader comments decide this one. Let us know!

New York City-based non-profit, Healthy Kids In The Heights, is spearheading a campaign that will empower neighborhood parents to become leaders in healthy living. The Healthy Parents Fellowship program is dedicated to battling child obesity in the neighborhood of Washington Heights. Led by founder and health activist, Catarina Rivera, the initiative is currently seeking funding to jump start its goals of health and entrepreneur training for parents, publicity for the project, materials and supplies, and space for its work. Washington Heights ranks second-highest in the city for childhood obesity. The Healthy Parents Fellowship really wants to change this statistic by developing community leaders that will in turn, activate community awareness. You can help fund their cause here. Only 16 days left for them to reach their goal of $2500 USD.

A video for an anti-racism campaign sponsored by the Mexican government is raising all kinds of eyebrows, and hopefully, awareness about the deep-rooted social issue. The almost four minute long piece captures a handful of responses from Mexican children that are asked to differentiate between a white doll and a black doll. When asked loaded questions like which doll is ugly, bad, good, trustworthy, etc., the children almost always attributed the negative qualities to the black doll. Ricardo Bucio Mujica, President of The National Council To Prevent Discrimination, points out that the experiment is meant to highlight some very real social stigmas and perceptions:

What we are tying to show here, is that in Mexico we associate the whiteness of the skin with beauty, with advantages in life and success, it’s the desirable stereotype.

Anyone looking for a good groove this coming Thursday, December 29th 2011, should check out our amigos, The 55 Crew, and their new Uptown Manhattan residency, Deep In The Heights. Expect "House music all night long," floor powder, and a whole lotta dancing!

DEEP IN THE HEIGHTS: Bringing House Parties Uptown

Thursday, Dec. 29th 11PM-4AM

Negro Claro Lounge

3805 10th Ave (204th Street)

New York, NY

RSVP 

Bronx native and internationally-revered songstress/actress, Jennifer Lopez, is under major scrutiny for a recent Fiat commercial that she appears in. First, the ad was criticized when it was discovered that J. Lo's parts were actually shot in Los Angeles and not the New York City streets that the producers would actually have you believe (Brooklyn Bridge and the elevated 6 Train). Now, the ad is under more fire as a copyrighted graffiti mural (I Heart The Bronx) by the infamous Tats Cru was used without permission. Ms. Lopez and Co. can definitely expect a call from their lawyer. Yikes!

The Dominican Republic Education And Mentoring Project (Dream Project) is a 501(c)3 based in Caberete, Puerto Plata that dedicates its mission to the impoverished children of the Caribbean island. Together with a team of teachers, trainers, and volunteers, the unique school is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by offering its students quality, early and continuing education. This regiment is comprised of an inclusive and sustainable curriculum that promotes critical thinking that is fostered by individual support. República salutes!

Dominican author/musician, Rita Indiana, has a knack for conveying powerful social commentary in very infectious (and effective) forms. Her latest video, Da Pa Lo Do, which roughly translates to "There's Enough For Both," takes on the controversial subject of Haitian/Dominican racial division. The visuals portray two young "soldiers" scurrying about the Caribbean countryside who are visited by a black-faced (in good taste) Virgin Mary (played by Rita) and reminded of their unified roots. Very powerful!

This Is My Africa is an award-winning documentary directed by Zina Saro-Wiwa that takes viewers on a crash-course through African culture via 21 different Africans and African experts and their collective memories and opinions. The refreshing accounts tell of everything from music, art, and politics, to the range of emotions pertaining to the past, present, and future of the often misrepresented continent. 

The Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMMA) and Community Association of Progressive Dominicans (ACDP) present a day with best-selling author Julia Alvarez this Monday, October 17th at the Malcolm X Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center in Washington Heights, Manhattan. The event is open to the public with RSVP via info@nommanyc.org