PALCUS Stands with the Black Community

To Our Portuguese Community,

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We are deeply saddened by the deaths happening in the African American communities across the country. We express our condolences to the families impacted by these deaths, horrific reminders that we must never relax our guard against racism and injustice, in any form.

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As an organization working for the growth and progression of Portuguese-Americans who came here for the American Dream, and a community that has integrated well into American society and embraced ethnic diversity in our own families, we must do our part to promote the dialogue around this issue affecting our African-American brothers and sisters.

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To that end, PALCUS is planning a series of forums to address the issues of racial injustice and inequality around the country and within our own community, as well as many other topics. Some of the topics we will be addressing include:

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· Diversity in our community
· Law enforcement reform
· Criminal justice system reform

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These are big topics that affect our community directly, and we strongly encourage your participation in these conversations. Do you have suggestions for topics or guests to be interviewed? These are your conversations. PALCUS exists to serve you, the entire Portuguese community and together we can start a dialogue that is long overdue.

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For those that feel compelled to take action, we encourage you to peacefully stand up for your beliefs and ask that you not resort to violence. One of the best ways for your voice to be heard is to contact your elected officials at the local, state and federal levels. Continue to make your voice heard.

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As Toni Morrison (American novelist, essayist, book editor, and college professor) said: "If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it." Before us is the opportunity to write our future as a society committed to ethnic, racial and civic justice, inclusion, and education. To put into words what has to be said and to turn those words into actions. Now is the time to work together and do our part to seek a change so that no one is judged or defined by the color of their skin. We all have to speak up and acknowledge what is right in front of us.

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To be silent is to be complicit. PALCUS will not be complicit.

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At hand is an issue that, at its core, affects us all, independent of party affiliation or political background. We must not fall prey to prescribed definitions and terminology, as it transcends labels and demographics and checkboxes. At hand is an issue of humanity. PALCUS stands for humanity.

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Black Lives Matter. PALCUS stands with the Black community, and together we can pursue racial justice and equality.

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*This message has been approved by the PALCUS Board of Directors.

PORTUGUESE ACTIVITY BOOK

PALCUS has created a Portuguese Activity Book!
This activity book is filled with Portuguese and Portuguese-American activities! Word searches, coloring pages, and more!
Proceeds from this book benefit PALCUS. You can order yours here!
Free shipping on orders of 2 books or more!
Buy yours today!

Was That You: A story about the signs we receive from loved ones who have passed

As many of you know, PALCUS Chair, Angela Simoes,

and her husband lost their 9 month old son, Alexandre,

suddenly and unexpectedly in February of 2019. 

Since then, the Simoes family has received an

outpouring of support from the community. 

One of the biggest gestures of support has been the

establishment and funding of the Alexandre Antonio

da Costa Simoes Memorial Scholarship with PALCUS. 

This scholarship has been 100% funded by community

donations, and currently totals more than $20,000. 

To continue funding this scholarship, Angela has authored a book about the signs one receives from a loved one who is in Heaven.  The book titled "Was that you?" has been published on May 3rd, Alexandre's birthday and also International Bereaved Mother's Day, and will be available on Amazon only.  The proceeds from this book will fund the scholarship in Alexandre's memory. 

The book is written in the style of a children's book so that parents who have lost a child can read this book to them.

"It might sound like a strange concept, reading a book to a child who has passed, but for me, it's a way not only to stay connected with our son, but also to recognize that his spirit is still around us," said Angela.  "Also, as a mom, I want to do whatever I can for my children, and this is something I can do for him, and honor his memory."

Purchase the book on Amazon.

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All About

Make Portuguese Count™

PALCUS National

Scholarship Applications

OPEN!!

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Alexandre António DaCosta Simões Scholarship

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Gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, will be acknowledged and the family will be notified.

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Give by PayPal or credit card HERE

or mail a check to

PALCUS, 9255 Center St., Ste. 404, Manassas, VA 20110

with "Alexandre Scholarship" on memo line.

LUSUS Newsletter

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SUPPORT PALCUS!

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GIVE or BECOME A MEMBER

National Database for

Portuguese-American

Public Officials

Read more HERE

#MakePortugueseCount

NOVO! Make Portuguese Count™

Como completar o Censo 2020 Vídeo EM Português!

Assista ao vídeo para receber instruções sobre como completar o formulário do Censo 2020 online no seu computador.

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Respond Online in English or "em Português" at www.my2020census.gov

Complete your 2020 Census on the Phone!

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To answer the 2020 Census by phone in English,

call TOLL FREE at 844-330-2020

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Para responder ao Censo 2020 por telefone em Português

ligue GRATIS para 844-474-2020

Make Portuguese Count™

Promotional Video

PALCUS is establishing the first National Complete Count Committee with the

U.S. Census Bureau to mobilize Portuguese-Americans to be counted in the 2020 Census. All civic, social, and faith-based organizations are urged to join us in working together in solidarity to unite our community in this national campaign. Read more...

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CALLING ALL TEACHERS OF PORTUGUESE!

Make Portuguese Count in the Classroom™

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The 2020 Census can be a "teachable moment" for your students.

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Lesson plans in Portuguese and U.S. Census Resources are available free of charge for your use.

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Learn all about "Make Portuguese Count™ in the Classroom" and how you can participate

HERE

GOFUNDME in Support of

Make Portuguese Count™

HELP US IN RAISING FUNDS FOR CAMPAIGN MATERIALS!

PALCUS needs more bilingual posters, flyers, pamphets and instructional videos and more to help spread the word and educate our community about the 2020 Census.

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Your tax-deductible donation will help us put information in everyone's hands!

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Help us to Make Portuguese CountTM in the 2020 U.S. Census!

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Obrigado!