Home Photo Gallery Classroom Documents Dear Sir: I have read your letter with the greatest of interest and delight, because I have been waiting for an opportunity like this to express my opinion about the condition of the community where I have been working for almost 20 years. The problem in this community is unique. The people are Puerto Ricans, American citizens, who never have the privileges of citizens, because they do not speak the language, and do not understand American living. They have been terribly hit by the depression, helped by the Home Relief and unfortunately greatly spoiled by it also. Their needs? Jobs, in the first place, of course. But strange as it might seem this is not the most important thing. They need to be convinced that they must learn to speak the English language. The older generation will not go to public Schools. They must have a teacher who can talk to them in their own language, because their knowledge of it is very, very limited. They need almost to be forced to give more attention to their health. They need sane recreation to take them away from their slums. All this taking into consideration that a great majority do not speak English and are utterly foreign. The people selected to work for them, must understand them and must speak both languages, and one who has the American as well as the Spanish point of view. If anything is ever going to be done for the Puerto Ricans in Brooklyn, and I can be of any help, I will be more than happy to do all in my power, to help better their condition in general. Very respectfully yours,
Alberto B. Baez, Pastor
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