Leadership
The people behind CHARAS — a community-driven organization dedicated to arts, education, and advocacy in the Lower East Side.
OUR ORIGINS
How CHARAS Began
CHARAS was founded in 1965 in the Lower East Side by a group of community leaders committed to creating positive change through education, culture, and grassroots organizing.
Their vision was simple yet powerful — to empower the community through arts, education, and opportunity. That vision continues to guide CHARAS today.
C
Carlos “Chino” Garcia
H
Humberto Crespo
A
Angelo Gonzalez
R
Roy Battiste
A
Anthony Figueroa
S
Sal Becker
TEAM
Leadership
CHARAS is guided by dedicated community leaders, organizers, and advocates who continue to support its mission and programs in the Lower East Side.
Herman F Hewitt
Board Member
Herman F. Hewitt is an active member of the CHARAS board, dedicated to advocating for the restoration and revival of the historic CHARAS / El Bohio community center. He works closely with community leaders and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at returning the landmarked P.S. 64 building to public use and strengthening community initiatives in the Lower East Side.
Herman F Hewitt
Board Member
Herman F. Hewitt is an active member of the CHARAS board, dedicated to advocating for the restoration and revival of the historic CHARAS / El Bohio community center. He works closely with community leaders and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at returning the landmarked P.S. 64 building to public use and strengthening community initiatives in the Lower East Side.
Herman F Hewitt
Board Member
Herman F. Hewitt is an active member of the CHARAS board, dedicated to advocating for the restoration and revival of the historic CHARAS / El Bohio community center. He works closely with community leaders and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at returning the landmarked P.S. 64 building to public use and strengthening community initiatives in the Lower East Side.
“The sale of El Bohio was a betrayal of the Lower East Side’s history and its future.”
The Movement Continues
Collaborative RootsMeetings
Working with board members and partners to ensure initiatives remain impactful.
Organizing Power
Lobbying city officials and state representatives for the return of the building.
Future Vision
Maintaining the archives and stories of El Bohio for the next generation.
More Than a Building
"PS 64 represents our identity, our culture, and the very future of the Lower East Side. If we lose our spaces, we lose our history. We fight for a future where community needs come before private profit."
Join the Friends of CHARAS
Community support has always been at the heart of CHARAS. Whether through volunteering, attending events, or making a donation, every contribution helps strengthen programs that benefit the Lower East Side.
Connect With CHARAS
Have questions or want to get involved? We would love to hear from you. Together we can protect the cultural heart of the Lower East Side.
EMAIL US
ELBOHIO.CHARAS@GMAIL.COM