The Staten Island Puerto Rican Alliance (SIPRA) was born out of a simple idea and a powerful need. Joe “Bedrock” Mejia (Left) first envisioned bringing the community together through a neighborhood BBQ, a space where Puerto Ricans on Staten Island could celebrate their culture, share food, and connect with one another. At the same time, Staten Island’s Hispanic community faced a startling reality: 19.6% of the borough’s total population, nearly 96,960 residents, had no real voice or representation.

It was during this time that Joe crossed paths with Danny “Doco” Ortiz (Right), a connection sparked when Danny’s brother, Fuego, told him about the BBQ. What began as a casual introduction on a mutual Facebook page quickly grew into a strong bond. Joe and Danny found they shared not only cultural pride but also a passion for advocacy and community building. Their friendship evolved into a partnership, tightening their vision and fueling the creation of what is now known as SIPRA.

Their first major collaboration exceeded every expectation. Originally planned for 800 to 1,000 attendees, the event drew more than 3,500 people and broke Snug Harbor’s record for the largest festival crowd in its history. That overwhelming turnout showed not only the need for cultural representation but also the power of community when united under a shared identity.

Together, Joe and Danny transformed the initial idea of a community cookout into a full-fledged nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Hispanic heritage and uplifting the less fortunate. Today, SIPRA works alongside Puerto Rican-owned businesses like the Latin Bar and Restaurant to strengthen cultural identity, amplify community voices, and build a platform for future generations.