IN A NOBLE WAY

Hello, my name is Luis Antonio Ramos. I was born on the Island of Puerto Rico (Boriken) in the city of Arecibo. I currently reside in Ridgewood, Queens, New York. I am the first born of Louis and Elizabeth Ramos. Both of my parents and all my grandparents where born on the Island.

I am of Taino ancestry. Taino people of the Carribean. Taino meaning good or noble people. But I have not always acknowledged my Taino Indian ancestry, mostly because of lack of knowledge. But today I am aware and acknowledge my roots , and have a greater understanding and appreciation of the Taino people's history, ways, and culture.

When Columbus tresspassed on the  "New World", which in fact was not a new but a very old world, dating back even before the great pyramids of Egypt. He wrote to the Queen that he had come in contact with a new people, whom he called "Indians", not because he thought he was in India, but because the word "Indio" actually comes from the Latin words "In Dio" meaning men of god. Columbus must have named us this because of the way the people treated the new comers, with great hospitality.

Today I let people know the truth about my people, the Taino people, who are still here. My Taino name given to me by my aunt, may she rest in peace, is "big heart". So I feel I have a big responsibility to live up to the name she gave me.

Today I am more involved in the Indian culture, striving to set a positive example to others of my people and their ways. From time to time I go back and visit my motherland, in my home town of Camuy, Puerto Rico and I remind my relatives of who we are.

The sounds at night of a tiny frog called "coqui" native only to the island of Puerto Rico reminds us all of a not forgotten brave and noble Taino Chief named Coqui. Today I am glad and proud to be called Taino, as I strive to live in the ways of my ancestors.

I live life in a very noble way.

BACK TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS
on the Testimonies Page