al@na

ARTIST/Poet/Dancer/Activist Native of Miami, Florida Alana Alfaro grew up a nomad living in several areas of her native Florida, Northern Spain and diverse US locations from Washington DC to Biloxi, MS. As a child Alana's illustrations were published in several local magazines, and children's books which increased her passion for art at a very young age. She later graduated from Annandale High School, Northern Virginia -Washington DC where she furthered her career as an artist delving in all mediums to include graphic arts and photography. During this period Alana studied theology and world religions, self taught Italian, dancing/performing and became an activist -using her voice every chance available. Her passion for liberal arts, performing arts and music eventually lead her into a career as a Combat Photographer in the United States Marine Corps, where she has traveled the world and continues to perform her poetry, dance, freelance photography/journalism and support causes using what she believes are her best weapons -her voice and her pen. ____________________________________________________________ _____Some of her works include "Copyright", "Silenced Goddess", "Artist's Revolution" and "Paying to Eat". Her work a melange of raw, expression, passion, truth, touching world issues and political ideologies -with focus on the homefront, and acting as a voice for her community. ____________________________________________________________ _____ Alana is a member of the United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Women Marines Association, ASPIRA Association, Puerto Rican Studies Association, National Art Association and National Association of Latino Arts and Culture. ____________________________________________________________ _____ Alana has received the Outstanding Citizen Award for her compassionate nature, aid and voice provided to her community among several other letters of recognition, to include Joyce Ellen Weinstein's recognition as one of the National Art Association's most outspoken, nonconformist artists, to include a recommendation for MTV's series "The Real World". Some of her decorations include the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas and Sea Service Deployment, Certificates of Commendation, National Defense Service Medal and several letters of appreciation for her tattoo designs, artwork, photography and voluntary poetry and dance performances. ____________________________________________________________ _____PAYING TO EAT:Cocaine and weed fiends,blood diamond ringsShit they rock, thinking it's hotYou think you'r madd flava', but you're not.Little boy calls 911-Moms is passed out, can't figure out-why his call goes ignoredBitches think it's a joke,because he's black -think he's playing on some crack!Society! Can't you see how wack!?! -Filibustererstrying to send immigrants back, to "where they came from"see the unreported blood spilled from the "peace bringing", "JUSTICE" seeking gun?Uneducated or willingly blind, these wigs can't seethe SPANISH were the first in this territory!This country belonged to Native and Aztec kings and queensfirst European settlement was in fact St. Augustine!These selfish, blind, corrupt can't hold us down -we-hold the first crown.Our hard earned dollars are used for their own vanity-vice wisely giving it back to the needing community.For the many that speak truth, they opress us and title us"the American insanity!"Our own people, US military members used as government guinea pigswe fight for our country, we fight for freedom-when to them, we're "just another number".How many of our OWN -live on the streets dying of hunger!CIA coverups and scams... too many to number.We have cures for cancer and cures for aids,but this monster dangles it in needing eyes and greedily sells it to rich paying celebrities and spies.Homeless and Hungry -riots in the streetsPushers and Hookers -the Government's paying to eat.Our own, dying and wailingthese wigs are failing.----"We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home."