Calles de la Resistencia: Pathways to Empowerment in Puerto Rico
by Jean Hostetler-Díaz
The Boricua
(Puerto Rican) heritage is one of resistance and valiant defense of freedom.
From the initial, violent Spanish conquest of Borinquen (the island’s original
name), the realities of domination and oppression by hostile invading armies
confronted an organic consciousness of liberation within the indigenous
culture. From the initial, violent Spanish conquest, the realities of
domination and oppression by hostile invading armies confronted an organic
consciousness of liberation within the indigenous culture. Puerto Ricans have
always resisted, organized, and taken action against their oppressors and
against their colonization in all its forms. It has been a centuries-long,
life-and-death struggle, with brutally repressive policies and other methods of
suppression and control constantly attempting to defeat the forces of
resistance. At various times, conditions have reached critical mass, and a
clear confrontation of forces has occurred. Last summer that point was reached
when the forces of resistance became abundantly visible and their power
obvious. Ultimately, this sustained collective uprising, now known as El Verano
Boricua (The Puerto Rican Summer), directly and triumphantly challenged state
authority.
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