Harry Franqui-Rivera

As for heroes, they may not be Hernández’s heroes, but they are exactly that to their relatives, friends, and the people in their communities. And they are Puerto Rico.

Wanting to be independent (as an individual, nation, or country) is the most natural thing in the world. But is it economically or politically viable?

I offer the following as a historian and political analyst and not seeking to promote whatever solution to the Puerto Rican status issue.

Mead can write this racist garbage because academia remains a very racist and white-dominated place.

The “canceling Latino culture” argument is so irrational, it’s sad.

He was an ardent believer of the racial tenets of the moment and in particular, that “civilized nations” should act as protectors of “barbarous” ones.

A lost memory from college resurfaced during a particular scene. How to forget that in Puerto Rico we often hear “como puta de caserío” for so many things, and from people who could not name a single person from the projects.

I’m writing a very personal narrative of what I have gathered so far from my relatives and friends because it is a way of dealing with the anxiety of not being there with them in times of peril.

A date that defines the history of a modern colony.

I have never written about this incident for many reasons.

The calls are heartbreaking.

Just stating the obvious.

Puerto Ricans do matter—in the city, in the state, and anywhere they can be found.

It’s complicated.

I didn’t watch the Oscars last night (untouched by the agony of one of longest events known to humankind), but I still woke up to the Sean Penn “green card” controversy. By now, you know what happened. Ha! Funny! Isn’t it? Many didn’t think so, and social media soon exploded. Was Penn racist? I don’t […]