When people think of Hispanic Heritage Month, the American flag may not come to mind, but it’s essential to recognize the 3.2 million U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico, who possess a rich Spanish heritage.
Understanding Puerto Rico’s status is crucial. The island has deep Hispanic roots; originally inhabited by the Taíno people, it was claimed by Spain in 1493 when Christopher Columbus arrived, according to the Smithsonian.
Spain established a colonial government, making Spanish the dominant language, a legacy still true today. Since 1898, after the Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico has been a non-incorporated territory of the United States. This means that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens with U.S. documents, but they lack certain rights, such as voting for senators or the president. They enjoy some American rights, but many essential freedoms are denied.
Now, after 126 years as a non-incorporated territory, many residents actively seek to end this “colonial” relationship through various means, including statehood or independence.
Jordon Lebron, the president of El 787, a club that celebrates Puerto Rican culture and advocates for Latinos on Ohio University’s campus, said there is a deep desire for change in the Puerto Rican community, revealing a broader struggle for recognition and empowerment in the face of systemic challenges.
“Puerto Ricans, we exist in the world, and especially in our government,” Lebron said. “The vast majority of the population there wants some sort of change, whether it be just a change of government to escape from a lot of the bad stuff that's happening.”
Hispanic Heritage Month, running from mid-September to mid-October, celebrates key dates like the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua Sept. 15, followed by Mexico and Chile Sept. 16 and 18. Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, also occurs during this time, highlighting the complex history of colonization and cultural exchange.
This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” may resonate deeply with Puerto Ricans as they grapple with the country’s political status. The contributions of Puerto Ricans extend beyond their island, influencing various aspects of American culture, from music and cuisine to politics and art.
George Laws García, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Statehood Council and the former adviser for two Puerto Rican governors, said it is often difficult for people on the island to feel a sense of belonging during Hispanic Heritage Month due to a variety of factors including little representation in the media and feelings of injustice.
Laws García also emphasized the political structure creates a sense of powerlessness, where “one party holds all the power and the other party is deprived of the power,” leading individuals to internalize feelings of inadequacy and blame themselves for their circumstances.
Although there remain feelings of frustration and anger among people in Puerto Rico, Laws García is dedicated to using the tools of democracy to spread awareness of the political injustices faced by his fellow citizens so that one day they may contribute equally to society.
Laws García said he is further motivated by America’s history of marginalized groups fighting for equality and representation, charting the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage Movement and LGBTQIA+ marriage equality as some that make the idea of Puerto Rican statehood appear attainable.
“Groups that were formerly marginalized, formerly excluded, formerly deprived of full participation in society, have gained access to the tools and opportunities that our American system can afford them,” Laws García said. “They've contributed, and America's benefited from it, and we've become a better nation, a more perfect union, and I believe that we can continue moving that forward.”
As you honor Hispanic Heritage this month, think of the American flag and the contributions of Puerto Rico. By doing so, we can help ensure that all Hispanic communities receive the recognition they deserve. Together, we can celebrate a future where every voice is valued, and every culture is honored.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for all Americans to become more aware that we still have a ways to go,” Laws García said. “The best way to honor fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and other Hispanic Americans is by giving us the opportunity to make a decision about our future, and ultimately, whatever voters choose is what they should get.”
Abby Waechter is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Have something to say? Email her at aw087421@ohio.edu or tweet her @AbbyWaechter.
