September 20, 2022
A Statement from Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)
Five years ago today, Puerto Rico met the destruction of Hurricane Maria, losing thousands of lives and damaging the island’s infrastructure nearly beyond repair. Over the weekend and the last several days, another hurricane, Hurricane Fiona, raged through Puerto Rico and neighboring islands, leaving millions of U.S. citizens without power or potable water. NHMC calls on the Biden-Harris Administration to immediately provide significant aid to Puerto Rico to remedy past wrongs and support the current needs of Puerto Ricans.
Puerto Rico has endured much pain and trauma under the existing and past colonial control of the island by the United States and others over the last several centuries. Even in the wake of a dehumanizing president, touting racism wrapped in a paper towel tossed to those in need of aid. But even so, Puertoriqueños held fast to their strength, resilience, and love for their culture.
The people of Puerto Rico deserve better. This is an opportunity–during Latinx/o/e Heritage Month nonetheless–to show up for our comrades and fellow citizens.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition
