Decolonizing Puerto Rico: Past, Present, Future (Roundtable, 05/2023)

This roundtable discussion at Gonzaga University featured Dr. Charles Athanasopoulos (President, PIP-WA), Dr. Jenaro Abraham (Vice President of Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño en Diáspora) and guest speaker Puerto Rican activist Edil Sepúlveda Carlo. Apart from being an activist, Sepúlveda Carlo is an environmental lawyer, a NASA scientist, and currently chairs a decolonization committee with several members of congress in Washington DC. The roundtable discussion was held on May 2nd, 2023.

Together, the panelists discussed the historical context of Puerto Rico’s colonization, the modern movement toward independence on the island, and how those of us living in the United States can support Puerto Rican independence. The roundtable featured a vibrant Q&A discussion concerning current efforts to get pro-independence candidate Juan Dalmau elected to the governorship of Puerto Rico, to place pressure on the U.S. congress to initiate a bilateral process toward the decolonization of Puerto Rico, and coordinated efforts in the diaspora to push local and state government resolutions denouncing the colonial status of PR.

In addition to the Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño, the event was co/sponsored by the Gonzaga University College of Arts & Sciences, the Communication Studies department, the Critical Race & Ethnic Studies department, the History department, & the Political Science department.

With help from co/sponsors, the roundtable also featured traditional Puerto Rican food during the event via a catering company Bake My Sweet Day. The menu featured lomo de cerdo (pork loin), arroz con gandules (rice & pigeon peas), Puerto Rican macaroni salad, & a dessert tembleque (coconut pudding).