"What is going ON in Puerto Rico?" Part 1: Featuring Mikey Cordero and Aliana Margarita

Holi listeners! This week, we are doing part one of two episodes -- focusing on real-time movements happening on the island. In this episode, Becca speaks with Mikey Cordero, creator of Diasporico and La Sala Libre, a space launched during the Bad Bunny concert influx to offer a non-extractive way to engage with local and diasporic nuance; his project documents “ethical return” conversations and links gentrification to colonialism. The two also chat about DefendPR, a collective producing immersive, short-form storytelling from grassroots movements, beginning with protests in Peñuelas. Becca also chats with Aliana Margarita of Consentimiento PR, who translates policy and activism education; she explains Law 82 (PC-310), which requires plaintiffs to pay 10% of a project’s cost to sue, and connects it to Proyecto Esencia, PROMESA’s fiscal control board, UPR budget cuts, and ongoing colonial governance. Be sure to tune in next week for the other activists and movements we'll be highlighting.  Also don’t forget to email us at [email protected], or DM the show page @welcometoelbarrio for submissions! And subscribe to the show’s substack for FREE for bonus content!   SHOW NOTES: @defendpr @mikey.cordero @con.sentimientospr @alianamarga Unmasking PROMESA: The unelected board perpetuating colonialism in Puerto Rico (The Real News Network) What is Esencia and what will happen to Puerto Rico if this is constructed? (MR Online) @diaspo.rico About Law 82 Defiende Cabo Rojo Sierra Club de Puerto Rico See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.