#OnThisDay, Oct 1, 1979, Frank Espada received an NEH grant to create the first federally funded documentary project on the Puerto Rican community in the U.S. His work, 4,000+ photos & 130 interviews, captures migration, labor, and activism, shaping how Puerto Rican history is remembered.

Don’t miss the New York Public Library’s guided tour of our San Juan Hill exhibition!  RSVP here: https://ow.ly/mfgk50X4luW

October at CENTRO is full of discovery, stories & community! 🍂 📚 San Juan Hill Teach-In ☕ Cafecito: Spiritist Women in PR 📸 Nuyorican Photography & Frank Espada 🎤 CENTRO x Nuyorican Poets Cafe RSVP → https://ow.ly/rai950X2TqI

#OnThisDay, September 29, 1674, Miguel Enríquez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A free Black man and shoemaker, he became a powerful Caribbean privateer, defending Puerto Rico for Spain. His rise challenged colonial hierarchies, making his story one of resistance.

Reminder!  Call for Papers — "El Journalcito” On the 50th anniversary of Luis Rafael Sánchez’s “La guaracha del Macho Camacho”, we invite papers that revisit the novel’s cultural, political & aesthetic legacies. Abstracts due: Oct 6, 2025 https://ow.ly/t6Wq50WQt32

Last week at CENTRO: Our Open House welcomed students & the community to explore 300+ archives, library, data hub & resources. Friday’s cafecito highlighted Afro-Latin Soul & Salsa shaping Puerto Rican identity. Saturday: Bad Bunny Watch Party at El Museo del Barrio. Thanks to all who joined!

#OnThisDay, Sept 23: 1868: El Grito de Lares – PR fights Spanish rule. 1980: No Nukes Fest, NYC – music & activism against nuclear energy. 2005: Filiberto Ojeda Ríos, PR independence leader, killed by FBI, sparking debates on sovereignty.

Join CENTRO’s Summer Researchers, Conor Tomás Reed, Alexandria Ramos & Estelle Maisonett, for a conversation on last year’s theme: “Archives: Memory & the Present Past of Puerto Rico,” exploring how archives shape history, accessibility, & power in scholarship. RSVP! https://ow.ly/QcQy50WTkTm

Join CENTRO & the Nuyorican Poets Cafe for an evening of poetry in El Barrio. Celebrate 52 years of the Cafe with an open mic exploring memory, struggle & love across the Puerto Rican experience. RSVP → https://ow.ly/iH3P50WZAeH

New on RicanWritings “The More Things Change… Growth, Public Goods, and Hispanic Displacement in New York” by Carlos Vargas-Ramos, PhD. As the 2nd Ave subway extends into East Harlem, Hispanic families face displacement, echoing a long history from San Juan Hill to today. https://ow.ly/tpZf50WZA3k

#OnThisDay Sep 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria a Category 5 storm struck Puerto Rico, causing catastrophic damage & leaving thousands without power, water, or lives. The disaster exposed infrastructure weaknesses & political failures, highlighting the urgent need for accountability & effective governance.

#OnThisDay September 19, 1922, Evelina López Antonetty was born. A civil rights and education activist, she founded United Bronx Parents in 1965, championing bilingual education, school meals, and parent empowerment in NYC, shaping educational policy nationwide.

Honoring the legacy of photographer Frank Espada with his son, poet Martín Espada, and Nuyorican photographers Máximo Colón, David González, & Erika P. Rodríguez. Explore the intersection of visual storytelling & poetry. RSVP → https://ow.ly/Pmtr50WXyYA

New Release: “Diasporic Collage + Coastal Relations Exhibition Catalogue” Published by CENTRO Press, this hardcover brings together two landmark exhibitions exploring Puerto Rican diaspora, migration & survival through art + essays. Get your copy today → https://ow.ly/jwJL50WY7tF

Explore how Puerto Rican women practitioners of Spiritism shaped society during the colonial shift from Spain to the U.S. Join Jillian Baéz and Dr. Clara Román Odio to discuss feminism, spirituality, and Román Odio’s books.  RSVP → https://ow.ly/ZFrn50WXyM7

Join the Data Hub virtually on October 7th to learn about their latest report on the families displaced from Lincoln Square & San Juan Hill. RSVP → https://ow.ly/LA8Y50WXvVF

We’re excited to announce the extension of two of our exhibitions at CENTRO! “Diasporic Collage: Puerto Rico and the Survival of a People” will now be on view through November 22, 2025, and "Afterlives of San Juan Hill" through October 15, 2025.  Click here to learn more https://ow.ly/yZ6n50WY8mO

Join CENTRO’s Summer Researchers, Conor Tomás Reed, Alexandria Ramos & Estelle Maisonett, for a conversation on last year’s theme: “Archives: Memory & the Present Past of Puerto Rico,” exploring how archives shape history, accessibility, & power in scholarship. RSVP! https://ow.ly/QcQy50WTkTm

Join us in El Barrio on Sept 19 for a Cafecito on Salsa and Afro-Latin Soul!  RSVP → https://ow.ly/PYtf50WWZu9

After months of maintenance, we're excited to share that our digital archives are live and accessible to the public again! Thank you to all our patrons for your patience as we improved the security of our digital collections. Head to centroca.hunter.cuny.edu to start perusing!

This past weekend, on the anniversary of what would've been Antonia Pantoja's 103rd birthday, CENTRO staff joined Boricua Festival Committee inc., El Barrio Artspace, and community members for the renaming of 3rd Ave and 97th Street as Dr. Antonia Pantoja Lane!

After months of maintenance, we're excited to share that our digital archives are live and accessible to the public again! Thank you to all our patrons for your patience! Head to centroca.hunter.cuny.edu to start perusing! 📸: Photographer Unknown. Jesús Colón Papers.

Join us in El Barrio on Sept 18 for CENTRO’s Open House! Discover 300+ archives, data hubs & resources centering the Puerto Rican experience—free for students, researchers & community. RSVP → https://ow.ly/QKQS50WRhNi

#OnThisDay in 1991, ACT UP protesters staged a demonstration at Puerto Rico’s Central Office for AIDS Affairs, criticizing government inaction on HIV. With over 6,800 cases and 65% mortality, activists demanded real education programs and community involvement.

#OnThisDay September 13, 1922, Antonia Pantoja was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A pioneering educator and civil rights activist, she founded ASPIRA to empower Puerto Rican youth and became the first Latina awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her lifelong impact.

New on DAM Docuseries! Episode 8 – Juanita Lanzo: The Gestures of Embodiment Afro-Puerto Rican artist Juanita Lanzo explores the body, natural world, and diasporic identity through intimate, biomorphic works in drawing and watercolor. Watch now → https://centropr.hunter.cuny.edu/media/juanita-lanzo/

#OnThisDay Sept 11, 1941, Miguel Algarín Jr. was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Poet, scholar & co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Café, he gave voice to Puerto Rican & Latinx writers. His work blended English & Spanish, migration & identity, shaping generations through poetry & performance.

#OnThisDay September 10, 1933, Elba Cabrera was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Known as “La Madrina de las Artes,” she uplifted Puerto Rican and Latinx artists in NYC, building spaces where their voices and cultural contributions could be seen, heard, and valued.

Join CENTRO’s Summer Researchers, Conor Tomás Reed, Alexandria Ramos & Estelle Maisonett, for a conversation on last year’s theme: “Archives: Memory & the Present Past of Puerto Rico,” exploring how archives shape history, accessibility, & power in scholarship. RSVP! https://ow.ly/QcQy50WTkTm

CENTRO launches the Lydia García Author Fund to support authors exploring the Puerto Rican experience & the hidden costs of writing & promoting their work. Five $1,000 awards available. Apply with a cover letter, CV, & sample of published work by Oct 10, 2025, 11:59 PM ET → https://ow.ly/4iJw50WTpim

Join us in El Barrio on Sept 19 for CENTRO’s Open House! Discover 300+ archives, data hubs & resources centering the Puerto Rican experience—free for students, researchers & community. Stay after for a Cafecito on Salsa, Afro-Latin Soul, plus live music! RSVP → https://ow.ly/QKQS50WRhNi

Excited to announce the 2025 Rooted + Relational scholars & community orgs! This year’s theme, Boricuas in Relation, explores Puerto Rican communities across the archipelago & diaspora in connection with other racial & ethnic groups. Learn more → https://ow.ly/AAfT50WQxor

At a time when marginalized histories, including Black Puerto Rican histories, are erased, this webinar centers Afro-Puerto Rican pasts, presents, and futures. RSVP: https://ow.ly/137z50WQuWS Get your copy today!: https://ow.ly/tXuh50WQuWR

The Art History Program at UPR-RP and CENTRO at CUNY are teaming up for "Diasporican Art in Motion," expanding research on Puerto Rican diaspora artists through essays, interviews, and a new docuseries. Learn more → ow.ly/16cH50VRjL4

Last week we celebrated 35 years of service from José deJesús, our incredible Associate Director for Operations! A cornerstone of CENTRO, José has helped transform our org while lifting up our community every step of the way. ¡Wepa! Here's to your legacy, José! 🎉

OPEN CALL: 2025-2026 Rooted + Relational Research Fellowship! CENTRO is now accepting applications! This year’s theme, “Boricuas in Relation,” explores Puerto Rican connections across race, culture, & migration. Apply by June 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET! Learn more & apply: ow.ly/X4B350VMY7y

Today we commemorate #InternationalWorkersDay. On May 1st, 1886, in Chicago's Haymarket Square, thousands of workers rallied for an 8 hour workday. Today, we continue their legacy by standing in solidarity & advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions & dignity.

May is jam-packed with exciting events that you won't want to miss! 🌊 Rooted + Relational Symposium: Archives & the Memory of Puerto Rico ☕ Cafecito con...Glorimar Garcia En tus manos/En mi nombre 📸 Exhibition Opening: Afterlives of San Juan Hill RVP now → centropr.hunter.cuny.edu/events/list/

🎬 “Puerto Rican Voices” returns for Season 6! CENTRO is seeking 5 producers for our Rooted + Relational Social Documentary Lab. Each will receive $15K to create an episode exploring movement & belonging. Deadline: June 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET Apply → ow.ly/Jrh650VENOn

In “Palestine in the Nuyorican Literary Imagination,” Joseph Anthony Cáceres unpacks Pedro Pietri’s “Wine and Dine in Palestine”—revealing how verse rewrites the American dream and builds solidarity through language. 📖 Read more → centropr.hunter.cuny.edu/publications...

New archival collections now available! Explore the legacies of activism & public service. 🗃️ Iris Morales Papers → ow.ly/ZJ2W50VyZoF 🗃️ Enrique Fernández-Toledo Papers → ow.ly/f4pG50VyZoG 🗃️ Natividad 'Tato' and Maria Acevedo Family Papers → ow.ly/V8Qj50VyZoE Start exploring now!

Today is #InternationalDayofTransgenderVisibility. We honor Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera for their courage in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. Digital Transgender Archive → ow.ly/AmCl50VrNQ2 The Center → ow.ly/ekWm50VrNQ3 DIY Archiving Guide → ow.ly/x9vA50VrNQ1

RSVP here www.weact.org/latest/events/

#OnThisDay Feb 21, 1944, Afro-feminist poet Angelamaría Dávila Malavé was born in PR. A key voice of the “Generación del 60,” she explored love, womanhood & Afro-Caribbean identity. Read the first English translation of ANIMAL FIERO Y TIERNO: ow.ly/vGZN50V2MeU

#OnThisDay, Feb 20, 1975: Over 1,000 demonstrators marched in the Bronx, demanding justice for Carlos Feliciano, a Puerto Rican Nationalist. His case spotlighted systemic inequalities in bail, parole & justice. 📸 Courtesy of Máximo Colón.

We’re thrilled to present “Diasporic Collage: Puerto Rico and the Survival of a People,” the first exhibition at our newly acquired CENTRO Gallery in El Barrio! On view until Sept 26, 2025. Open Tues-Thurs & Sat | 12-5 PM. RSVP now to opening night: centropr.hunter.cuny.edu/event/openin...

Join @latinxprojnyu.bsky.social on 2/15 for the book launch of “Nuyorican & Diasporican Visual Art: A Critical Anthology”. CENTRO Directora, Dr. Yomaira C Figueroa-Vásquez, was a collaborator in this collection that explores Nuyorican and Diasporican voices! ow.ly/aSqh50UXMXR

Latest from RicanWritings: “Hoy Te Recuerdo: Mapping Femicides in Puerto Rico” By Adrianna Ríos In this article, she discusses the impact of femicide in Puerto Rico and the importance behind creating this map. ow.ly/4pFy50UVTpB

#OnThisDay, Feb 6, 1981, "Fort Apache, the Bronx" sparked outrage for stereotyping Black & Puerto Rican residents in the South Bronx, ignoring systemic poverty & discrimination.

¿Estás ready for the Spring 2025 Semester with CENTRO? We’re kicking things off with a lineup of events celebrating our collective culture, community & history. Join us for conversations, workshops, poetry, and more! Save the date & RSVP now ⬇️ centropr.hunter.cuny.edu/events/