Yesterday I lost a co-worker, friend, sister. By chance we work in the same workshop, WGBH- Boston but we didn’t know each other until colleague Rosaura (Pucha) Lopez, introduced her to me in Puerto Rico, after her release from prison.
Dylcia Pagan, born in New York, part of a nationalist family and from childhood was destined for a life of great achievements. As a child she was one of the stars of the children’s program of WNET in NY, she was also one of the founders of the program “Realidades” on WNET-NY the first Puerto Rican program that was broadcast on public television.
From a very young age she participated in all social justice struggles, she was one of the organizers of the Puerto Rican Student Union (PRSU), organization that promoted the creation of the Puerto Ricans studies and the Puerto Rican Studies Center in the city of NY. She was also the organizer of multiple cultural organizations in the city. Dylcia was also a member of the Young Lords Party.
She was a TV producer on several stations in NY and Boston and it is during that time that she joins the Armed Forces of National Liberation (FALN), a very brave decision since at the moment of her most successful career as a producer she decides to integrate into the underground life. A decision that cost her a lot, not only because of the nearly 20 years she spent in jail as a political prisoner, but because she had to give her only child to a couple of Mexican Chihuahuenses, who raised Ernesto as their own. I had the pleasure of meeting them on an environmental justice tour we toured in Chihuahua.
Although many former colleagues tried to discredit her she was always solidary, nationalist and revolutionary. I hear that Carlos Gallisá and Lourdes Muriente always looked after their health and well-being, in addition to their eternal sister Rosaura (Pucha) Lopez.
Very few decide to give up fame, glory and money for the liberation of the homeland. Dylcia was a great TV producer and left everything for the country. It was one of the must-misses.
The only thing I regret is that two weeks ago she asked me to call her and with the juggling of life I couldn’t and I couldn’t have that last conversation.
I’m going to miss you Dylcia, thank you for your care, affection and love, Goodbye, partner, you will always be present.
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This remembrance was written by Eduardo Aguiar and is posted on Latinopia with permission. The photo of Dylcia was from her days at The Infinity Factory on which she was a producer in 1975 and is copyrighted by Jesus Trevino.