THIS WEEK ON LATINOPIA: JESÚS TREVIÑO ON THE BOND BETWEEN CHICANOS AND PUERTO RICANS, DON FELÍPE ORTEGA ON DIASPORA AND HERMANDAD, JOSÉ MURATTI ON POETRY AND MARK GUERRERO’S CHICANO MUSIC CHRONICLES.

Hola Latinopians! This month mainland Puerto Ricans will be celebrating Día de San Juan, a yearly affirmation of Puerto Ricanness that coincides with the birth of John the Baptist on June 23rd.  In spite of the horrendous economic crisis that plagues Puerto Rico today (more in later blogs), Latinopia feels this is an important time to celebrate the Puerto Rican experience by posting blogs and videos featuring Boricuas . This we will do throughout the month. We begin with two essays on the special relationship between Puerto Ricans and Chicanos. Our own Jesús Salvador Treviño weighs in on the common bond between the Puerto Rican and Chicano people as he has experienced it in his career as a filmmaker, activist and film director. Don Felípe De Ortego gives us his always thoughtful and considered reflections on the Boricua and Chicano relationship, delving into the common history and his own area of expertise, Latino literature. Be warned Don Felípe gives new meaning to “erudite scholarship.”

Also this month, we showcase a new video interview with Puerto Rican poet Jose Muratti as he reflects on poetry in our lives and the legacy that we will leave for future generations. And, later in the week, Mark Guerrero’s monthly Chicano Music Chronicles will feature the music and career of Gabriel Manzo, founder of the renowned band, Malo.

Enjoy your week on Latinopia and look for more on the Puerto Rican presence on Latinopia in the weeks to come.

Tia Tenopia