As the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria comes into focus, Puerto Rico attempts to contend with the destruction left in the wake of the storm. UpFront speaks with Gabriel Diaz, a member of Promises Are Over, an activist organization that opposes Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Control Board, and a leader of a recent student strike at the University of Puerto Rico protesting the school’s budget cuts. He just returned from a relief trip to Loiza, an Afro-Puerto Rican town east of San Juan where 90% of homes were reportedly destroyed. Afterwards we touch base with Samantha Schmidt, reporter with the Washington Post on assignment in Puerto Rico. She traveled to rural areas hit hard by Hurricane Maria that are now isolated from the rest of the main island. Additionally we engage Rosa Clemente, scholar, hip-hop activist and president and founder of Know Thyself Productions, in discussion about the financial situation facing Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Maria. Her research focuses on national liberation movements within the U.S. and Afro-Latinx identity. She founded a student organization supporting Puerto Rican independence and political prisoners. UpFront also spoke with Garrett Ingoglia, the Vice President of Emergency Response for Americares, a global health-focused relief and development organization. He oversaw the organization’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Hurricane Irma in Florida, and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. He is involved in managing the logistics of getting medical aid and supplies to Puerto Rico, hampered by damage to the island’s largest airport. He is currently in Houston overseeing Americares Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
The second hour of today’s program includes audio from the Oliver Stone narrated documentary The Untold History of the United States. The documentary explores the underbelly of oft examined events during the 20th and 21st century involving the US.
This episode is part of KPFA’s fund drive! KPFA is community supported public radio, which means listener support is crucial to remaining independent, critical, and honest as a station. Call in (1800) 439-5732 during our broadcast of UpFront or click here to pledge your support during Fund Drive!
Additionally, in light of the humanitarian crisis facing countless US citizens in Puerto Rico, an UpFront listener has recommended this google document as a good source of places where donations can be made.
Guests
- Gabriel Diaz, a member of Promises Are Over, an activist organization that opposes Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Control Board, and a leader of a recent student strike at the University of Puerto Rico protesting the school’s budget cuts.
- Samantha Schmidt, reporter with the Washington Post on assignment in Puerto Rico. She traveled to rural areas hit hard by Hurricane Maria that are now isolated from the rest of the main island.
- Rosa Clemente, scholar, hip-hop activist and president and founder of Know Thyself Productions.
- Garrett Ingoglia, the Vice President of Emergency Response for Americares, a global health-focused relief and development organization.