The Puerto Rican Day Parade: Passion and Pride

A Special Guest Commentary by Manhattan Activist and Salsa Band Leader Raymond Delgado

It’s that time of year in New York City when we celebrate a series of events that lead into the National Puerto Rican Day Parade along Fifth Ave, which will be held on June 10th.

As we have in previous years, we embrace the essence of our roots: ancestors of Taino, African and Spanish (European) origin. However, we are often misrepresented by some because of lack of education, knowledge and a mixed sub-culture created in a new land: a sub-culture far different from the original immigrants who first arrived on the U.S. mainland as part of a mass migration.  

They came here in the pursuit of happiness and economic freedom. As Puerto Ricans, we have transformed, for better or worse, into a nation of people that will not let go of our past, and we often reflect on our past just to see how far we have come. Many from our culture have died in what some consider a strange land. Their dreams, unfortunately, were not fulfilled. But they did not die in vain. 

Despite the economic, political, racial and social problems that still exist for many Puerto Ricans in the United States, we have managed to overcome obstacles and break many barriers to achieve respect and success on a number of levels. We are now lauded as actors, athletes, business moguls, dancers, law enforcement officials, models, musicians, painters, politicians, social workers, sculptors, and so much more.

We have adapted to the customs and values of this country, but no matter how much we adapt to the people and things outside of our culture, we will never prosper if we fail to recognize and understand the importance of whom we are and where we came from.

We may be miles from our native land, but we must continue to embrace “Coqui” and our flag with great honor and pride. Most importantly, we must realize that our faith in God, as well as faith in ourselves, has allowed us to transform into a culture of political, social and economic strength and viability.

This week, I ask that you celebrate with pride. Celebrate the monumental contributions that we, the proud people of Puerto Rico, have made to the global community.

I also ask that you choose this special week to honor and represent those who went to prison, died in war, and stood up for the rights of others in the struggle for Puerto Rico’s acceptance and independence. Remind others, young and old, that those who represented us did it well.

May the victories, heroes, and our legacy… never be forgotten. 

¡Que viva Puerto Rico!

Raymond Delgado is a New York City resident and lifelong community activist. In the early 1970s, he, as described by Delgado, was "a sympathizer of a Puerto Rican activist group" that addressed social and political issues in the community. He currently works as a substance abuse counselor in Harlem. As leader of the Ray Delgado Project, he is also a talented musician working with local Salsa groups.

Graphic courtesy of http://kasaczun.stsd.wikispaces.net/