Historican

LEGACY OF THE BORINQUENEERS WITH NOEMI FIGUEROA-SOULET | SPECIAL EP | HISTORICAN

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker, historian, and author Noemí Figueroa-Soulet — the visionary behind The Borinqueneers, the groundbreaking documentary that brought national recognition to the Puerto Rican soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment, the only all-Hispanic unit in U.S. Army history. For more than 26 years, Noemí has dedicated her life to documenting the legacy of these veterans — from producing her award-winning PBS film to helping advance the Congressional Gold Medal initiative that honored the regiment’s service. Through hundreds of interviews, archival discoveries, and her book The Borinqueneers: A Visual History of the 65th Infantry Regiment, she has preserved a story too long forgotten. In this powerful conversation, we explore: The origins and bravery of the 65th Infantry Regiment 🇵🇷 The discrimination and challenges they faced within the U.S. military The 1952 Korean War courts-martial that tested their legacy The grassroots movement that helped secure their Congressional Gold Medal The power of storytelling in preserving Puerto Rican history 🎖️ Their courage changed history. Her storytelling made sure we never forget. #puertoricanhistory [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/puertoricanhistory] #puertoricans [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/puertoricans] #borinqueneers [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/borinqueneers] #boriken [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/boriken] #puertorico [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/puertorico] #americanhistory [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/americanhistory] #militaryhistory [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/militaryhistory]

BOMBA DE AQUI | SPECIAL EP | HISTORICAN

Special Episode Aired 9-28-25: Celebrating Latino Heritage Month with Bomba de Aquí In this special Latino Heritage Month episode, we visit Bomba de Aquí, a vibrant dance and music company dedicated to preserving and sharing Afro-Puerto Rican traditions across western Massachusetts and central Connecticut. We sit down with founders Brendalíz Cepeda—granddaughter of legendary bomba patriarch Rafael Cepeda—and Saul Peñalosa, the group’s musical director, to hear about their family’s deep connection to bomba and the vision behind the Bomba de Aquí Center. Together, they share how their work brings bomba into schools, churches, colleges, and community spaces, educating audiences about its history while fostering pride, connection, and joy. From honoring Rafael Cepeda’s legacy to inspiring new generations of students—Latino and non-Latino alike—Bomba de Aquí is building a cultural bridge through rhythm, dance, and story. Join us as we celebrate this powerful heritage and learn how Bomba de Aquí keeps Afro-Puerto Rican traditions alive and thriving for future generations. #puertoricans [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/puertoricans] #puertorico [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/puertorico] #bomba [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bomba] #boricua [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/boricua] #history [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/history] #cepeda [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/cepeda]

DE AQUI Y DE ALLA - RAQUEL Z. RIVERA

In this season finale, we journey with Raquel Z. Rivera—writer, scholar, musician, and activist—through the evolving landscapes of identity, art, and belonging. From her roots in Puerto Rico to her scholarship on hip hop and reggaetón, from her music inspired by bomba and salves to her current work in reproductive justice, Raquel’s story embodies the multiplicity of being Boricua in diaspora. Together, we explore how identity is lived, remade, and reclaimed across borders, creative practices, and generations. Raquel reflects on the intersections of art and activism, scholarship and spirituality, and the ongoing work of shaping a just and joyful world through music, research, and mothering. #puertorico [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/puertorico] #puertoricans [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/puertoricans] #nyc [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/nyc] #reproductivehealth [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/reproductivehealth] #reproductivejustice [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/reproductivejustice] #boricua [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/boricua]

EDGARDO MIRANDA-RODRIQUEZ: WHERE RESISTANCE BECOMES ART — LA BORINQUENA RISES

In this episode of Historican, we explore the world of Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez — artist, activist, and creator of the groundbreaking Afro-Boricua superhero La Borinqueña. Through his work, Edgardo blends art, culture, history, and activism to reimagine what heroism looks like for Puerto Ricans at home and across the diaspora. La Borinqueña isn’t just a comic book character — she’s a symbol of resilience, resistance, and cultural pride. From community organizing to creative storytelling, Edgardo uses his platform to honor Puerto Rican identity and amplify the power of representation. His work reminds us that art can be both a weapon and a healing force — a bridge between the past and the future #LaBorinqueña [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/laborinque%C3%B1a] #HistoricanPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/historicanpodcast] #EdgardoMirandaRodriguez [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/edgardomirandarodriguez] #PuertoRico [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/puertorico] #BoricuaPower [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/boricuapower] #ArtAsActivism [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/artasactivism] #PuertoRicanDiaspora [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/puertoricandiaspora] #RepresentationMatters [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/representationmatters] #Cultura [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/cultura] #Historican [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/historican]

THE BIRTH OF LA BRUJA: INSIDE THE NUYORICAN LEGACY

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe has been a revolutionary home for poetry, music, theater, and activism on New York’s Lower East Side since 1973. It’s the stage where legends were born—and where in 1996, a young Bronx poet named Caridad De La Luz first performed, giving rise to the legendary name, La Bruja. In this episode, Caridad takes us back to that night, the moment “La Bruja” was born, and reflects on how the Cafe shaped her voice and her mission. Now, decades later, she has come full circle as the Executive Director, guiding the Cafe into a new chapter with a $24 million renovation project called Nuyoricanstruction. We talk about the Cafe’s role as a cultural sanctuary, Caridad’s journey from spoken word to Off-Broadway and film, and why preserving the Nuyorican’s legacy matters for future generations of artists. #puertoricans #bronx #lowereastside #loisada #nuyoricanpoetscafe #nuyorican #boricua #poetry #spokenword