Historican

In this powerful episode of Historican, we sit down with husband-and-wife team Laraine Batís-Gelpi and Dr. Miguel “David” Gelpi to explore their extraordinary 22-day pilgrimage across Puerto Rico — a journey that became the foundation of their book, The Road of the 78 Prayers. What began as a simple idea — a small photo booklet to show their children — evolved into a deep reconnection with the island, its towns, its people, and their own ancestral roots. Together, they visited and photographed the 78 Placitas, the town centers of every pueblo in Puerto Rico, capturing not only landscapes but memories, spirit, and cultural identity. In this conversation, Laraine and David open up about: How a family keepsake transformed into a published book for the diaspora The emotional moments and unexpected teachings found across 78 towns Photography as a form of spiritual and historical storytelling The power of honoring elders, oral history, and family legacy What it means to reconnect with Puerto Rico from the diaspora How this journey shaped their children, grandchildren, and future generations This episode is a celebration of memory, identity, and the unbreakable bond between Boricuas and the homeland. Whether you grew up on the island or thousands of miles away, their story will make you feel closer to home. 🇵🇷✨ #Historican #TheRoadOfThe78Prayers #PuertoRico #DiasporaStories #Boricua #PuertoRicanHistory #CulturalMemory #puertoricans

In this powerful episode of Historican, we sit down with husband-and-wife team Laraine Batís-Gelpi and Dr. Miguel “David” Gelpi to explore their extraordinary 22-day pilgrimage across Puerto Rico — a journey that became the foundation of their book, The Road of the 78 Prayers. What began as a simple idea — a small photo booklet to show their children — evolved into a deep reconnection with the island, its towns, its people, and their own ancestral roots. Together, they visited and photographed the 78 Placitas, the town centers of every pueblo in Puerto Rico, capturing not only landscapes but memories, spirit, and cultural identity. In this conversation, Laraine and David open up about: How a family keepsake transformed into a published book for the diaspora The emotional moments and unexpected teachings found across 78 towns Photography as a form of spiritual and historical storytelling The power of honoring elders, oral history, and family legacy What it means to reconnect with Puerto Rico from the diaspora How this journey shaped their children, grandchildren, and future generations This episode is a celebration of memory, identity, and the unbreakable bond between Boricuas and the homeland. Whether you grew up on the island or thousands of miles away, their story will make you feel closer to home. 🇵🇷✨ #Historican #TheRoadOfThe78Prayers #PuertoRico #DiasporaStories #Boricua #PuertoRicanHistory #CulturalMemory #puertoricans

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 #puertoricans #borinqueneers #boriken #puertorico #americanhistory #militaryhistory

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 #puertorico #bomba #boricua #history #cepeda

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 #puertoricans #nyc #reproductivehealth #reproductivejustice #boricua

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 #HistoricanPodcast #EdgardoMirandaRodriguez #PuertoRico #BoricuaPower #ArtAsActivism #PuertoRicanDiaspora #RepresentationMatters #Cultura #Historican

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

In this episode of Historican, we sit down with Power Malu—artist, athlete, activist, and founder of Artists Athletes Activists. Born and raised in New York City, Power made his mark on the groundbreaking MTV series The Lyricist Lounge Show before dedicating his life to grassroots organizing and community building. Power shares his journey from the running tracks of East River Park to using culture, Hip Hop, and wellness as tools for justice. We dive into his work in Puerto Rico after Hurricane María, where he mobilized support for the island and deepened his connection to his Boricua roots. He also speaks candidly about displacement, gentrification, and why he calls it a modern-day form of genocide—warning of a future aimed at “a Puerto Rico without Puerto Ricans.” From Hip Hop stages to humanitarian frontlines, Power Malu is a living testament to resistance, resilience, and community love. ✨ Tune in for a conversation about art, activism, and the fight to preserve culture in the face of erasure. #HistoricanPodcast #PowerMalu #LyricistLounge #PuertoRicoNoSeVende #ArtistsAthletesActivists #NuyoricanLegacy #BoricuasResist #puertoricans #lowereastside

In this episode of Historican, we sit down with Americo “Tuffy” Questell—actor, casting director, and cultural icon whose career has shaped hip-hop and Hollywood alike. From his early days on Video Music Box, capturing the rise of hip-hop in real time, to his behind-the-scenes work with directors like Spike Lee, Tuffy’s journey is a testament to the power of representation and storytelling. We talk about his upbringing in the Bronx, the intersections of identity that informed his path, and his dedication to mentoring and uplifting his community. With over three decades in entertainment and a legacy etched in the streets he calls home, Tuffy reflects on the culture, the craft, and the responsibility of carrying history forward. #puertoricans #history #hiphop #hiphophistory #boricua #yosoyboricua #bronx #nyc #boogiedown Instagram: @historicanpodcast TikTok: @historicanpod

In this episode of Historican, we sit down with Joe Conzo Jr., the Bronx-born photographer whose iconic images captured the birth of Hip Hop. Known as “the man who took Hip Hop’s baby pictures,” Conzo documented the early days of the culture through his work with the legendary Cold Crush Brothers, preserving a visual history of a movement that would go on to change the world. Joe shares stories from his upbringing surrounded by activism and Latin music, his experiences photographing the South Bronx in the 1970s and ’80s, and how his personal journey—including his work as an EMT and being a first responder on 9/11—shaped the way he sees life through the lens. We also discuss his landmark book Born in the Bronx, his archive at Cornell University, and the global legacy of his photography. Join us as we explore how Joe Conzo Jr. turned his camera into a tool of cultural preservation and became one of the most important visual historians of Hip Hop. #hiphop #history #hiphophistory #puertoricans #boricua #bronx #boogiedown