Since the 1960’s, Puerto Ricans have made up a larger percentage of Bridgeport CT's population than New York City’s. Statewide, Puerto Ricans have for many years been a larger percentage of Connecticut’s population than any other state and remain so today.
In 1970 there were approximately 15,000 Puerto Ricans in Bridgeport, roughly ten percent of the city’s population. It was at or around this time that a Bridgeport organization called Spanish People in Command joined with the Young Lords, an organization that was started by young Puerto Ricans in Chicago and New York in the winter of 1968-69, to form the local YLP branch, the group’s fifth.
Fast forward to May 20, 1971, with the East Main Street rent strike still ongoing, the owners of the property attempted to evict the YLP from its office. Local leader Willie Matos was arrested for trespassing, the office was trashed, and furniture was illegally removed in the presence of Bridgeport police officers. An enraged group of several hundred supporters took to the streets and began throwing rocks at the police and the agents of the landlord.
Upon being released from prison after his arrest, Matos said, “This is the beginning of community power. We are sick and tired of police brutality.”
In this Throwback Interview we take you back to November of 2018 when I had the pleasure and privilege of interviewing Activist, Educator, Husband, Father, Young Lords Leader and true inspiration Willie Matos.
*This conversation was recorded on 11/15/2018 at TOP Station (Bridgeport, CT)*
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