Summary: <p><em><a href="https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/la-brega">La Brega</a> is a seven-part podcast series hosted by OTM producer/reporter Alana Casanova-Burgess. The series uses narrative storytelling and investigative journalism to reflect and reveal how la brega has defined so many aspects of life in Puerto Rico, and is <a href="https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/la-brega/episodes">available in English and Spanish</a>. This is episode seven.</em></p> <p>Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States has long been a subject of intense debate. In 1952, Puerto Rico adopted a new status that was meant to decolonize the island. In English, we call it a “Commonwealth.” In Spanish, it’s called “Estado Libre Asociado”, or ELA. Puerto Ricans were promised for decades that this unique status meant they had a special kind of sovereignty while maintaining ties to the US. Now, a series of recent crises on the island have led many to question that promise, and to use the word “colony” more and more. In this episode, political anthropologist and <em>El Nuevo Día</em> columnist <a href="https://www.gc.cuny.edu/Page-Elements/Academics-Research-Centers-Initiatives/Doctoral-Programs/Anthropology/Faculty-Listing/Yarimar-Bonilla?gclid=Cj0KCQiA7NKBBhDBARIsAHbXCB5BsZCUMI1ikRp2272HAAxn7ooSPrAhePcshPtszEg3hE27RrIv2wwaAk_UEALw_wcB">Yarimar Bonilla</a> looks for those who still believe in the ELA, and asks what happens when a political project dies.</p> <p><em>You can get more resources for related issues at the <a href="https://puertoricosyllabus.com/">Puerto Rico Syllabus website</a>. </em></p>
