Día del Amigo

On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the Día del Amigo was celebrated with an anti-racist workshop at Hacienda La Esperanza led by Colectivo Ilé. The activity brought together a diverse group of people interested in deepening their understanding of racism and its various manifestations in Puerto Rican society. The workshop addressed the issue of institutional racism, introducing fundamental concepts and concrete examples of its impact on our daily lives. Aesthetic preferences that privilege white skin over black skin were analyzed, especially in relation to afro-textured hair and the history of this as a tool of control and discrimination.

Participants had the opportunity to learn and practice different uses of turbans, creating three distinct styles that promote connection with African heritage and the revaluation of black aesthetics. Additionally, a space for dialogue and reflection was generated where attendees shared their experiences and encounters with racism. The workshop was established as a space for learning, reflection, and dialogue on an issue that persists in our society.

Following the activity, attendees joined a guided tour of the Hacienda, delving into its historical significance, the intricacies of sugar production, and the sobering realities of enslavement.