Forces for independence march in the NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade

New York, NY – 200 people marched in a contingent demanding Puerto Rican independence from the United States, June 9 at the Puerto Rican Day Parade. The parade is one of the largest demonstrations of Puerto Rican national pride in the United States. It spans 35 New York City blocks. The day celebrates the art, history, and culture of the 3.5 million Puerto Ricans resident on the island, and the 5 million Puerto Ricans living in the mainland U.S.

The Frente Independentista Boricua marched with signs declaring 200 reasons why Puerto Rico should be independent. A line of people dressed as famed Puerto Rican revolutionary, Lolita Lebrón, led the contingent. Upon arriving at the parade grandstand, the marchers staged a die-in, until suddenly one of the Lolita’s snatched the hat off an Uncle Sam character. Then everyone rose up to finish the parade.

The marchers received many cheers and a few jeers, but they kept energy high with rousing chants, such as “Independencia! Para Puerto Rico!”

Bayan USA, Within Our Lifetime, the Committee to Stop FBI Repression, and the International Action Center supported the Frente Independentista Boricua. The Frente Independentista Boricua is organizing for a larger march in September 2019.