Following the disastrous hurricanes in Puerto Rico last fall, longtime New York City activist, writer and publisher Iris Morales focused on the problems there — and getting support from the Puerto Rican diaspora for communities on the stricken island.
She will speak on Sunday, Earth Day, at 5 p.m. at Wendell Town Hall, 6 Center St. in Wendell, about her work.
“This critical situation has been a defining and turning point in Puerto Rican history,” Morales said. “Hurricanes Irma and Maria have laid bare the result of centuries of colonial control, austerity and exploitation. But people in Puerto Rico are organizing themselves, creating communities of support.”
During her visits to the island since the disasters, she was “filled with a mix of emotions, from rage to sadness and compassion.”
“I gained strength and inspiration from the resiliency of the Puerto Rican men, women, and children, bringing their creativity to overcome extraordinarily difficult circumstances and showing love and kindness to each other,” said Morales.
She will present “Communities in Contact: western Massachusetts and Puerto Rico.” The program will begin by looking at local environmental struggles, from the historic colonial takeover to the NED pipeline victory. Then, Morales will talk about the present state of Puerto Rico.
Morales will also present her newest book, “Latinas: Struggles & Protests in 21st Century USA,” a collection of poetry and prose reflecting on women’s experiences and the ways that Latinas address the relationship between gender and social change. Morales edited and published the book through her Red Sugarcane Press. “Latinas” will be on sale at Sunday’s event, along with “Through the Eyes of Rebel Women: the Young Lords, 1969-1976,” which she also wrote and edited.
The talk and discussion will be followed by a potluck supper. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish.
The event is sponsored by the Wendell Energy Committee, North Quabbin Energy and the Traprock Center for Peace & Justice. For more information or to request childcare, call 978-544-3686 or email: info@wloe.org.