The eight founding members of the BUDPR Board of Advisors bring expertise and leadership from a wide range of fields and communities to the fight for Puerto Rico’s decolonization and sovereignty.
Boricuas Unidos en la Diáspora (BUDPR), the only national political nonprofit in the United States focused on Puerto Rico’s decolonization and sovereignty, is proud to announce the founding members of its new Board of Advisors who are offering strategic insights and support to the organization.
The initial eight members of the board are:
- Jessie Fuentes, Alderperson, Chicago 26th Ward
- Monica Jiménez, Assistant Professor, the University of Texas at Austin
- Kristian Mercado, Filmmaker
- Ed Morales, Journalist and Author
- María Isa Pérez Vega, Minnesota State Representative
- Mayra Rivera Vázquez, 2nd Vice Chair, South Carolina Democratic Party
- Michael Rodríguez-Muñiz, Associate Professor, UC-Berkeley
- Daniel Vázquez, Attorney and BUDPR Co-Founder
These eight outstanding Puerto Rican professionals are leaders in their communities and in fields like academia, the arts, journalism, law, and politics. Through their work, they have demonstrated a deep commitment to Puerto Rico and share BUDPR’s commitment to a free, just, and prosperous future for our homeland.
“I’m excited about joining the BUDPR Board of Advisors because I think it’s important to spread the word that independence is a viable and necessary step for Puerto Rico’s decolonization and economic/political self-determination,” said Ed Morales. “I look forward to connecting with members at events and online discussions to seek different perspectives that will shape my future writings and activism.”
Through semiannual meetings and regular communication with BUDPR’s leadership, the Board of Advisors will contribute to conversations and political action to advance our organization’s key objectives: education, organizing, and advocacy for Puerto Rico.
“Puerto Rico’s recent history has made it clear that people are clamoring for change and for a more equitable and sustainable Puerto Rico,” said Prof. Mónica Jiménez. “We are in a unique moment to really consider what that future will look like, and I welcome the opportunity to join with like-minded and thoughtful individuals to consider what an independent and sovereign Puerto Rico can be and how we can create the future we want for Puerto Rico and for Puerto Ricans.”
For Boricuas Unidos en la Diáspora, the launch of a Board of Advisors that brings together diverse and talented leaders is the next step in our growth as an organization. It also highlights a new political moment in Puerto Rico and in the United States when it has become normal and vital to openly support for Puerto Rico’s political sovereignty.
“We are immensely grateful to these eight founding members of our Board of Advisors who have stepped up to affirm that they want a free Puerto Rico—and that they are willing to work with us to fight for it,” said BUDPR president Alberto Medina. “We hope it sends a message to other leaders and professionals across the Puerto Rican diaspora that it’s time to take a stand on this issue and that our organization is here to help them do it!”
As we approach the 127th anniversary of Puerto Rico’s colonial status under the United States, BUDPR is more committed than ever to the fight for Puerto Rico’s decolonization and sovereignty. We are also hopeful and encouraged by the growth of the independence movement in Puerto Rico and throughout the diaspora.
"If you pay attention you will find plenty of signals that independence is coming. Even the U.S. government is dropping hints,” said Daniel Vázquez. “We should rise to the occasion by making and following plans that will take us to a free, prosperous and fair Puerto Rico in friendship with the U.S. and in collaboration with our Caribbean and Latin American neighbors."