The Unheard Tapes of Frank Espada
You may be familiar with his photographs, but did you know Puerto Rican Photographer Frank Espada also interviewed people across the communities he documented? After decades, the full collection of these audio recordings are finally available to hear for the first time. From the experiences of mushroom farmers in Pennsylvania to the second generation of Puerto Ricans in Hawaii, a multitude of stories now come to the fore – illuminating the complex and poignant experiences of Puerto Ricans in the diaspora.CENTRO Out Loud is a new podcast, from the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, illuminating often forgotten histories and stories from our archives. From the stacks to the streets!Co-Producer & Creator: Dr. Yomaira Figueroa-Vásquez Co-Producer & Scriptwriter: Alana Casanova-Burgess Co-Producer & Editor: Juan Diego Ramirez Researchers: Nicole Hernandez; Jaden Morales; Yuleysy Ortiz; Alana Cordero-Montesinos; Ariana Costales del Toro; Olivia Ramirez; Imaida Duran Mariñez; Melly Gonzalez, and Yafrainy Familia Director of Communications: Victoria Preis Visual Designer: Alyssa Monet ChamberThe first season of CENTRO Out Loud, “The Unheard Tapes of Frank Espada,” was made possible with support from the Diaspora Solidarities Lab Projects, the Mellon Foundation Higher Learning Projects, Michigan State University, Johns Hopkins University, Hunter College at CUNY, and The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, with special thanks to the Espada Family for their support.
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The Unheard Tapes of Frank Espada
Farming in the Dark
In this episode, we hear the gripping testimony of Margarita who woke up at 3am each night to help her husband fill his quota as a mushroom worker facing appalling conditions.
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The Unheard Tapes of Frank Espada
Frank Espada: For the Record
“Nobody wants to see pictures of Puerto Ricans.” This is what photographer, activist, and teacher Frank Espada was told. However, this dismissal served as a catalyst for his project, Documenting the Puerto Rican Diaspora.
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The Unheard Tapes of Frank Espada
Healing with the Spirits
Where the healthcare industrial complex failed, El Centro Lazaro in Hartford, CT arose as a sanctuary for therapy, wellness, and healing for the local Puerto Rican community.
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The Unheard Tapes of Frank Espada
Lo que les pasó en Hawaii
Nearly half of the first Puerto Rican migrants headed for Hawaii never made it. Those who survived faced exploitative work conditions, familial separation, and several other injustices. Despite these experiences, they built community and created a new musical genre that still tells their story today.
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The Unheard Tapes of Frank Espada
Returning Home
In this episode, we hear the story of a family who moved back to Puerto Rico and encountered multiple challenges that made them question their return.
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