| dc.description.abstract | This dissertation delves into the multifaceted exploration of Afro-Caribbean feminist activism in Puerto Rico, shedding light on its significance and impact within the context of ongoing colonization. It critically examines the decolonial theory, emphasizing the need to shift its focus from addressing coloniality to actively engaging in the collective struggle against ongoing colonization. By acknowledging Puerto Rico's historical distinction as one of the oldest colonized territories in the Caribbean, this research highlights the specific challenges faced by the island and the broader implications for understanding the dynamics of sovereignty and ongoing coloniality in the region.
The research also advocates for the strategic centralization of the anti-racist movement in Puerto Rico, focusing on comprehensively understanding and confronting the impact of active colonization and the coloniality of being, knowledge, power, and gender on the daily lives of its citizens. By centering the experiences and perspectives of Afro-descendant women activists, this research aims to provide an intimate understanding of the lived realities on the island. It highlights the significance of amplifying the voices of Afro-Caribbean feminist activists who embody and actively engage in transformative work, illuminating potential answers to the complex dynamics between colonized bodies and the ongoing process of decolonization.
Unveiling the ethics of betrayal and challenging notions of colonial co-dependence contributes to Afro-Caribbean intellectual tradition and the praxis of Black feminist theory. It underscores the significance of grassroots movements and the wisdom that emerges from them, emphasizing the need to center Afro-Caribbean feminist activism in addressing critical issues such as anti-racism, gender equality, education, non-heteronormative sexualities, noninstitutionalized spirituality, and imaginative reflections on a sovereign Puerto Rico. Ultimately, this research seeks to dismantle colonial structures and foster liberation in Puerto Rico and within the broader global context. | |
