Joanna Cifredo has a dream for the youth of Puerto Rico. Not just the youth currently living in Puerto Rico but also the youth that have had to leave the country. She knows well what their experience is like. Her family migrated following the destruction of Hurricane Hugo. Thousands of youth have followed this path, relocating stateside and attending schools that might not have the resources to adequately support the needs of displaced children of color who are overwhelmingly poor, traumatized, and with limited English proficiency. This exodus is happening as Puerto Rico itself struggles to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Maria.
“As the island struggles to recover, we must ask ourselves where do the voices of Puerto Rico’s youth fit in shaping the future of Puerto Rico? How does this displacement affect the sustainability of Puerto Rico and what is the impact on us as a people?” – Joanna Cifredo
Joanna’s vision is called Camp Albizu, named after union organizer and independence activist Don Pedro Albizu Campos. Joanna is working to bring a group 30 Puerto Rican youth leaders from Puerto Rico and our five largest diasporas in the US (Chicago, Philly, Greater Boston, NYC, and Central Florida) for a week-long celebration of Puerto Rican heritage, culture, and organizing.
“As Puerto Rico is in desperate need of young people who are proud of where they come from, who are politically and socially engaged and are passionate about creating a stronger, more sustainable Puerto Rico.” – Joanna Cifredo
You can help make this dream a reality. Joanna has launched a gofundme campaign to fund the initial stage of this project.
I have the honor of knowing Joanna for many years as colleagues and as friends. I am proud to support this campaign and I hope you will join me by making a donation using the link below:
Learn more and donate to Joanna Cifredo & Camp Albizu’s GoFundMe campaign