HITN Puerto Rican Plebiscite Records

Content Description

The collection consists of materials assembled or collected by Jose Luis Rodríguez, a journalist and researcher, while an employee of the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, Inc (HITN). The materials dating primarily from 1986 to 1995 document many of the social, economic, and political conditions facing the Latino population both in the United States and Puerto Rico during those years. The primary political issue in focus was the plebiscite regarding Puerto Rico’s legal and relationship to the United States (an independent nation, the 51st state, or a commonwealth) which is well documented throughout the collection by copies of correspondence between elected officials’ offices at the city, state, and federal level, official reports and documents from various federal agencies and interest groups examining the potential impacts of the vote, and copies of proposed legislation. In addition to these materials, the collection includes newspaper articles and press surrounding the plebiscite as well as advocacy letters sent by groups such as the Partido Independiente Puertorriqueño (PIP), the Partido Socialista Puertorriqueño (PSP), the Committee Pro-Puerto Rican Participation, and others. And finally, there are various pamphlets and documents proposing social and economic support programs for the Hispanic community to improve access to educational resources, telecommunication networks, health care, and other services.

Acquisition Type

Gift

Provenance

Donated by Jose Luis Rodriguez and HITN

Language of Description

English

Script of Description

Latin

Restrictions Apply

No