Desangrándose por la 'Āina: Rewriting History in Vieques, Puerto Rico and Kaho'olawe, Hawai'i

My good friend and former colleague Rebekah Garrison made a HUGE impact on Pacific Islanders and Puerto Ricans with her research on U.S. military bombing activity on the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico and Kaho'olawe in Hawai'i. She poured her heart and soul into this history research project that bridged the two islands and sought to expose the impact of U.S. military activity in the Pacific and Caribbean.

Becka's project was actually her thesis for the Spanish graduate program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Through her research, she managed to bridge the gap and ignite strong relationships between Hawaiian, Pacific Island and Puerto Rican human rights activists. 

Transitando Mundos

 

Transitando Mundos was a performance by SPAN 480 students at the University of Hawai'i and Manoa. Professor Aranzazu "Arantxa" Ascunce, director Frances Mammana and assistant director Ivonne Chambi guided the performers in giving the UH community a glimpse into Spanish literature and history.

 

The artistic performance featured Spanish students from México, Puerto Rico, Peru and Hawaii. The diversity added a strong and meaningful element to the audience, bringing the essence of Spain to Hawaii.

 

This was truly an amazing performance, it brought out and highlighted the creative side of some of my colleagues and friends Tyson Umberger, Rubén Cruz, Olivia Sanchez and Miguel Vieira. Bravo! 

For more photos, click here.