Following the devastating effects of Hurricanes Maria and Irma, Isabel Valentín was inspired to pursue environmental studies—and give back to her home country.
made landfall in Puerto Rico in 2017 as a Category 5 storm—the worst storm the island had seen since 1928—those issues were further amplified.
“Hurricane Maria—and Irma, which happened so close [before] that and sort of blended into one experience—brought a sense of urgency to the problem,” she explains. “Before it was something I could talk about and learn about, and then the hurricane happened and it was like, No, we’re dying. Someone needs to talk about this, and no one’s gonna do it, and it’s gonna be me.’” Though still in high school at the time, Valentín became an organizer within her community.
The collective Artistas solidarios y en resistencia painted the famous mural black as an act of resistance and protest against PROMESA. The flag painted in black and white is now a symbol of resistance and civil disobedience.“Most of my [and my] friends’ organizing has been listening to people speaking and allowing them to organize their communities and just offering my support and resources,” says Valentín.
She continues, “Especially after moving to the United States, I’ve found that the best way is to be a platform that people can bounce your ideas off of. Instead of just listening you [think], Okay, how can we elevate that into action? How could I help you change these circumstances? Asking these questions can make people feel comfortable and empowers them to uplift their voices.