By Hiram Williams Figueroa, J.D. / Director of REBIA and Adjunct Professor at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law
Imagine celebrating freedom while still shackled by invisible structures. That is the reality of many Afro-descendant communities in the Americas. We commemorate the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico in 1873, but the very structures that forged those chains remain in place. Can we call it a victory when systems of oppression continue to strip us of our fundamental rights? Is «abolition» just a well-constructed illusion in a land still haunted by its colonial past and present?
The Changing Shadow of Slavery
Slavery did not disappear with a simple decree. It transformed, adapted and infiltrated the very fabric of our society. Although the physical chains were broken, they were replaced by the suffocating weight of systemic racism, economic disparity and social exclusion. Under the guise of a «post-slavery» era, we remain trapped in a cycle of marginalization.
Legalized Shackles: Constitutional Loopholes and Forced Labor
There is an alarming contradiction in our colonial reality: the Puerto Rican Constitution prohibits forced labor, while the U.S. Constitution allows exceptions for persons deprived of their liberty, most of whom are black and marginalized. This loophole maintains a modern form of slavery, where racialized bodies are exploited under the guise of «punishment».
The prison system, turned into a lucrative industry, perpetuates historical violence against black and impoverished communities. This constitutional «exception» is a stark reminder that slavery was never eradicated; it was simply renamed and is still present in Puerto Rico.
It is essential to analyze the ethical and legal implications of prison labor. Although it is presented as part of the rehabilitation process, any legislation must guarantee that such work is voluntary, with fair compensation and dignified conditions. Any form of coercion or exploitation must be avoided and the labor rights of inmates must be respected.
Currently, the Senate of Puerto Rico is debating Senate Bill 61, which seeks to amend Act 166-2009, known as the Act for the Hiring of Convicted Persons for the Performance of Various Tasks. This legislation regulates the employment of persons confined to work in agriculture, landscaping and construction, with the promise of social reinsertion. However, the proposed amendments seek to expand this program to the private sector, including for-profit and not-for-profit entities, which could open the door to new forms of labor exploitation and modern slavery within the prison system.
Resistance: Our Weapon Against Racial Invisibilization
Despite constant oppression, Afro-descendant communities have resisted. Our resilience is testament to the unwavering spirit of our ancestors. Yet this resistance continues to be silenced, ignored or criminalized, perpetuating a cycle of injustice.
True emancipation is not a historical event, but an ongoing struggle. We must dismantle the myth that «slavery is over» and dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality. It is time to reclaim our narrative, amplify our voices and demand justice..
A Call to Action: Igniting Change Together
This is not just a history lesson; it is an urgent call to action. We cannot afford complacency. We must:
✅ Educate ourselves: Deepen our understanding of the history of colonialism and slavery in Puerto Rico.
✅ Amplify marginalized voices: Support Afro-descendant artists, activists and leaders.
✅ Demand legislative changes: Advocate for policies that combat systemic racism and inequality.
✅ Challenging the status quo: Challenging the narratives that perpetuate the myth of a «post-racial» society.
✅ Building solidarity: Forging alliances with other marginalized communities to collectively fight oppression.
The ghosts of slavery still haunt us, but we have the power to free ourselves. Let us work together to build a future where emancipation is not an empty promise, but a lived reality for all.
Join the movement. Let's dismantle illusions and forge a truly equitable and just society.
Photo credit: Suad Kamardeen / Unsplash