Caribbean American Heritage Month

Through the stories of three community activists in the Indo-Caribbean community of Queens, this episode explores a group identity that began with indentured servitude in the Caribbean and now finds its way through new generations.

Follow Maekiaphan, a Taino woman from the U.S. Virgin Islands, on her journey to reclaim her Taino heritage and to become the first woman Kasike (chief) of the Taino tribe. In her efforts to redress the history of colonial erasure, she pursues official recognition of her people.

The United States announced to the world that Puerto Rico was no longer a colonial possession. But almost 70 years later, the island is at the mercy of Congress.

43% of people in Puerto Rico live in poverty. More than 5,000 crypto traders, real estate developers and other wealthy Americans have moved to the island since 2012. These rich transplants pay 3% taxes, while locals pay up to 36%. We spoke with local residents, investigative journalists and activists as well as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to answer one question: What happens when a government surrenders itself entirely to the 1%?