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After much deliberation, former political prisoner and Puerto Rican independence leader Oscar Lopez Rivera has declined the role of “National Freedom Hero” presented to him by New York’s Puerto Rican Day Parade committee.
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“I will be on Fifth Ave. not as your honoree, but as a humble Puerto Rican and grandfather who at 74 continues to be committed to helping raise awareness about the fiscal, healthcare and human rights crisis Puerto Rico is facing at this historic juncture,” Lopez Rivera wrote in an editorial piece in the New York Daily News.
Rivera, a former member of the Armed Forces of National Liberation, FALN, instead deferred the honor to those who worked tirelessly to free him from the U.S. prisons where he was detained for 36 years.
“The honor goes also to those who are confronting the fiscal crisis, the health and human rights system that Puerto Rico is facing at this historical moment,” he added in a letter to Lorraine Cortes, president of New York’s Puerto Rican Day Parade.
Controversy over the anticipated acceptance of the title reached a boiling point after the New York Daily News published an opinion piece criticizing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio for allowing Lopez Rivera to be recognized.
Echoing the editorial’s claims, conservative and pro-statehood groups have also dissuaded numerous of the parade’s usual sponsors from participating.
Organizations like the New York City Fire Department Hispanic Society, for example, have have stated they will not attend the parade.
“We are not attacking Oscar. We just do not want to be part of anything that is honoring the group FALN,” spokesperson Jose Prosper told NBC Latino.
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Others believe Lopez Rivera’s legacy merits recognition.
“People don't understand that Oscar was, essentially, a reflection of the oppression of the Puerto Rican community here on the mainland and on the island,” Howard Jordan, an attorney and professor at Hostos Community College, told NBC Latino.
In a show of unity, Lopez Rivera assured Puerto Ricans that the parade is a celebration for all to commemorate Puerto Rico’s history, culture and people.
“This is a national parade. All Puerto Ricans are welcome, and I encourage people to attend the parade and enjoy that day and share, as has always been done in celebrating our Puerto Rican heritage,” Lopez Rivera added.
Over 40 Puerto Rican elected officials, dozens of social organizations and thousands of New York City residents are expected to attend.
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