Mi gente, my homies, Nuyoricans, all Puerto Ricans---I am so proud of my people.
We have suffered; we have cried; we have mourned the loss of our loved ones. We have suffered racism, discrimination, and fought amongst ourselves.
We had been defeated, but our spirit was never diminished. Now we are a shining example to all the world of a people united for a just cause who said, enough is enough.
I read story after story of people helping others and cooking for those out on the streets. Celebrities, artists, musicians, and the people came together to say no more. Peacefully, respectfully, and powerfully we said, NO MORE!
Our ancestors and our future children are crying with joy because it is also for them we do this.
Out of the ashes of Maria we have arisen and awakened to be a better people and I have never been prouder to say I am Puerto Rican. I am Boricua. I leave with the words of the late Maya Angelou: Out of the huts of history’s shame I RISE Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I RISE I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I RISE Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I RISE Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I RISE. I rise I rise