Oscar López Rivera, Puerto Rican movement leader and former political prisoner in discussion withAndrea Medina, PhD, UCSB lecturer and activist; David Pellow, chair, environmental studies; Diane Fujino, professor, Asian American studies. A discussion on the history of colonialist relations and neoliberal austerity that have given rise to the current economic and environment crises in Puerto Rico, including the devastation caused by Hurricane María, recent earthquakes and lack of US support.

 Oscar López Rivera, a decorated Viet Nam war veteran, artist and author, exited prison in early 2017 after 35 years of incarceration. For decades he has worked tirelessly for freedom and justice in Puerto Rico and the diaspora. He is considered the Nelson Mandela of Puerto Rico.

Art auction of Oscar López Rivera paintings.

Reception after the event with book sales and signing of López Rivera’s book, Between Torture and Resistance.