Those who have dedicated their lives to anti-oppressive struggles in Puerto Rico and its diaspora are living through a moment of collective catharsis. After being subject to attacks for their beliefs and organizing work, after facing US and Puerto Rican government repression and constant vitriol, they now march amongst the masses as a majority. Many dreamed of, but never imagined, they would see such an uprising in Puerto Rico.

The protests began in the aftermath of last month’s leak of Ricardo Rosselló’s now-infamous Telegram chat and the announcement of multiple indictments against Rosselló administration officials. Longtime organizers issued tongue-in-cheek calls to welcome Rosselló at the airport, where he was returning from a botched vacation to a chaos of his own making. After receiving him at the airport, veterans of many social justice struggles went to the governor’s mansion to demonstrate their discontent.

There were around a hundred demonstrators the first night. Some stayed until the morning. Many questioned whether the Rosselló administration would get away with another injury against the people. But this time things were different. A vast majority of Puerto Ricans had read, heard, and seen enough. An uprising was in progress.