Conversations Over Cafecito: Pride and memory, part 1

11 September 2025

In this special Hispanic Heritage Month episode, we are joined by Dr. Raquel Z. Rivera, a writer, professor, researcher, and singer whose work is deeply rooted in Caribbean musical traditions.

We talk about her fascination with music as a tool for memory and expression, her studies of hip hop and reggaetón, and her focus on oral traditions and family micro-histories that strengthen our communities. From her intimate connection with jíbaro music and boleros, Dr. Rivera takes us on both a personal and collective journey.

Together, we reflect on the power of oral tradition, the recovery of silenced stories, and the role of artists such as Bad Bunny in contemporary cultural debates. ✨ This episode is part of our special series “Pride and Memory”, celebrating Latina voices that cultivate the present while drawing from their roots for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Este podcast cuenta con el respaldo de la subvención número 90EV0525 de la Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) y del Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) Program dentro de la Administration for Children and Families, una división del U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Ni la Administration for Children and Families ni ninguno de sus componentes opera, controla, se responsabiliza de ni respalda necesariamente este podcast (lo que incluye, sin limitarse a ello, su contenido, infraestructura técnica, políticas y cualquier servicio o herramienta que se proporcione). Las opiniones, hallazgos, conclusiones y recomendaciones expresadas pertenecen exclusivamente a los autores y no reflejan necesariamente los puntos de vista de las agencias antes mencionadas.