“A pesar de todo”

This chapter discusses Frank Espada’s groundbreaking documentary project, the Puerto Rican Diaspora project, which aimed to capture the lives, experiences, and stories of Puerto Ricans across the United States, Hawai`i, and Puerto Rico. The chapter highlights how Espada’s work as a documentary photographer and community organizer led him to create a visual and audio archive that countered the degrading perspectives often imposed on Puerto Ricans. The project aimed to humanize and represent the Puerto Rican community and delves into his background, passion for photography, and dedication to social activism. It also explains the goals and challenges of the Puerto Rican Diaspora project, and the significance of his work in providing an alternative narrative for Puerto Ricans and Afro–Puerto Ricans in particular. It sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the visual and oral history captured within the project, shedding light on often overlooked aspects of Puerto Rican experiences.