Remembering the Sin Colonias March of 1975: A Two-Part Panel Discussion
April 11 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
at Taller Puertorriqueño 2600 N. 5th St
Remembering the Sin Colonias March of 1976 – A Two-Part Panel Discussion Part I: Voices from la Lucha 1976
“It is to assert the long and heroic tradition of our people’s resistance to all forms of tyranny, a tradition which today takes the form of the battle for democratic rights, against the effects of the system’s economic crisis and for an end to colonialism, that we will observe the Bicentennial in Philadelphia on July 4 in protest and in celebration of our unity in struggle.” – The July 4th Coalition Call to Action, 1976.
On July 4, 1976, as the United States celebrated its 200th anniversary, a massive multiracial alliance—led by Puerto Rican and Native American activists—took to the streets of Philadelphia under the banner “A Bicentennial Without Colonies” (Sin Colonias). Tens of thousands marched to demand social and economic justice, exposing the gap between American ideals and the colonialist realities still shaping the lives of many communities.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of this historic rally, we invite you to join a special commemorative gathering. This event offers a meaningful counterpoint to official U.S. semiquincentennial celebrations by highlighting an essential chapter in Philadelphia’s activism and community history that has lessons for today.
If you were a participant in the 1976 march, there will be opportunities to share and record your memories and reflections. Photos, flyers, and other memorabilia from the July 4th Coalition protest will be displayed
Whether you marched in 1976 or are learning about this history for the first time, we want to hear your voice—join us in a panel discussion to remember, reflect, and connect with the spirit of this protest.
Featured panel, including:
Alyssa Ribeiro, Henry A. Logan, Sr. Professor of American History at Allegheny College. She has written about the July 4th, 1976, protest in the anthology Revolution Around the Corner. Her research explores how diverse coalitions have driven political and social change at the local level. Her forthcoming book, “Making the City Brotherly: Multiracial, Progressive Activism in North Philadelphia, 1960s–1980s,” will be published by the University of Chicago Press.
Pedro Rodriguez, a participant in the 1976 march and a longtime community activist. He has led several Philadelphia-based organizations, including the Open Borders Project (Proyecto Sin Fronteras) and the Action Alliance of Senior Citizens, where he served as Executive Director from 1997 to 2007.
Angel L. Ortiz, the first Puerto Rican and first Latino to serve on the Philadelphia City Council. He was first elected in 1985. Ortiz served on the Philadelphia City Council for 19 years and was a champion for working-class Philadelphians, marginalized communities, and the rights of women and LGBTQ individuals. In 1976, Ortiz was a young lawyer who had just moved to Philadelphia and played a pivotal role in organizing the July 4th protest.
Edwin Mayorga (moderator), Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Studies and in the Program in Latin American and Latino Studies at Swarthmore College. His engaged scholarship applies cultural, political, and economic perspectives to questions of urbanism, Latinx education, and social justice teaching.
