The Forgotten Spaniard Who Fought for Puerto Rico's Workers

Who was Santiago Iglesias Pantín, and why have so few Puerto Ricans heard his story?

Born in Spain, Santiago Iglesias Pantín arrived in Puerto Rico before the events of 1898 and dedicated the rest of his life to improving the lives of Puerto Rican workers. He organized laborers, helped establish the Free Federation of Workers, served in the Senate of Puerto Rico, and later represented the island in Washington as Resident Commissioner. His remarkable journey challenges us to look beyond simplistic narratives and reminds us that history is often far more complex than we were taught.

In this episode of Puerto Rico, Abran los Ojos, we explore the life, legacy, and lasting impact of one of the most influential—and often forg ...