America ReFramed Season 9 Episode 8 La Manplesa: An Uprising Remembered

America ReFramed season 9 episode 8, titled "La Manplesa: An Uprising Remembered," is a documentary that explores the history and impact of a little-known uprising that took place in Puerto Rico in 1970. The film provides a comprehensive account of the events that led up to the uprising, as well as its aftermath and lasting legacy.

The documentary focuses on the community of Lares, a mountain town in the western part of Puerto Rico, where the uprising took place. Through a combination of interviews with participants and witnesses, archival footage, and historical context, the filmmakers aim to provide a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of this important moment in Puerto Rican history.

The uprising, which is also known as the "Monte Carmelo Uprising," was fueled by several factors, including widespread poverty and inequality, political corruption, and the ongoing struggle for Puerto Rican independence. It was sparked by the arrival of a new police chief, who was viewed by many as a corrupt outsider accountable to the mainland US government rather than the local community.

The police chief's tactics, which included widespread arrests and harassment of local residents, led to a growing sense of outrage and resentment among the people of Lares. On August 26, 1970, a group of armed activists stormed the police station in Lares, demanding the release of their comrades and the removal of the police chief.

Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, the activists were able to successfully seize control of the police station and hold it for several hours. This event marked a turning point in the struggle for Puerto Rican independence, and it has continued to inspire generations of activists in Puerto Rico and beyond.

Through interviews with participants in the uprising, as well as historians and other experts, the documentary provides a comprehensive overview of the social, political, and economic factors that led to the uprising, as well as its significance in the history of Puerto Rico and the broader struggle for social justice.

Overall, "La Manplesa: An Uprising Remembered" is a thought-provoking and deeply moving documentary that sheds light on an important but often overlooked moment in Puerto Rican history. The film is sure to be of interest to anyone who is interested in the struggle for social justice and the ongoing fight for Puerto Rican independence.