Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
Puerto Rico's Hidden History and Global Power
In this bold and illuminating debut, Dean Huertas reclaims the erased chapters of Puerto Rican history and challenges readers to embrace the untold impact of a people too often made invisible. Island of Impact is more than a historical account—it’s a vibrant cultural reclamation and a rallying cry for Puerto Ricans everywhere to rediscover pride, purpose, and power.
With raw insight and cultural clarity, Huertas takes readers on a journey across continents and centuries. From Indigenous Caribbean roots to African, European, Asian, and American influences, this book explores how Puerto Rican identity has been shaped by a global web of migration, resilience, and revolution. Blending powerful storytelling with historical analysis, Huertas reveals a legacy far more influential—and far more hidden—than mainstream narratives allow.
This is not just history. It’s healing. It’s empowerment. A must-read for the Puerto Rican diaspora and anyone curious about the legacy of colonization, identity, and cultural resilience, Island of Impact rewrites the narrative and puts the power back in the hands of the people.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A comprehensive yet personal retelling of Puerto Rico’s global connections, from Africa to Asia to the Americas
- Insightful reflection on identity and erasure, and what it means to grow up invisible in your own country’s history
- A vibrant call to action for reclaiming heritage, rewriting history, and standing boldly in your cultural truth
If you liked War Against All Puerto Ricans, When I Was Puerto Rican, or A Nation of Women, then you’ll love Island of Impact.
“Dean Huertas tells the story of our culture, our history, and our people like no one else can. His words carry weight, purpose, and the kind of inspiration that moves others to act. I strongly endorse Dean Huertas as the right person to write this book—he’s a five-star individual and a voice our community deserves.”
—William Rivera, PRSW/Boricua Media Group founder and president
“Dean’s work brings Puerto Rico’s heritage to life with the same pride, rhythm, and cultural heartbeat that my father, Tito Puente, carried around the world. Island of Impact restores the stories we were never taught, honors the ancestors who shaped us, and reminds every Boricua of our global influence. Dean has created something powerful, necessary, and deeply Puerto Rican.”
—Audrey Puente, television meteorologist at FOX 5 New York
“Island of Impact by Dean Huertas is a powerful exploration of Puerto Rico’s untold stories and global influence. With fearless honesty and vivid storytelling, Dean invites readers to rediscover identity, resilience, and cultural pride. This book is a call to action, empowering readers to embrace heritage and create lasting impact.”
—Omi Hopper, Cooking con Omi
“At a time when those in power attempt to erase our history and silence our identity, Island of Impact stands as a bold reminder that Puerto Ricans are—and have always been—a people of immense influence and resilience. This book celebrates our undeniable global contributions and reignites pride in who we are. We all have the power to lead and inspire, but when our talents are grounded in truth and history, we do more than influence—we ignite transformation.”
—Billy Ocasio, president and CEO at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
Introduction: Illness Invisibility
Chapter 1: The Caribbean
Chapter 2: Europe
Chapter 3: North America
Chapter 4: Central America
Chapter 5: South America
Chapter 6: Africa
Chapter 7: Across the Pacific
Honorable Mentions
Conclusion: The Cure
About the Author