In 1976, Philadelphia was the primary site of the nation's bicentennial celebration. But it was also the site of mass protests challenging the dominant patriotic narrative. The largest was organized by the July 4th Coalition—a national grouping led by Puerto Rican and Native American activists and joined by a broad multiracial alliance. In the face of intense government surveillance and repression, the coalition organized a peaceful march and rally of an estimated 40,000 people in North Philadelphia, and Fairmount Park, calling for a “Bicentennial Without Colonies - Freedom for All Oppressed Nations.” It has been referred to as the “Sin Colonias” protest. Other central demands of the protest were for “Jobs and a Decent Standard of Living” and “Full Democracy and Equality.” In Philadelphia this year, a group called the July 4th Sin Colonias Coalition has come together to highlight this forgotten history and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the protest.

Angel L. Ortiz was 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.

The program will begin with a slide show of photos and materials about the protest from the files of Temple's Special Collections Research Center. Other participants in the July 4th, 1976 protest will be present to share their perspectives on the march. The center also has a display of materials about the protest, including additional photos and documents gathered by the July 4th Sin Colonias Coalition.

Light refreshments will be served.