HISTORICAN PODCAST – Legacy of The Borinqueneers with Noemi Figueroa Soulet (11/6/2025)

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker, historian, and author Noemí Figueroa-Soulet — the visionary behind The Borinqueneers, the groundbreaking documentary that brought national recognition to the Puerto Rican soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment, the only all-Hispanic unit in U.S. Army history. For more than 26 years, Noemí has dedicated her life to documenting the legacy of these veterans — from producing her award-winning PBS film to helping advance the Congressional Gold Medal initiative that honored the regiment’s service. Through hundreds of interviews, archival discoveries, and her book “The Borinqueneers: A Visual History of the 65th Infantry Regiment”, she has preserved a story too long forgotten. In this powerful conversation, we explore: The origins and bravery of the 65th Infantry Regiment, The discrimination and challenges they faced within the U.S. military, The 1952 Korean War courts-martial that tested their legacy, The grassroots movement that helped secure their Congressional Gold Medal, The power of storytelling in preserving Puerto Rican history. Duration: 1 hr 10 min

Historican is a living archive and podcast dedicated to preserving and amplifying the voices of the Puerto Rican diaspora. Through storytelling, history, and culture, we uncover erased narratives, explore identity, and celebrate the resilience of our people across borders. Each episode connects the past to the present, creating space for learning, healing, and reclaiming our collective memory.  https://www.youtube.com/@Historican_Podcast