This historical brief is the first paper in a two-part series. The purpose of this historical brief was to engage the reader in a conversation about the history and culture of Puerto Rico. This relatively small island has been under colonial rule for centuries by Spain and now the United States. In that context, the residents of Puerto Rico have historically and still contemporarily face challenges (e.g., economic constraints, school closings, poverty, job insecurities, natural disasters). However, Puerto Rican people have a rich and diverse cultural history which is manifested in their foods, music, dance, language, valuing of family, and their resilience to overcome challenges—both manufactured (by mostly men) and natural disasters.