Who we are

Beyond Colonialism was born out of public forums and conversations among colleagues from the Caribbean and Pacific Islands and in states who saw the need to educate more people about how U.S. colonial policies are harming our Islands and to grow authentic allyship grounded in the leadership of women.

We are Chamorra, Crucian, Puerto Rican, and Samoan. We strive to operate from the lens, experience, and possibilities of our people and lift up concrete food sovereignty efforts and projects for support and expansion.

In 2023, we facilitated the “From Food Dependence to Food Sovereignty” convening at New York University, with the support of the New York Women’s Foundation, the Fund for the City of New York, and Dr. Lisette Nieves. The in-person panel, moderated by journalist Amy Goodman, included women experts from the U.S. Territories and generated significant attendance, press coverage, and enthusiasm for more information exchanges.

Beyond Colonialism aims to be a bridge – a place for dialogue, learning, and ultimately, collective action to champion local food sufficiency and dismantle the barriers in the way of it – such as militarization, environmental contamination, and restrictions putting Black, Brown, and Pacific Island struggling farmers at a disadvantage.

"We are not victims. We are descendants of survivors."

- Chamorro saying