What ‘woke’ really is

Illustration by Nathan Varney
Nati Feliciano-Soto, Contributing Writer
The term “woke” has been weaponized by parties associated with the far right. What began as an acknowledgment of social awareness has now been twisted to villainize those who challenge systemic inequities.
Originally, “woke” emerged as a term rooted in Black activism, symbolizing social awareness and vigilance against injustice. It was a call to remain alert to the realities of systemic racism, inequality and oppression.
“Woke” is no longer just a word; it is a battleground. It has become a rallying cry in spaces where racism and ignorance are not only excused but allowed to thrive without question. What many do not understand is that to be woke is to stand awake — with eyes wide open to the injustices of the world. Why should anyone apologize for that?
This resistance to change has reached far beyond the borders of the United States. Just last month, halfway around the world, the Māori Party of New Zealand faced threats of removal from Parliament — a stark reminder of how marginalized voices are pushed out of traditional power structures. In response to their stance against the British Crown pulling back from the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, the Haka chant led by Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clark was used to protest against the reformation of the bill.
Their ousting felt deeply personal to me, especially as a second-generation Puerto Rican American.
I had just returned from a weekend in Puerto Rico, an island I love, but it battles against the erasure of its identity.
Many go to Puerto Rico to explore its rich culture and beautiful beaches. I was there for this reason too, but despite being on vacation, I could not ignore what was happening to my island.
Gentrification is swallowing Puerto Rican neighborhoods whole. The Republican Party of Puerto Rico uses their influence to protect corporate interests and wealthy investors through Act 60 tax incentives that fuel gentrification and erode cultural heritage. This has sparked a growing “gringo go home” sentiment throughout the island.
The frustrations I felt walking through the gentrified streets of San Juan — the colonial facades polished for tourists while the locals struggle to hold onto their homes — echo the struggles of the Māori people.
Indigenous communities, whether on the mainland United States, Puerto Rico or New Zealand, are constantly forced to defend their cultures, their land and their right to exist in spaces that are rightfully theirs.
As a Puerto Rican born on the U.S. mainland, I feel the pull of two identities. Too often, my heritage has been diminished or dismissed by those who misunderstand Puerto Rico’s colonial history. Yet, it is this duality that fuels my advocacy — not just for Puerto Rican culture, but for all marginalized communities.
Storytelling is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for spreading awareness, and stories have the unique power to humanize social struggles, making them relatable and urgent. By telling stories about the gentrification in Puerto Rico or the silencing of the Māori Party, myself and others aim to use this tool not just to inform, but to ignite conversations and inspire action.
Being woke is about balance, not dominance. It is about listening to stories that have been ignored, and amplifying voices that have been silenced and fostering a world where every perspective is valued.
The backlash against wokeness stems from a fear of change, but change is inevitable. Change is messy and uncomfortable but also necessary for growth. I urge you to lean into your discomfort. Listen to the voices of those who challenge the status quo. Advocate for communities like the Māori people, whose fight for representation mirrors so many others across the world.
I will not apologize for being woke. I will not apologize for believing that justice matters, that equity is worth fighting for or that voices long ignored deserve to be heard, and neither should you. Progress may feel like an uphill battle, but every story we tell, every truth we speak and every action we take brings us one step closer to a more just world.
To be woke is to be awake. Stay awake. Stay loud. Stay unapologetic.