Popular content creator and cultural activist Dean Huertas made a special stop in Philadelphia on June 26 as part of his Bridge the Gap summer tour. The tour’s goal is to connect Puerto Ricans from the island and the diaspora through conversations about identity, culture, and Puerto Rican pride.
During his visit, Dean met with fans, community leaders, and local professionals at Izlas Restaurant. The event was organized by the Puerto Rican Professional Network at this well-known spot for the Latino community in North Philly. The atmosphere was warm and full of Boricua energy, with strong messages about unity, history, and working together.
“It’s not just about being Puerto Rican it’s about what we do with that pride and how we use it to improve our communities,” Dean said during his speech.
His visit was a special moment for Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican community, highlighting the importance of building connections across generations and locations.
In an interview with Impacto, Dean talked about his journey and what motivates him.
“This started as a hobby. I wanted to show that nothing is impossible. My content comes from a desire to connect and inspire Puerto Ricans, whether they live on the island or in the diaspora,” he said.
When asked if he speaks to a specific audience, he explained, “It’s a mix of both. On the island, many people are afraid to look for opportunities elsewhere. I want them to know that anything is possible.”
Talking about Puerto Rican culture on social media, Dean said: “There’s something special about unconditional love. People in Puerto Rico show their faith, hope, and love in a unique way.”
When asked what makes him different, he said:
“My goal is to show that if you want something, you can make it happen. We all have talents or passions, and there are many ways to share them. With my platform, I want to show that there are options and opportunities.”
Dean also shared a few personal favorites:
- Favorite smell: Fried food (alcapurria)
- Dish that reminds him of the island: Arroz mamposteado
- Favorite music: Plena
- Song that represents him: «PR Vive»
- Three things he always carries: Headphones, wallet, charger
- Favorite social media platform: TikTok
- Dream collaboration: Luis Guzmán (actor)
As a final message, Dean thanked his community:“To my corillo: thank you for the support and love. I’ve worked hard to get here, so thank you all for standing by me,” he said.
Dean will continue his tour in Boston, Rochester, and Waterbury.
For more updates, follow @ BridgeTheGapPR.