“American History” takes place on the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, a day of enormous political and cultural significance. The youngest person ever elected president, the famously charismatic Kennedy, often called JFK, was a figure of hope for many at a turbulent time in American history, and his death threw the nation into mourning. Kennedy was a figure of particular importance to Puerto Ricans, like the residents of El Building who mourn him as a martyr.

Kennedy was the first Roman Catholic elected president, at a time of widespread discrimination against Catholics. Like many largely Catholic ethnic groups, Puerto Rican people felt a sense of pride and connection because of their shared religion. In addition, JFK made special efforts to engage Puerto Rican people as a constituency during his campaign and after he was elected. His campaign was the first to actively engage Latino voters. While campaigning, Kennedy visited Spanish Harlem, home to many Puerto Ricans, ran voter registration drives centered on the community, and compared their experience of coming to the mainland United States in search of opportunity to that of his own Irish ancestors. While in office, Kennedy was the first president to make an official visit to the island since Franklin Roosevelt’s visit almost thirty years earlier. In addition, he built close ties with Luis Muñoz Marín, Puerto Rico’s first elected governor, including hosting him for a state dinner attended by many important Puerto Rican politicians and celebrities.