José Campeche: A Brushstroke of Identity in Colonial Puerto Rico

José Campeche y Jordán, born in 1751, emerges not only as the first known Puerto Rican visual artist but also as a beacon of artistic talent and cultural representation in the midst of colonial society. His life, intertwined with the social and political tapestry of 18th-century Puerto Rico, left an indelible mark through his vibrant portraits and religious imagery, capturing the essence of a complex era. Campeche’s story begins in San Juan, where he was born to Tomás Campeche, a freed slave, and María Jordán, a Canarian native. This mixed…

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Rita Moreno: A Trailblazer in Entertainment

Rita Moreno, a living legend in the entertainment industry, has left an indelible mark on Hollywood through her remarkable career spanning over seven decades. Born on December 11, 1931, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Moreno’s journey to becoming an iconic figure in the world of film, television, and theater is a testament to her talent, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements. Puerto Rican Heritage Moreno’s Puerto Rican heritage has been a source of pride and influence throughout her life. She moved to New York City with her mother at the age of five,…

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Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez

Nydia Velázquez, a prominent and seasoned politician, has dedicated her life to public service, advocating for the rights and well-being of her constituents. Born on March 28, 1953, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Velázquez has become a trailblazer in American politics, making history as the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the United States Congress and the first Hispanic woman to chair a full congressional committee. Nydia Velázquez currently represents New York’s 7th Congressional District, a diverse and dynamic area encompassing parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. The district is characterized…

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Luis Muñoz Marín

Luis Muñoz Marín (1898 – 1980) was a Puerto Rican journalist, politician, and prominent figure in creating ties between the United States and Puerto Rico. He was the founder of the Popular Democratic Party, president of the Puerto Rican Senate, and the first democratically elected governor of Puerto Rico. During his regime, Puerto Rico saw political and economic reform, mass migration, and suppression of independence ideals. José Luis Alberto Muñoz Marín was born February 18, 1898 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A few months after his birth, Puerto Rico was…

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Pedro Albizu Campos

Pedro Albizu Campos (1891 – 1965) was a Puerto Rican attorney, social activist, and politician known for his work in the Nationalist Party of Puerto Rico. He was the first Puerto Rican Harvard graduate, where much of his nationalist and independence ideals developed. Albizu Campos is a symbol of Puerto Rican liberation from colonialism and inspired many to fight for independence. Pedro Albizu Campos was born September 12, 1891 in Barrio Tenerías, a rural sector in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He had a difficult upbringing as his mother was a daughter of slaves…

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