Search Famous Puerto Ricans
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Rafael Cordero
Born October 24, 1790 in San Juan. Died July 5, 1868 in San Juan. Educator and abolitionist who provided free schooling to children of all backgrounds, becoming a symbol of educational equality.
His great interest and love for reading prepared and helped him to develop the skills and the capabilities to perform as a primary teacher. Since the beginning of XIX century he dedicated himself to the children teaching in his own house, without payment. For 58 years he maintained this educational center, at Luna Street in San Juan. He taught them to read, calligraphy, arithmetic and christian (catholic) instruction. Among the students were: Román Baldorioty de Castro, Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, José Julian Acosta, Francisco del Valle Atiles and others.
Alejandro Tapía y Rivera
Poet, playwright, and journalist born November 12, 1826, in San Juan. Tapía y Rivera is considered the father of Puerto Rican literature and was an important figure in the development of the island's literary tradition. His memoir, Mis memorias, was first published in 1927, many years after his death. He died July 19, 1882, in San Juan.
