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José Julián Acosta
Journalist, educator, and abolitionist who advocated for the end of slavery and promoted education and reform in Puerto Rico. (1825--1891), journalist and a leader of the Puerto Rican abolishement movement, was born in on May 27, 1825 in San Juan. He received his primary and secondary education from Rafael Cordero. In 1867, he was a member of the Puerto Rican commission, which participated in the Overseas Information Committee in Madrid, Spain. The commission advocated for the abolition of slavery and political reforms at the local level. On November, 1870, he became a leading member of the Liberal Reformist Party. He also collaborated to the foundation of "El Progreso" (Progress) newspaper, of which he was editor. In 1873, he became the president of the Liberal Reformist Party. He died on August 26, 1891 in San Juan.
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.
