Lolita Lebrón was a leader of a Puerto Rican Nationalist group who fought against the United States for the independence of Puerto Rico. She was born on November 19th, 1919 in Lares Puerto Rico and passed away on August 1st, 2010.
In 1954, Lebrón and others stormed the Captiol Building for a protest because two years prior, the United States labeled Puerto Rico as a commonwealth. This went against her beliefs because she wanted an end to Puerto Rico’s colonial status. During this protest, Lebrón shot 5 congressmen of the 240 who were present discussing immigration laws.
Lebrón was sentenced to 54 years in prison for her actions at the Capitol. She did not regret her actions because she made it known she was willing die for Puerto Rico and the independence for the island.
Lebrón is remembered as a hero to those who are favor of independence of Puerto Rico. To others, she will be remembered as a terrorist because of her attack on the United States government. President Jimmy Carter however, granted her clemency and she did not serve her entire 54 year sentence. She was also named Person of the Year by Time Magazine in 2010.
“Before God and the world, my blood claims for the independence of Puerto Rico. My life I give for the freedom of my country. This is a cry for victory in our struggle for independence . . . The United States of America are betraying the sacred principles of mankind in their continuous subjugation of my country . . . I take responsible for all.”
Lolita Lebron. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2021, from https://www.freedomarchives.org/audio_samples/Lolita_Lebron.html
The featured photo is of Lebrón and it is her mugshot. I believe if she had a choice to pick a featured photo for herself it would be the one of her arrest because she took pride in the crime she committed. Lebrón was a passionate person who was willing to lay down her life for Puerto Rico’s independence. She believed the Puerto Rican people now and in the future was far more important than her own life.
Work Cited
Martin, D. (2010, August 03). Lolita Lebrón, Puerto Rican Nationalist, dies at 90. Retrieved February 21, 2021, from https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/03/us/03lebron.html
Lolita Lebron. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2021, from https://www.freedomarchives.org/audio_samples/Lolita_Lebron.html
Lolita Lebrón. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2021, from https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/chicano-graphics/online/changemakers/lolita-lebron
Person of the year 2010. (2010, December 15). Retrieved February 21, 2021, from http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2036683_2036477_2036974,00.html
Prepared by Jasmin Casiano
