Lolita Lebron

Lolita Lebron

By: Michelle Pratts

1919 Lares, Puerto Rico, a very famous Puerto Rican woman revolutionary was born. That woman was Lolita Lebron. Lebron grew up in a deprived household. Looking for a better life she left behind her daughter Gladys to come to the U.S. But instead she became just another victim to racial discrimination which was raging at that time. She began working as a seamstress and being a student at night. In New York, Lolita became a member of the Puerto Rican Nationalist party, following leader Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos. The Puerto Rican Nationalists did not agree with Puerto Rico’s new status as commonwealth of the U.S. so they began planning numerous attacks to change colonial status including the attack on the House of Representatives. March 1, 1954, the anniversary of when the law was passed to make Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens, was the date chosen for the attack. Lolita, Rafael Cancel Miranda, Irving Flores, and Andres Figueroa Cordero walked into the House of Representatives that day. Shouting “! Viva Puerto Rico Libre!” Lebron unfurled the Puerto Rican Flag and the group opened fire wounding five lawmakers. Lebron along with her partners were charged with attempted murder and sentenced to death. 1979, 25 years later Lebron was pardoned and released from prison. After released Lolita still remained a strong activist still participating in committees and marches. Lolita is exactly what a Puerto Rican woman is; strong, independent and proud of her race. And for that I honor her and always will for standing up for what she believed in… Puerto Rican Pride!