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!