Pedro Albizu Campos

Albizu Campos graduated from Harvard Law School, becoming one of the first Puerto Ricans to earn a law degree from the prestigious institution. His education influenced his legal and political strategies for Puerto Rican independence.

Albizu Campos became president of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, transforming it into a militant organization advocating for armed struggle against U.S. rule. He promoted a platform of independence, social justice, and cultural pride.

Pedro Albizu Campos was the leader of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party during the Ponce Massacre, where police fired on a peaceful march, killing 19 people. The event galvanized the independence movement and led to Albizu Campos's arrest and imprisonment.

Albizu Campos was arrested after the Jayuya Uprising and sentenced to 80 years in prison. He alleged torture and was held in solitary confinement. His imprisonment became a symbol of U.S. repression of Puerto Rican independence.

Under Albizu Campos's leadership, Puerto Rican nationalists attacked the U.S. House of Representatives, wounding five congressmen. The attack was intended to draw attention to Puerto Rico's colonial status and resulted in a crackdown on the independence movement.