José Martí

Biography

José Julián Martí y Pérez was born on January 28, 1853, in Havana. He was a Cuban poet, writer, journalist, translator, philosopher, and revolutionary. Martí emerged as the leader of Cuba's liberation movement against Spain and is considered a national hero in his homeland, where he is known as the “Apostle of Independence.” In literary circles, he is recognized as the father of modernism. Beyond his literary career, José Martí was also a soldier, linguist, politician, essayist, journalist, and artist. His body of work spans theater and essays. Among Martí’s most notable works are the poetry collection "Ismaelillo," the essay "Nuestra América," and the poetry compilation "Simple Verses." He maintained cultural connections with Spain and Mexico. José Martí died on May 19, 1895, in Oriente, Cuba.