Before Sonia Sotomayor, there was Dolores “Lolita” Lebron. Born in Puerto Rico, the nationalist figure’s actions in support of liberation for the island provoked controversies more fervent than ‘wise Latina’ remarks. Lebron, a former beauty queen, joined the New York Chapter of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party during the 1940’s after having moved to the United States. She quickly became its secretary and also went on to hold the presidency of the party’s Feminine Chapter of the Pro-Liberation Committee.
From then on, Lebron’s life was dedicated to the cause of freeing Puerto Rico from the United States which held the island as a commonwealth. Seeing the relationship more in colonial terms, she most dramatically participated in the 1954 attack on the U.S. House of Representatives screaming, “Que Viva Puerto Rico Libre.” The act led Lebron and her fellow nationalists to be convicted and given lengthy prison sentences as result. She would ultimately be pardoned, however, and released from jail by President Jimmy Carter.
The dramatic story of Lolita Lebron’s life will be encapsulated by the latest world premiere by the Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble. Written by Rene Solivan and directed by Jesus Reyes, “Miss Lebron,” which opens TONIGHT, chronicles the Puerto Rican nationalist leader’s personal and political struggles for independence.
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[...] of her around this time last year when Breath of Fire Latina Theater presented the play “Miss Lebron” on her rebellious life. Instead of posting a bio (click the links on the play and the news of her [...]