“Farewell, Rafael.”
His name was Rafael Cancel Miranda and most, I fear, hear the name but know it not. That is regrettable, but we hope afterwards that will no longer be the case. He was a Puerto Rican nationalist who fought for the freedom and independence of the island since he was 15 when he joined the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party. During the 1950s, a small group of nationalists opened fire in the halls of the U.S. Congress. Rafael was there along with his confidante, Lolita Lebrón.
They were imprisoned for decades. Early in March 2020, Rafael at the age of 89, breathed his last. He was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico on July 18th, 1930. In his long life, he wrote eight books and numerous articles. Independentistas in Puerto Rico remember Rafael Cancel Miranda. This weekend in San Juan, his wife, María de los Ángeles Vázquez, urged supporters of Rafael and the independence movement to wave flags of Puerto Rico in his honorable memory.
From imprisoned nation, this is Mumia Abu-Jamal.
[Sound of prison door clanking open.]
These commentaries are recorded by Noelle Hanrahan of Prison Radio.
[Sound of prison door slamming shut.]
