Rafael Cordero (educator)

Rafael Cordero (1790-1868), born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was a self-educated Puerto Rican of African ancestary. His father was a poor man who worked in the tobacco fields.

Cordero's love of literature and his determination to teach and educate himself helped him to develop the skills and preparation to teach primary school.

At the begining of the 19th century Rafael Cordero established, in his house, a free school for all or any children, regardless of race, who were unable to afford an education otherwise.

Cordero maintained his educational center for 58 years at Luna Street in San Juan. There he taught reading, caligraphy, mathematics and Catholic instruction.

Among the distinguished alumni who attended Cordero's school were Román Baldorioty de Castro, Alejandro Tapia y Rivera and José Julián Acosta. He proved that racial and economic segregation could be possible and accepted.

He was awarded the "''Premio de Virtud''" by "La Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País" which was an economic club whose members were friends of Puerto Rico. He was given 100 pesos, which he in turn gave away to those in need.

In 1890, Rafael Cordero was immortalized in a painting tittled "La Escuela del Maestro Rafael Cordero" by the artist Francisco Oller which can be seen in the Puerto Rican Athenaeum.

In 2004, Rafael Cordero was beatified by Pope John Paul II. This is the first step on the Catholic Church's road to canonization.

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