José Martí

José Julián Martí Pérez was a Cuban poet, essayist, journalist, translator, professor, and publisher. He is considered a Cuban national hero because of his role in the liberation of his country from Spain. He was also an important figure in Latin American literature.

Martí was born in Havana, Cuba, on January 28, 1853. He began his political activism at an early age and was exiled from Cuba in 1879. He traveled extensively in Spain, Latin America, and the United States, raising awareness and support for the cause of Cuban independence.

In 1895, Martí returned to Cuba and joined the Cuban Revolutionary Party. He was killed in battle on May 19, 1895, at the age of 42.

Martí is considered one of the most important figures in Cuban history. His writings and speeches are still studied and admired today. He is considered the "Apostle of Cuban Independence" and his birthday is a national holiday in Cuba.