Concha Meléndez facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Concha Meléndez
Dr. Concha Meléndez
Born	January 21, 1895 Caguas, Puerto Rico
Died	June 26, 1983 San Juan, Puerto Rico
Occupation	Poet writer educator
Nationality	Puerto Rican
Notable awards	Puerto Rican Academy of Languages; Medal of Literature; Award of Honor

Dr. Concha Meléndez (born January 21, 1895 – died June 26, 1983) was an important educator, poet, and writer from Puerto Rico. She was the first woman to join the Puerto Rican Academy of Languages, which is a big honor.

Early Life and Education

Concha Meléndez was born and grew up in Caguas, Puerto Rico. She went to school there for her elementary and high school years. After finishing high school, she went to the University of Puerto Rico. There, she earned a certificate to become a teacher.

Meléndez taught at the University's high school. At the same time, she continued her own studies at the University. In 1924, she earned her bachelor's degree, which is a four-year college degree. Soon after, she moved to New York City.

In New York, she studied at Columbia University. She earned her master's degree there in 1926. A master's degree is an advanced degree you get after a bachelor's. After her studies, she returned to Puerto Rico. She became a professor at the University of Puerto Rico.

Later, Meléndez traveled to Mexico. She enrolled at the National University of Mexico (UNAM). In 1932, she made history. She became the first woman in Mexico's history to earn a Doctorate degree. This high degree was in philosophy and literature.

A Respected Professor

When Concha Meléndez came back to Puerto Rico, the University of Puerto Rico gave her a special title. They called her "Professor Emeritus" in Hispanic-American Literature. This title is given to retired professors who are highly respected.

She was also chosen to lead the Hispanic Studies and Humanities Department at the University. She held this important job from 1940 to 1959. Meléndez also started a special teaching position (called a tenured chair) focused on Hispanic-American Literature at the University.

In 1964, Meléndez worked as a visiting professor at the Middlebury School of Languages in Vermont. Concha Meléndez passed away in San Juan, Puerto Rico on June 26, 1983.

Her Written Works

Concha Meléndez wrote many books and essays. Her works have been collected into 15 volumes by a publisher called Editorial Cultural. Some of her well-known writings include:

• "Amado Nervo"
• "La Inquietud Sosegada: Poética de Evaristo Ribera Chevremont"
• "Various Hispanic-American Poets"
• "The Act of Storytelling in Puerto Rico"
• "Signs from Iberoamerica"
• "Entrance in Peru"
• "Figuration of Puerto Rico and other studies"
• "Jose de Diego in my Memory"
• "Hispanic-American Literature"
• "Words for Listeners"
• "People and Books"
• "Fiction Literature in Puerto Rico"
• "Poetry in Alfonso Reyes"
• "Indian Novel in Hispanic-America"

Awards and Honors

Concha Meléndez received many awards and special recognitions. She was honored in Puerto Rico and other countries. As mentioned, she was the first woman to join the Puerto Rican Academy of Languages. Some of her awards include:

• The "Medal of Literature" from the Puerto Rican Ateneo
• The "Diploma of Honor" from the Mexican Academy of Languages
• The "Order of Andres Belloy"
• The "Award of Honor" from the Puerto Rican Ateneo

Her Lasting Legacy

Concha Meléndez left a lasting impact. A center at the National Library of Puerto Rico is named after her. This center is located in the Casa Dra. Concha Melendez Ramirez. This was her home from 1940 until she died. It has been named a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a very important historical place.

Every year, a group called the Coalition of Hispanic American Women of Miami gives out scholarships. They choose five high school graduates who have excellent grades. These students receive the Elena Mederos/Concha Meléndez Scholarship. There is also a school in San Juan, Puerto Rico, named after her. Another high school in Virginia is also named in her honor.

See also

In Spanish: Concha Meléndez para niños

• Puerto Rican poetry
• List of Puerto Rican writers
• List of Puerto Ricans
• Puerto Rican literature
• History of women in Puerto Rico