José Celso Barbosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Celso Barbosa
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Dr. José Celso Barbosa
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| Member of the Executive Cabinet | |
| In office 1900–1917 |
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| Member of the Puerto Rico Senate from the at-large district |
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| In office 1917–1921 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | July 27, 1857 Bayamón, Captaincy General of Puerto Rico |
| Died | September 21, 1921 (aged 64) San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Nationality | |
| Political party | Puerto Rican Republican Party |
| Spouse | Belén Sánchez y Jimenez |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan MED |
| Profession |
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José Celso Barbosa Alcala (born July 27, 1857 – died September 21, 1921) was an important Puerto Rican doctor, social scientist, and political leader. He is often called the "father of the statehood movement" in Puerto Rico. Barbosa was the first person from Puerto Rico to earn a medical degree in the United States. He was also one of the first people of African descent to do so.
After returning to Puerto Rico in 1880, Barbosa greatly helped medicine and public health. He started an early type of health insurance. This encouraged employers to pay a fee to cover their employees' future health needs. In 1900, Barbosa was one of the first five Puerto Rican leaders chosen for the Executive Cabinet. This was under Governor Charles H. Allen in the first civilian government set up by the United States. He worked in the Cabinet until 1917. From 1917 to 1921, Barbosa served in the first elected Puerto Rican Senate.
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Early Life and Education
Barbosa was born in 1857 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. His parents had both African and European backgrounds. He went to school in Puerto Rico for his early and high school education. He was the first person of African descent to attend Puerto Rico's well-known Jesuit Seminary. After finishing seminary, Barbosa taught private students. He saved money to go to college. In 1875, he moved to New York City to attend a prep school. There, he learned English in just one year.
Becoming a Doctor
At first, Barbosa wanted to become a lawyer. But he got pneumonia in New York City. His doctor suggested he study medicine instead. In 1877, he tried to get into the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. But he was not accepted because of his race. He then applied and was accepted to the medical school at the University of Michigan. He graduated at the top of his class in 1880. Barbosa was the first person from Puerto Rico to earn a medical degree in the United States. He went back to Puerto Rico and started his medical practice in his hometown of Bayamón.
The Spanish government in Puerto Rico at first did not accept Barbosa's medical degree. This was because it was not from a known European university. The American consul on the island helped Barbosa. He made sure Barbosa's U.S. degree was recognized so he could practice medicine.
Barbosa provided medical care all over the island. He introduced a new idea: employers paying a fee for their employees' future healthcare. This was a very early form of health insurance. In 1893, Barbosa started the first Puerto Rican cooperative. He named it El Ahorro Colectivo, which means "The Collective Savings".
Political Career
During the time Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony, Barbosa was a member of a political party. He later left it due to different ideas.
In 1898, the United States attacked and blocked San Juan during the Spanish–American War. Barbosa and other doctors from Bayamón traveled to Cataño. They took a ferry to the capital. Barbosa was a member of the Red Cross. He went to help the wounded Puerto Rican and Spanish soldiers. He and his group on the ferry had to cross San Juan Bay while cannons were firing. Barbosa and those with him were praised by the Spanish government for their bravery. They were recommended for a special award.
After the war, Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States. On July 4, 1899, Barbosa started the Republican Party of Puerto Rico. This party supported Puerto Rico becoming a U.S. state. He became known as the father of the movement for Puerto Rico to become a state.
Later Years and Legacy
On June 5, 1900, President William McKinley chose Barbosa and four other Puerto Rican leaders. They became part of an Executive Cabinet under U.S.-appointed Governor Charles H. Allen. This was the island's first civilian government. The Cabinet also included six American members. Barbosa served in the Executive Cabinet until 1917. He worked with many U.S.-appointed governors during this time. He helped keep the government running smoothly.
In 1907, during this period, he started the newspaper El Tiempo. This was the first newspaper on the island published in two languages.
In 1917, elections for representatives were allowed. Barbosa ran for a seat that represented the whole island. He was elected and served in the first Puerto Rican Senate, from 1917 to 1921.
José Celso Barbosa passed away in San Juan on September 21, 1921. He was buried in Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery in Old San Juan. One of his daughters, Pilar Barbosa, became a historian. She served as the Official Historian of Puerto Rico from 1993 to 1997. She was also a political activist who continued her father's work.
Honors and Recognition
- Puerto Rico celebrates his birthday, July 27, as an official holiday. It is called José Celso Barbosa Day.
- Barbosa's house in Bayamón has been kept as a historic house museum. Many of his awards, certificates, books, and other interesting items are on display there.
- On August 1, 2006, the United States Postal Service Post Office at 100 Avenida RL Rodriguez in Bayamón was named the "Dr. Jose Celso Barbosa Post Office Building". President George W. Bush signed the law for this.
- In Ponce, there is a school named after him.
- Avenida José C. Barbosa, in Yauco, is named for him.
See also
In Spanish: José Celso Barbosa para niños
- List of Puerto Ricans
- Pilar Barbosa
