Rafael Cordero y Molina, a self-educated Afro-Puerto Rican, is remembered as the “Father of Public Education” in Puerto Rico. Born in San Juan to a poor family of free Blacks, Cordero showed a passion for learning early on, though he had no formal education. Because of his race, he was not permitted to attend school. In 1810, he opened a free school in his own house, where he taught reading, mathematics, and other basic subjects to boys who could not afford to attend school. His sister, Celestina, a close collaborator throughout his life, taught girls. He supported his family by making and selling cigars.
In time, Cordero’s reputation spread. He was called “El Maestro,” and even wealthy families would send their children to his school. Many of his students would become distinguished in the cultural and civic life of Puerto Rico, and leaders in the abolitionist cause.
Cordero was a devout Catholic. He attended daily Mass at six a.m., and included religious education in his pedagogy. When he knew his life was drawing to a close, he called his students to gather round: “My children, pray for this poor old man who has taught you how much he knew; he has nothing left but a breath of life.”
He died on July 5, 1868. Two thousand people attended his funeral. In 2004, his cause for canonization was introduced. In 2013, in recognition of his heroic virtue, he was declared Venerable.
“[He] knew how to educate the heart.” —Statement of one of Rafael Cordero’s students
