Born:
February 17, 1917
Julia was born in Puerto Rico. She was the oldest of 13 children and
spent most of early years in the barrio of Santa Cruz. Local townspeople
donated money to help Julia attend the University of Puerto Rico High
School. After graduation, she entered the University of Puerto Rico
in San Juan and got her certification to teach two years later.
She
taught in the Barrio Cerdo Arriba in Naranjito, where she was reminded
of the social problems and poverty she had experienced as a child.
She decided to commit herself to social reform and learning. After
publishing three volumes of poetry, Julia spent years traveling and
writing. Life was difficult for Julia; she died alone and destitute
in Harlaam, even though many people recognized her as one of the best
poets of her time.
Learn more about Julia at the following websites: