Hostos Commemorates Anniversary with Special Presentation on College’s Namesake by Professor Emeritus Orlando Hernández

On Tuesday, April 22, Hostos Community College celebrated its 57th anniversary with a special presentation by Professor Emeritus Orlando Hernández, a distinguished scholar in Puerto Rican and Caribbean history who is recognized as a leading authority on Eugenio María de Hostos, the college’s namesake. He discussed his new book, “Documentos de la Liga de Patriotas Puertorriqueños Fundada por Hostos,” which reveals previously unpublished works by Hostos and emphasizes his dedication to fostering intellectual connections and promoting solidarity in support of Puerto Rico’s independence.
 
Holding this event at the College carries deep significance, as it reminded attendees of the enduring values of the Puerto Rican philosopher, which continue to guide the institution’s mission of social justice, equity, and accessibility to high-quality education to those who seek it.
 
During her opening remarks, President Daisy Cocco De Filippis welcomed Professor Hernández and reminisced about their previous collaboration when she served as Provost. She praised his latest published work, stating, “He did an incredible job” highlighting Hostos’ plans and dreams for Puerto Rican independence. She reflected on how the presentation about the philosopher and humanist — who believed in the vision of expanding education for all — was a fitting way to commemorate the anniversary of a college founded in response to the demands of Puerto Rican and Latino leaders for an institution that would meet the needs of the South Bronx.
The presentation, moderated by Dr. Wilfredo Burgos Matos, communications manager, featured Professor Hernández delivering a lecture in Spanish centered on his discovery of unpublished writings by Hostos from September 1898 to January 1900, related to the formation of the Liga de Patriotas Puertorriqueños. He highlighted Hostos’ role in advocating for educational reform across Latin America, his support for Puerto Rican independence and women’s education, despite facing significant opposition, and many other social struggles.
 
“What’s still impressive about this work is the fact that Hostos’ legacy continues to go beyond the realm of education and human rights advocacy. It also challenges geography, as he contributed to so many fights across the Americas in Chile, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, New York, and Puerto Rico, his home country,” said Hernández. “He was so involved in the sociopolitical reality of the Antilles that even if he never stepped foot in Cuba, he was a staunch supporter of their independence.”
The lecture transitioned into a discussion in English, involving Jorge Matos Villdejuli, Assistant Professor and Reference Librarian, along with Dr. Emmanuel A. Velayos Larrabure, Assistant Professor in the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Unit. They commended Hernández for his findings and further explored the significance of the book, discussing a draft proposal for the League, written on an envelope, which is featured on the book’s cover. Hernández explained that this underscores Hostos’ urgent desire to articulate his thoughts and implement his ideas. He elaborated on Hostos’ need to be politically active and engaged, despite the challenges he faced, as he wrote extensively on human rights and his vision for political involvement beyond traditional party lines.

The discussion concluded with Hernández noting that while Hostos aspired for Puerto Rico’s independence, he also respected U.S. institutions and hoped that Puerto Rico could build a relationship with the U.S. “based on dignity, and grounded in equality.” Attendees left inspired by the legacy of Hostos — the man and the College!