The Puerto Rican patriot and visionary comes alive in the new biographical account, which delves deeper into his personal life.
On the afternoon of September 5, students, faculty, staff, and guests gathered at the Hostos Community College Research Center (HRC) to hear Professor Marcos Reyes Davila talk about “Los días de su madrugada: Hostos, la biografía,” his new biography of the College's namesake, Don Eugenio María de Hostos. The event, "Lecciones de vida: El pensamiento de Eugenio María de Hostos y su impacto hoy," explored this latest biography, which stands as the first comprehensive account of the patriot’s life to emerge in over seven decades, rekindling the understanding of this iconic figure after a long, historical research hiatus about his contributions to Latin American pedagogy and philosophy.
“I am very happy to welcome Professor Reyes Dávila one more time to our College. Although Don Eugenio was Puerto Rican, I – as a Dominican woman – felt him as my own thanks to his pioneer work in education on the island. He will always be a guiding light for many of us who believe in the transformative power of teaching and learning,” said Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis.
Eugenio María de Hostos' legacy looms large over the College, its community, and the history of Latin America. He was not only a key figure in Puerto Rican history but also a champion of education, human rights, and social justice in the Dominican Republic, Spain, Chile, Venezuela, and New York.
Professor Reyes Dávila delivered his lecture at the Hostos Research Center.
Reyes Dávila had spent years meticulously researching and writing a comprehensive biography that promised to shed new light on the life and ideals of the iconic figure.
“I wanted to see Hostos, the man, for who he was, what were his tribulations, how his personal life shaped his thinking, among other things. I did not want to write another critical biography, but one in which we could see him as the exemplary human that he set out to be,” shared Reyes Dávila, who has published four volumes about Hostos’ legacy. "For example, I emphasize his three extended visits to New York City, during which he sought inspiration from Cuban independence leaders as part of his mission to liberate Puerto Rico in the late 19th century. I also reveal his challenges and disappointments within the movement, which ultimately motivated him to explore other regions in Latin America where he could garner greater support for the Puerto Rican cause."
He was joined by Assistant Professor and Reference Librarian Jorge Matos Valldejuli, who was central to the organizing of the book discussion and served as the moderator for the presentation.
Professor Matos Valldejuli (right) moderated the conversation and helped organize the event.
“As soon as I shared the book with President Cocco De Filippis, an air of joy and excitement moved us to contact Professor Reyes Dávila. There is no better place in this city to have a presentation like this than our beloved College,” added Matos Valldejuli.
Dr. Cocco De Filippis shared remarks about her commitment to upholding the values of Don Eugenio María de Hostos.
After introductory remarks, the author began to eloquently narrate the journey that had led him to write the biography of Hostos. Reyes Dávila recounted how he had delved into the archives and years of notes to uncover the hidden layers of Hostos' life. He spoke of the challenges he had faced in piecing together the puzzle of a man whose legacy had long been celebrated but not fully understood.
The biography, Reyes Dávila explained, delved into Hostos' early years, his time in New York City, his fight for Puerto Rican independence, and his tireless efforts in advocating for women's rights in the Dominican Republic.
After his presentation and initial conversation with Matos Valldejuli, Professor Reyes Dávila answered questions from the attendees. Copies of the new biography were raffled for students, and the author took his time engaging in conversation with them while signing the book.
If you wish to obtain a copy of this new biography, go
here.