José Martí, Cuba, (1853-1895)
Born in Havana, Cuba, José Martí was a poet, essayist, patriot and martyr, who became the symbol of Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain. His dedication to the goal of Cuban freedom made his name a synonym for liberty throughout Latin America. At sixteen he was exiled for political activity and for many years he was obliged to live abroad in Mexico, Guatemala, Spain, and the USA.
As a patriot, Martí organised and unified the movement for Cuban independence and died in battle fighting for it. As a writer, he was distinguished for his personal prose and sincere verse on themes of a free and united America.