The inspiring untold story of siblings Celestina and Rafael Cordero who dared to open a free school for Black children on the island of Puerto Rico during the early 19th century. Illustrated by two-time Pura Belpré Award winner Raul Colón.
Siblings Celestina and Rafael grew up in the Spanish-ruled colony of Puerto Rico where some Black people were still enslaved, and even free Black people like their parents were treated as second-class citizens. Still their parents taught their children to look for the light and filled their small home with letters, numbers and faith. Celestina, “like a surging wave, turned over shells of knowledge. Like a soft breeze, Rafael chased leaves of learning.” When they’d each learned all they could, they were inspired to teach others.
At just fifteen and at a time where a formal education was hard to come by for Black people, especially girls, Celestina opened a free school for girls. All were welcome. Rafael followed in his sister’s footsteps a few years later, opening a school for boys. Neither received funds to keep their schools afloat as other schools started by Spanish teachers had. Rafael sold cigars to earn a living.
As the years passed, more and more children came to the siblings’ schools. Finally, Celestina wanted to be recognized as an official teacher—to be paid—so she bravely took her case to San Juan’s city council. They refused her three times, but like a wave, Celestina rose again and again and her fourth petition was granted.
Celestina and Rafael educated children for more than fifty years despite the challenges of low pay and discrimination. Rafael even became known as the Father of Public Education in Puerto Rico. Pura Belpré award winner Raul Colón’s illustrations dazzle as he charts the siblings’ perseverance and ultimate triumph in gorgeous, affecting illustrations that match debut author Zoraida Rivera Morales’ lyrical text with reverence.
