Julia de Burgos

Julia de Burgos (1914–1953) was a Puerto Rican poet whose work is central to Puerto Rican literature. Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, she became known for lyric poetry that explored identity, love, and social justice. Her first collection, *Poema en veinte surcos* (1938), brought her wide recognition, followed by *Canción de la verdad sencilla* (1939). De Burgos was also active in Puerto Rican nationalist politics and wrote essays and journalism. She later lived in New York City, where she continued writing while facing personal and financial hardship. She died in Harlem in 1953. Her poems remain widely read and studied.