José Ferrer Canales

Dr. José Ferrer Canales (September 18, 1913 – July 20, 2005) was an educator, writer and a pro-independence political activist.

Early years Ferrer Canales was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, into a poor working-class family. He was able to attend school, despite the economic hardships his family faced. He received his elementary education at the Pedro G. Goyco Elementary School and his secondary instruction at Román Baldorioty de Castro School in San Juan. He attended and graduated from the Central Superior High School. The situation was very difficult for him because after school he had to work in order to help support his family.

In 1934, Ferrer Canales enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico. During his university years he met and befriended Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos, leader of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party. This led to his active participation in the pro-independence movement. In 1937, he earned his bachelor's degree in Arts, graduating magna cum laude. In 1944, Canales earned his master's degree in Arts with his thesis: "Enrique José Varona". He was influenced by the philosophic ideas of Varona, Eugenio María de Hostos and José Martí.

In 1946, he returned to the island and was offered a position in the department of humanities at the University of Puerto Rico. He was fired in 1948, due to the political unrest spreading throughout Puerto Rico and his pro-independence activism.