Antonio S. Pedreira

Dr. Antonio S. Pedreira (June 13, 1899–October 23, 1939), was a renowned author and educator. Pedreira (whose full name was Antonio Salvador Pedreira Pizarro) was born into a well to do family in San Juan the capital of Puerto Rico. He became interested in the art of writing stories as a child during his primary and secondary school years. He attended the University of Puerto Rico after graduating from high school and earned his teachers certific... more

Dr. Antonio S. Pedreira (June 13, 1899–October 23, 1939), was a renowned author and educator. Pedreira (whose full name was Antonio Salvador Pedreira Pizarro) was born into a well to do family in San Juan the capital of Puerto Rico. He became interested in the art of writing stories as a child during his primary and secondary school years. He attended the University of Puerto Rico after graduating from high school and earned his teachers certificate. In 1920, Pedreira traveled to New York City with the intention of becoming a medical doctor and enrolled in the school of medicine of Columbia University in that city. He was exposed to the realities of racial discrimination, which was rampant in the city at that time, during his brief stay. This was one of the many factors which influenced Pedreira decision to join the Puerto Rican Nationalist movement while at the same time becoming an open advocate for Puerto Rico's independence. He dropped out of medical school because of financial... less