José Celso Barbosa
José Celso Barbosa Alcala (July 27, 1857 – September 21, 1921) was a Puerto Rican physician, sociologist and political leader. Known as the father of the statehood movement in Puerto Rico, Barbosa was the first Puerto Rican, and one of the first persons of African descent to earn a medical degree in the United States.
José Celso Barbosa | |
|---|---|
Dr. José Celso Barbosa | |
| Member of the Executive Cabinet | |
| In office 1900–1917 | |
| Member of the Puerto Rico Senate from the at-large district | |
| In office 1917–1921 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 27, 1857 Bayamón, Puerto Rico |
| Died | September 21, 1921 (aged 64) San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Nationality |
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| Political party | Puerto Rican Republican Party |
| Spouse | Belén Sánchez y Jimenez |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan (MD) |
| Profession |
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After his return to the island in 1880, Barbosa made many contributions to medicine and public health. He initiated an early form of health insurance, encouraging employers to pay a fee to cover future needs of their employees. In 1900 Barbosa was among the first five Puerto Rican leaders appointed to the Executive Cabinet under Governor Charles H. Allen, in the first civilian government organized by the United States. He served in the Cabinet until 1917. From 1917 to 1921, Barbosa served in the first elected Puerto Rican Senate.