Graphic novelist and philanthropist visits CMU in support of Puerto Rico
As a child, comic books gave Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez an escape. Reading about the power of superheroes helped him see a way out of poverty and discrimination because of his heritage.
“When I was a child, my mom was a single mother raising us and we grew up poor and on public assistance,” said Miranda-Rodriguez , who was born in Puerto Rico. “By the time I was 21, I had lived in 18 different places because we were constantly moving. I never have the luxury of coming home to a community where I knew everyone and felt safe, so I was drawn to comic books and reading story after story. I read about super heroes overcoming obstacles.”
That inspired him to create the graphic novel series La Borinqueña, an original character and patriotic symbol presented in a classic superhero story.
Miranda-Rodriguez will give a lecture about the comic book April 3 in Pittsburgh. It will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Art in Oakland. It is hosted by the Center for Arts Society.
In the comic book, the main character’s powers are drawn from history and mysticism found on the island of Puerto Rico, he said. He describes this fictional character as Marisol Rios De La Luz, a Columbia University earth and environmental sciences undergraduate student living with her parents in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in New York.
She takes a semester to study at the University of Puerto Rico. She explores caves in the island and finds five similar sized crystals. Atabex, the Taino mother goddess, appears before Marisol Rios De La Luz once the crystals are united and summons her sons Yúcahu, spirit of the seas and mountains and Juracan, spirit of the hurricanes. They give Marisol superhuman strength, the power of flight, and control of the storms, Miranda-Rodriguez said.
“When I came up with the idea to create a comic book, I wanted it to serve as a conduit to talk about a larger issue,” said Miranda-Rodriguez, 48, who lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. “In today’s world we live a very visual life and super heroes can go beyond fantasy into the real world.”
He said superheroes have been around a long time and they are the fabric of a community and people identify with them.
Miranda-Rodriguez said he hopes to redefine through the comic book what philanthropy is by helping to raise money for grants. The money will go to local grassroots organizations in Puerto Rico dedicated to working with children, women’s health, environmental work, and education. He has already raised $250,000 and has awarded grants with the plan to return to Puerto Rico sometime this year.
Sometimes real superheroes need no capes or superpowers. Thank you @CarmenYulinCruz for always defending Puerto Rico and showing no fear when you take on bullies. You are truly #LaBorinqueña! pic.twitter.com/XcZggVviSm
— Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez ?? La Borinqueña (@MrEdgardoNYC) April 2, 2019
He said he enjoys giving talks at universities.
“It’s about being proactive and engaging people, “ said Miranda-Rodriguez.
He began his quest before Hurricane Maria decimated his homeland in September 2017.
“This book has given me the opportunity to connect real activism and to help redefine philanthropy,” said Miranda-Rodriguez. “It’s a chance to get the word out the under-represented people in Puerto Rico.”
Details: https://www.la-borinquena.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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