Sylvia del Villard

Sylvia del Villard was a Puerto Rican actress, poet, and advocate born in 1908, renowned for her efforts to preserve and promote Puerto Rican culture and Afro-Puerto Rican heritage. She dedicated her life to celebrating indigenous and African roots through art, theater, and education, aiming to foster pride and identity among Puerto Ricans. As a trailblazer in cultural activism, she founded organizations and produced works highlighting Afro-Caribbean traditions. Her contributions significantly advanced the recognition of Afro-Puerto Rican culture and history, making her an important figure in the island’s cultural and social development.