Luis Rosa is one of the 11 Puerto Rican former political prisoners granted clemency by President Clinton in September 1999. He immediately returned to Puerto Rico, where he and his compañeros/as were met with a huge welcome celebration.

The background description below is adapted from Can't Jail the Spirit (March 1998).

Luis Rosa was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 6, 1960. At the time of his capture April 4, 1980, he was living with his mother and 3 younger brothers. His father died on the day of his birth. Luis has a son by the name of Luis Jr. Luis studied at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where he was president and organizer of the Union for Puerto Rican Students. He was a community activist involved in such issues as police brutality and the lack of services in the Puerto Rican community.

Before his capture, Luis was writing poetry and playing congas with a cultural group. From behind prison walls, Luis continued to express his feelings through his poetry and music. He contributed to Libertad and other publications. His poetry has been published in Flores y Balas. Luis was sentenced to 30 years on State charges and 55 years on Federal charges, including seditious conspiracy and other charges.

Image from: http://reyespoetry.com/