Founded the National Institute for Latino Policy, a leading think tank focused on Latino issues, and is a prominent voice in promoting Latino rights and representation.
Angelo Falcn, a renowned Puerto Rican political scientist, is best known for founding the Institute for Puerto Rican Policy (IPR) in New York City in the early 1980s. Today, the organization is recognized as the National Institute for Latino Policy, and Falcn's legacy continues to shape the landscape of Latino issues in the United States.
Falcn's remarkable journey began on June 23, 1951, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At just six months old, he moved to New York City, where he grew up in the vibrant neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. His early years were marked by a strong sense of community and a passion for social justice, which would later define his career.
Falcn attended Public School 17 in Williamsburg, where his first-grade teacher inadvertently changed his birth name, Angel Manuel, to Angelo. This minor alteration would not deter him from making a significant impact. Falcn went on to attend Brooklyn Technical High School, where he developed his skills in architecture and became involved in community affairs through the El Nuevo Mundo Aspira Club.
At Columbia College, Falcn continued to champion Latino causes as Chair of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and played a key role in establishing the first Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at the college. His dedication to empowering Latino students earned him recognition and set the stage for his future endeavors.
In the early 1980s, Falcn founded the Institute for Puerto Rican Policy (IPR), a nonprofit and nonpartisan policy center focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by the Latino community in the United States. Under his visionary leadership, the IPR evolved into a powerful platform for advocacy, research, and community engagement.
Throughout his career, Falcn demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social justice, coalition building, and community organizing. His leadership style, marked by a caustic sense of humor and progressive politics, inspired countless individuals to join the fight for Latino rights.
Falcn's dedication to the Latino community earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the longest-serving chief executives of a Latino nonprofit in the country. As an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia University's School of Public and International Affairs, he continued to inspire future generations of leaders and policymakers.
Angelo Falcn's tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the Latino community and beyond. His work has inspired a new generation of leaders, policymakers, and social activists, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and represented.
Falcn's legacy serves as a powerful reminder that even the most seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome through determination, perseverance, and a commitment to social justice.
"The power of community is not just about numbers; it's about the collective voice, the collective action, and the collective commitment to creating a better world."
Falcn's words continue to resonate with anyone who has been touched by his remarkable journey, inspiring us to strive for a more just and equitable society.
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