A trailblazing lawyer and politician who championed bilingual education and fought for Latino rights, leaving a lasting impact on American politics.
Herman Badillo was a pioneering figure in American politics, known for being the first Puerto Rican to hold prominent positions such as Borough President of The Bronx and United States Representative. He also made history by becoming the first Puerto Rican mayoral candidate in a major city in the continental United States.
Badillo was born on August 21, 1929, in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Following the loss of his parents to tuberculosis at the tender age of 11, he was sent to live with his aunt in New York City. After completing his public school education at Haaren High School, Badillo attended the City College of New York, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1951.
He then went on to earn an LL.B. from Brooklyn Law School in 1954, graduating at the top of his class. The next year, he was admitted to the New York State Bar, and in 1956, he became a certified public accountant.
Badillo's entry into politics began in 1958 when he joined the Caribe Democratic Club. He went on to hold various offices within the City and State, including New York Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development.
In 1966, he made history by becoming the Borough President of The Bronx, a position he held until 1970. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to preserve the Bronx Borough Hall as a landmark, a fight he ultimately lost when the building was demolished in 1969.
In 1970, Badillo was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for five terms until 1977. He was a strong advocate for the rights of the Puerto Rican community and worked towards improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all Americans.
Herman Badillo's trailblazing career paved the way for future generations of Puerto Rican politicians. His commitment to public service and his unwavering dedication to the community earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's highest award, the Chair's Award.
Throughout his life, Badillo remained dedicated to his community, working tirelessly to promote education, economic development, and social justice. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate countless individuals to pursue careers in public service.
Badillo's personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. He married his wife, Irma, in 1955, and the couple had two children together. Sadly, Irma passed away in 2004. Badillo himself passed away on December 3, 2014, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and empower generations to come.
Throughout his life, Badillo was guided by his strong sense of social justice and his unwavering commitment to his community. His pioneering spirit, coupled with his tireless advocacy, has left an indelible mark on American politics.
96 Years Old
A decorated Korean War veteran who later became a prominent figure in American politics, serving in the US House of Representatives for over 40 years. He was a key player in shaping US policy on issues like civil rights and international trade.
67 Years Old
A lawyer and politician who served as Governor of New York, known for his crusade against corruption and his subsequent scandalous resignation.
84 Years Old
A self-made billionaire and former mayor of New York City, known for his philanthropic efforts and innovative approaches to urban governance.
99 Years Old
The first African American to hold the office, he served as Mayor of New York City from 1990 to 1993, implementing initiatives to reduce crime and improve racial relations.
Born in 1924
The 105th Mayor of New York City, a charismatic and outspoken leader, is most known for his bold policies and revitalization of the city during the 1980s. He's famous for asking constituents "How'm I doin?"
82 Years Old
The 107th mayor of New York City, a lawyer and politician, is most known for leading the city through the 9/11 attacks and his controversial yet impactful tenure. He's also known for his work in reducing crime rates in NYC.
94 Years Old
A lawyer-turned-politician who served as Governor of New York, known for his impassioned speeches and progressive policies, particularly his advocacy for social justice and education.
