Unit 5 - Chapter 11: Biography

Student View
Teacher View

Oscar Garcia Rivera
1900—1969

Oscar Garcia Rivera was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. He was the top student at his junior high school. When he was older, he was voted the president of his high school class. Although Rivera had a comfortable life in Puerto Rico, he moved to New York in 1926 to become a lawyer. He wanted to bring justice to poor people.

Rivera graduated from St. John’s University School of Law in Queens, New York. He opened three law firms in New York City, including one that offered free legal services. Rivera helped Spanish-speaking employees of the City Hall Post Office to join their union. He spent his life defending the rights of New York workers.

Rivera became the first Puerto Rican elected to public office in the United States. In 1937, He was elected to the New York State Assembly. He got government services for an area of New York City called Spanish Harlem. This area was ignored by other representatives.

Take a Closer Look

East-Harlem
East-Harlem, New York is also known as “Spanish Harlem”. View some photos and learn about the history of this region in New York.

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States. The people of Puerto Rico enjoy the same rights and freedoms as people of the United States. Learn more about the government of Puerto Rico.

New York State Assembly
The New York State Assembly has 150 members. Find out who represents your area of New York and learn more about how the assembly works.



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