Luis A. Miranda Jr., a Democratic political strategist and father of Lin-Manuel Miranda, experienced a heart attack while driving in New York City in 2017. Despite the pain, he delayed going to the ER because of parking concerns. Miranda has recently released a memoir called “Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That is Transforming America,” detailing his journey from a young activist in Puerto Rico to a prominent Latino political adviser and philanthropist in the United States. The book also covers the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico, including the destruction of his parents’ home.
Miranda’s life has been guided by a sense of purpose and managed impulse, leading him to a career in politics. His memoir documents his political evolution from a young idealistic socialist in Puerto Rico to a national political and philanthropic figure in the United States. In the 1980s, he became the founding president of the Hispanic Federation, a leading Latino advocacy group. The organization played a crucial role in providing aid to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and has distributed over $53 million to nonprofits on the island.
As a strategist, Luis Miranda worked on successful Senate campaigns for prominent politicians like Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer. He was instrumental in the election of Adriano Espaillat as the first Dominican American in Congress and Letitia James as the first African American woman elected to citywide office in New York. Miranda emphasizes that Latino voters are not monolithic and should not be taken for granted by political candidates.
Luis Miranda’s decision to support his son Lin-Manuel in the production of “Hamilton” by mortgaging their home in Washington Heights turned out to be a life-changing choice. Lin-Manuel credits his father as a major inspiration for the musical, comparing Alexander Hamilton’s immigrant journey to his father’s. Despite being known as “Lin-Manuel’s dad,” Luis is proud of his son’s success and the platform it provides for supporting causes they believe in and giving back to the community.
Miranda’s love for movie musicals, particularly “The Sound of Music,” has played a significant role in his life and influenced his family’s bond. Despite his high-profile associations, Luis Miranda remains grounded and focused on making a positive impact through community work and philanthropy. He reflects on his identity as a Puerto Rican immigrant in the United States and the importance of supporting future generations to achieve success.
Overall, Luis A. Miranda Jr.’s memoir sheds light on his personal journey as a Latino political figure in America and the impact of his family’s success, particularly through his son Lin-Manuel. The book captures Miranda’s resilience, determination, and dedication to uplifting the Latino community and advocating for social change. Through his work in politics, philanthropy, and the arts, Miranda continues to be a relentless force for progress and representation in American society.
