Fabián Jesús Colón López, an Afro-Puerto Rican Marxist, socialist, communist, writer, and political and community activist, was born on January 20, 1901, in Cayey, Puerto Rico (PR). He was the son of Paula López Colón (1874-1927), a domestic worker, and Mauricio Colón Coto (1863-1920), a baker and jointer artisan. Fabián Jesús Colón López was raised in a working-class neighborhood in Cayey, where he was exposed to the struggles and hardships faced by the Afro-Puerto Rican community. This early exposure to social inequality and injustice fueled his passion for social and political activism.
From a young age, Fabián Jesús Colón López was drawn to the writings of Karl Marx and other socialist thinkers. He was deeply influenced by their ideas about class struggle, exploitation, and the need for revolutionary change. This ideological foundation would shape his future as a prominent figure in the Marxist and socialist movements in Puerto Rico. In his early adulthood, Fabián Jesús Colón López became involved in various political and community organizations that advocated for the rights of Afro-Puerto Ricans and other marginalized groups. He was known for his fiery speeches and persuasive writing, which helped galvanize support for social and economic reforms.
As a writer, Fabián Jesús Colón López penned numerous articles and essays that critiqued the capitalist system and championed the cause of the working class. His writings were widely circulated in socialist publications and had a significant impact on the political discourse in Puerto Rico. In addition to his work as a writer and activist, Fabián Jesús Colón López played a key role in organizing labor unions and grassroots movements. He was instrumental in mobilizing workers to demand fair wages, better working conditions, and an end to discriminatory practices in the workplace.
Fabián Jesús Colón López’s activism extended beyond Puerto Rico, as he forged connections with socialist and communist movements in other parts of the Caribbean and Latin America. He saw the struggle for social justice as a global endeavor and sought to build solidarity across borders. Despite facing persecution and repression from authorities, Fabián Jesús Colón López remained steadfast in his commitment to advancing the cause of socialism and communism. He was arrested multiple times for his political activities but continued to agitate for change upon his release.
In the 1930s, Fabián Jesús Colón López became increasingly involved in the Puerto Rican independence movement, aligning himself with those who sought to break free from colonial rule and establish a sovereign nation. He saw independence as a crucial step towards achieving social and economic liberation for the people of Puerto Rico. Throughout his life, Fabián Jesús Colón López remained dedicated to the principles of Marxism and socialism, believing that they offered the best path toward creating a more just and equitable society. His unwavering commitment to these ideals made him a revered figure among left-wing activists in Puerto Rico and beyond.
Fabián Jesús Colón López passed away on June 15, 1965, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of activists who are committed to fighting for a world free from oppression and exploitation. His contributions to the struggle for social justice and liberation have left an indelible mark on the history of Puerto Rico and the broader struggle for global equality.