José Julián Martí was a Cuban Patriot, author, and journalist. He dedicated his life to Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain, and became known to his people as the Apostle. Martí was jailed and exiled many times for his revolutionary writings and activities. He emerged from each setback with greater strength and appeal. He was finally ambushed and killed during a battle with the Spaniards in 1895.

Martí's books of verse, including Ismaelillo in 1882 and Simple Verses in 1891, show him to be a sensitive, sincere poet. His journalism set new standards for brilliance in Latin America.

Martí was born in Havana in 1853. He lived in exile in the United States from 1881 to 1895 and wrote many articles about life in the United States. The Cuban patriot and writer came to the U.S. to unite the exile community in the struggle for Cuba's independence. In 1892 he contributed to the founding of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, a political organization aimed at establishing a new Republic of Cuba. His legacy continues to live in his writings. As an international literary figure, Martí's works are still studied throughout the world.