Luis A. Miranda Jr.’s journey from a broke doctoral student to a prominent figure in philanthropy and community activism is a testament to the power of giving back. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Miranda shared insights from his new memoir, “Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit that Is Transforming America,” where he reflects on his family’s commitment to service and the impact of their philanthropic efforts.
Miranda’s upbringing in a small town in Puerto Rico instilled in him a sense of community and the importance of using one’s resources to help others. Inspired by his parents’ dedication to service, Miranda and his family have made it a priority to support Latino communities through giving, particularly in the arts.
One of their notable initiatives includes the People’s Theater Project in Washington Heights, where they invested $1 million to kickstart the creation of an off-Broadway theater. By leveraging their resources and partnerships, they were able to raise $20 million to make the project a reality.
Miranda also discussed their efforts to help Puerto Rico recover from the devastation of Hurricane Maria, highlighting the importance of mobilizing resources and support from everyday people. Through initiatives like the Flamboyan Arts Fund and bringing “Hamilton” to Puerto Rico, they were able to raise funds and support local organizations in the art ecosystem.
Ultimately, Miranda emphasized the importance of giving until it hurts and passing down the legacy of generosity to future generations. His family’s commitment to service serves as a beacon of hope for creating positive change in communities and inspiring others to make a difference.