Luis Miranda migrated from Puerto Rico in the 1970s and has maintained deep connections
with the island ever since. He has worked for the mayor of New York City. He is a Latino
advocate and political consultant with decades of experience. He also happens to be the
father of an international celebrity. In this episode of Writing Latinos, we talk with him
about his new memoir, Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That Is Transforming
America, published by Hachette Books. Our sprawling conversation touches on his ideas
about Latino politics in New York, his work with national Latino advocacy organizations,
Puerto Rico’s territorial status, his dedication to family above all, and how the meanings of
fatherhood both have and have not changed for him since one of his children became
famous. Oh, we also talked about what he wants his funeral to be like, including the
soundtrack he wants played on the occasion. You’ll have to listen to find out what it
is!