Who Was Benito Juarez And Why Was Mexico's First Indigenous President So Important

Benito Juarez was born on March 21, 1806 into grinding poverty in San Pablo Guelatao, a small town in the Oaxaca mountains. He was of pure indigenous blood and did not even speak Spanish until he was in his teens. However, with his strength and courage, he became a lawyer and, beginning in his student days, he began a lengthy political career that would take him across a number of political posts: Oaxaca Congressman, Governor of Oaxaca, Minister for Justice and President of the Country. He was a key figure in Mexico's march to modernization, and an important leader whose influence is still felt today.

In 1853, President Santa Anna set up a conservative government exiling many liberals, including Juarez who went on to spend time in Cuba and New Orleans. When he returned, he became the Minister of Justice and then was elected President. Juarez was re-elected to the presidency in 1867 and 1871, but did not live to finish his last term as he had a heart attack while working at his desk on July 18, 1872.

Mexicans hold high regards for Juarez and his legacy. Some consider Juarez the Abraham Lincoln of Mexico, as he fought for equality; he sought constitutional reforms to create a democratic federal republic; he separated the Church from the government and the indigenous population in Mexico rightly remember him as a trailblazer in native rights and justice.