Luis A. Miranda Jr. — Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That Is Transforming America

Roosevelt House is pleased to present a discussion of the new book Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That Is Transforming America by Luis A. Miranda Jr.—father of Hamilton-creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and longtime star in his own right of the New York political scene. In this deeply personal and inspiring memoir, Miranda articulates his profound understanding of how to work within the Latino community, and with all communities, to change our world for the better. Miranda will be in conversation with Oskar Eustis, longtime Artistic Director of The Public Theater, where, nearly a decade ago, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton had its world premiere.

As heartfelt as it is informative, Relentless delivers the fascinating narrative of Miranda’s life and career—from his early days as a radically-minded Puerto Rican activist to his decades of political counseling and problem-solving. Included are Miranda Jr.’s recounting of the thrill of the ascendency of his son’s Broadway sensation Hamilton; chronicling of the suffering that followed the devastation of Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria; and an examination, amid triumphs and challenges, of what his experience reveals about our ever-changing politics, demographics, and society. Widely considered the preeminent voice on the Latino, New York, and national political landscape, Miranda’s new memoir brings to bear his unique breadth of experience, passion, and storytelling charm.

“Luis Miranda’s memoir transcends politics—it’s a deeply personal reflection on identity, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.” –Nancy Pelosi

Luis A. Miranda Jr. arrived in New York City from Puerto Rico in 1974 to study psychology at NYU but soon found himself drawn to community activism when he organized his neighbors to fight for better schools for their children. In the 1980s, he was a special advisor for Hispanic Affairs to Mayor Ed Koch, and he continued to serve in key roles for the Dinkins and Giuliani administrations. As a founding partner of the MirRam Group, Miranda has consulted on several successful political campaigns, including the senatorial campaigns of Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Most recently, he managed New York Attorney General Letitia James’ successful reelection. Miranda is the founding president of the Hispanic Federation and is currently the chairperson of the Latino Victory Fund, the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, Viva Broadway, and the Public Theater. He is a board member of The City and NYC Tourism + Conventions, and is former chair of the Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Oskar Eustis has served since 2005 as the Artistic Director of The Public Theater, the Off-Broadway birthplace of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton. Eustis came to The Public from Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island where he served as Artistic Director from 1994 to 2005. He served as Associate Artistic Director at Los Angeles’ Mark Taper Forum from 1989-1994; and prior to that he was with the Eureka Theatre Company in San Francisco, serving as Resident Director and Dramaturg from 1981-1986 and Artistic Director from 1986-1989. Eustis is currently a Professor of Dramatic Writing and Arts and Public Policy at New York University and has held professorships at UCLA, Middlebury College and Brown University, where he founded and chaired the Trinity Rep/Brown University Consortium for professional theater training. Throughout his career, Eustis has been dedicated—as a director, dramaturg, and producer—to the development of new plays that speak to the great issues of our time.