In this month’s edition of RFK Human Rights Book Club, Luis Miranda Jr. joined us to discuss his memoir Relentless, a deeply personal story that doubles as a powerful commentary on identity, politics, and community. The conversation shed light on Miranda’s journey from Puerto Rico to New York City and his decades-long political, community organizing, and advocacy career.

Miranda began by sharing his journey from Puerto Rico to New York City, painting a vivid picture of his early years, the challenges he faced as a young Latino navigating unfamiliar systems, and the moments that sparked his lifelong dedication to political activism and community empowerment. These formative experiences laid the foundation for Miranda’s eventual career, working behind the scenes with prominent political figures, shaping policy, and fighting for marginalized communities.

At the heart of Relentless is Miranda’s exploration of what it means to be Latino in America. He spoke candidly about the complexities of Latino identity, emphasizing that it cannot—and should not—be reduced to a single narrative.  He warned that oversimplifying these identities can lead to ineffective political strategies and missed opportunities for real representation.

Miranda also tackled the hard truths about power and politics in the conversation. Drawing from his time working in the New York City government, he didn’t shy away from discussing the ethical dilemmas and persistent challenges he’s faced—particularly in a political landscape often marred by scandal and corruption. With remarkable honesty, he shared how he’s had to constantly reevaluate his values, asking himself when to stay and fight from within the system and when to walk away. One of the most resonant parts of the conversation was his call for unity and collective political action among Latino communities. Miranda acknowledged the difficulty of building coalitions across different cultures and experiences but underscored that only through solidarity can Latinos harness their full political power.

Throughout the session, Miranda’s storytelling was rich with personal anecdotes—moments of triumph, tough decisions, and quiet resilience. Whether describing tense moments in campaign rooms or his behind-the-scenes work navigating city politics, he offered attendees a rare glimpse into the human side of leadership. He also reminded us that political engagement doesn’t begin and end with elections. Actual change, he said, comes from ongoing, intentional relationship-building within our communities—listening to one another, lifting each other, and staying relentlessly committed to justice.

Relentless isn’t just the title of his book, it’s a reflection of who Luis Miranda Jr. is. His life and work are a testament to the power of persistence, the importance of standing firm in your convictions, and the belief that everyone, regardless of background deserves a seat at the table.

Listen to the full book club here.