Juana Inés de la Cruz, born in 1648, was a Mexican composer, philosopher, writer, and poet of the Baroque era (1600-1750). She taught herself in her grandfather’s library at a young age and became known for her philosophical beliefs in her teens. She later went on to join a nunnery and became well known for her poetry and writings on feminism, love, and religion. She met with many elite intellectuals including Countess Maria Luisa de Paredes, Vicereine of Mexico. Later the Bishop of Puebla condemned Cruz for her outspoken beliefs of the hypocrisy of men and misogyny. This led to her being forced to focus on charity and sell her books. She can be viewed as one of the first feminists and a revolutionary for her time.
— Sophia Hysaw, Opinion Editor