in his native Mayagüez over a decade ago. He dedicated his later years to seeking unity among the varied pro-independence factions in Puerto Rico and appeared before the United Nations on the political status issue. On December 10, 2008, he was recognized by the Puerto Rico chapter of the American Association of Jurists with the award of "Jurista del Año" ("Jurist of the Year"). Death and legacy Mari Brás died in San Juan on September 10, 2010. After hearing of Mari Brás's death the mayor of the city of Mayagüez, José Guillermo Rodríguez, decreed five days of mourning and ordered that flags in all municipal building be flown at half mast. Mayor Rodríguez also announced that the city of Mayagüez would be collaborating with the Hostos School of Law in the funeral arrangements. Following Mass at the Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Mari Brás was laid to rest at Cementerio Municipal de Mayagüez. See also List of Puerto Ricans References External links Juan Mari Brás Eugenio María de Hostos School of Law Portraits of Notable Individuals in the Struggle for Puerto Rican Independence 1927 births 2010 deaths COINTELPRO targets Washington College of Law alumni Puerto Rican nationalists People from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico Puerto Rican socialists Puerto Rican party leaders Puerto Rican independence activists Place of death missing