Popular leader

Jorge Eiécer Gaitán Ayala (1898-1948) – Politician and lawyer.
The outstanding orator and popular leader, Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, received a degree in Law and Political Sciences from the National University. He subsequently travelled to Italy to study Criminal Law.
When he returned to Colombia, he was elected representative to the House of Representatives, where he began his active political career. He was also a representative to the Assembly of Cundinamarca, Mayor of Bogota , Minister of Education and Minister of Work.
Furthermore, he was a National University professor and the Principal of the Universidad Libre. In 1945 he was a candidate for the Liberal party and was appointed by his followers as head of the party. This appointment resulted in the division of the party.
On April 9, 1948, Gaitán was murdered on a street in downtown Bogota.
His death caused the so-called “Bogotazo”, the name given to the insurrection (uprising of populist groups) that took place that day. The city was practically destroyed by fire and looting, as well as citizen outrage.
This terrible event caused years later, the disastrous period of violence in Colombia.
In memory of this leader, several parks and streets, a neighbourhood, a theatre and other places in the capital, were named after him.

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Businessmen

Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo
One of the most significant businessmen in Colombia, Sarmiento Angulo began building his fortune by constructing hundreds of dwellings for popular sectors
He founded Las Villas Corporation for Savings and Dwellings and acquired several banks that form the Aval Group.
He is also the owner of other businesses that give rise to the social and economic development of Colombia.
Sarmiento was decorated with the Cross of Boyacá and the Order of Grand Official. He was born in 1933.

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Religious Figures
(Arranged by date of birth)

Rafael Manuel Almansa Riaño (1840-1927) –Priest.
The pastor of San Diego 's Catholic Church between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, was Father Almansa.
He was an upright priest of infinite kindness and total dedication to his parishioners. For 30 years he was at the service of that parish, situated in the centre of the city.
He was an excellent confessor and counsellor. He was the best example of a Christian life, full of kindness and sacrifice.
When the "Saint of the City" died, Bogota was overwhelmed with grief. More than one hundred thousand people attended his funeral. He has never been forgotten.
Monsignor Fandiño, who has dedicated his life to extolling the values of Father Almansa, wrote a book about his life and miracles, called Father Almansa, A Sign of Holiness in the History of Colombia. Father Almansa was recognized as a Servant of God by the Vatican, which is the first step in being canonized as a saint.

Monsignor Rafael María Carrasquilla (1857-1930) – Writer, philosopher and ecclesiastic.
A professor, academic, philosopher, author, and doctor of theology, Monsignor Carrasquilla was also one of the extraordinary religious speakers of his time.
He was president of the Colombian Academy of Language and as the Principal of the Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario he founded the faculties of Law, Philosophy, and Letters. His works include About Núñez de Arec, About the Study of Philosophy, The Life of Pius IX and San Augustine, as well as numerous sermons and texts on metaphysics and ethics.

Monsignor Emilio De Brigard Ortiz (1888-1986).
Monsignor De Brigard was the Bishop of Bogota in 1944 and was appointed to Assistant Archbishop shortly before his death in 1986.
He was a spiritual guide to many Colombians and a university professor who helped the poor and sick. All who had the honour to know him loved him.

His Eminence Cardinal Luis Concha Cordoba (1891-1975)
Bishop of Manizales (1935); Archbishop of Manizales (1959). Transferred to of Bogota in 1959.
Created Cardinal priest in the consistory of January 16, 1961; received the red hat and the title of S. Maria Nuova, January 19, 1961.

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