José Joaquín Palma was a notable Cuban poet, journalist, and political figure born on January 4, 1844, in La Habana, Cuba. He is best known for his literary contributions, particularly his poem "La canción del desterrado," which reflects the struggles of the Cuban people during the fight for independence from Spanish rule. Palma was also an advocate for Cuban independence and worked closely with leaders like José Martí. In addition to his poetry, Palma served as a diplomat and held various government positions after Cuba gained independence in 1898. He was a prominent figure in the Cuban literary scene and contributed to several newspapers, promoting the ideals of freedom and national identity. Palma passed away on July 12, 1911, leaving a lasting legacy in Cuban literature and politics.