Celebrating the Legacy of Blanca Ascanio Moreno: A Trailblazer in Education and Activism

On November 4, we honor the 115th birthday of Blanca Ascanio Moreno, a remarkable figure from the Canary Islands whose life was marked by her courageous activism and dedication to education. Her story is not only one of personal sacrifice but also a testament to the power of social justice, particularly during a time of great political turmoil in Spain.

Roots and Early Influences

Blanca Ascanio Moreno was born into a middle-class agricultural family in northern La Gomera, a picturesque island in the Canary archipelago. Although her family background offered her the opportunity for a comfortable existence, her profound sensitivity to the injustices around her propelled her towards a life of activism. Growing up, she was surrounded by education, literature, and travel, yet her heart remained with the struggles of the less fortunate in her community.

Her father, Bernardo Ascanio y Ascanio, was a progressive figure deeply involved in local politics and Freemasonry. His advocacy for social change and political discourse created an environment that encouraged critical thinking and civic engagement among his children. Serving as a councillor in the early 20th century, he played a vital role in the local economy by exporting agricultural products, such as tomatoes and bananas, to far-off markets, including New York. This politically charged upbringing instilled in Blanca a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to fight for justice.

Path to Education and Activism

Blanca’s journey into education was significantly shaped by her active participation in the Vallehermoso Workers’ Federation, an organization that had long advocated for class consciousness and political engagement since the First Republic. Several of her relatives were among the founders of the Communist Party in the Canary Islands, which undoubtedly influenced her political ideology and commitment to social change.

She attended the Institute of Secondary Education in Canarias, now known as IES Cabrera Pinto, where her passion for learning flourished. Following her studies, she pursued teacher training, becoming a dedicated educator. In 1931, she married Francisco González Jaumandreu, defying her family’s wishes, a testament to her rebellious spirit. As her commitment to education deepened, she organized sewing classes and promoted popular theater through her involvement with the Workers’ Federation, using these platforms to empower her community.

On January 22, 1933, Blanca took a bold step by organizing a public demonstration alongside her brother and local residents to protest against clientelism and repression in Vallehermoso. This protest not only showcased her leadership abilities but also prompted a judicial inquiry initiated by the local mayor, further highlighting her unwavering commitment to social justice and community empowerment.

While completing her teaching practicum, Blanca joined the UGT (General Union of Workers) and articulated her progressive views on women’s roles in political change through an article for the Education Federation’s bulletin. She believed in the transformative power of education, asserting that teaching was a noble battlefield for women seeking justice and freedom—a principle she embodied throughout her life.

Resistance and Defiance During Turbulent Times

On July 18, 1936, as the military coup began to unfold, Blanca and her husband took a stand at the Vallehermoso Town Hall, confronting the emerging threat of fascism. In her later reflections, she recounted the antifascist resistance spearheaded by local leaders, including civil guard brigadier Francisco Mas García and Workers’ Federation president Manuel Quintana Florentino. Their collective efforts to resist the coup came at a significant personal cost, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the Republic.

Despite their bravery, the Franco regime identified Blanca as a key instigator of the resistance, likely due to her formidable presence and her challenge to the traditional roles imposed on women during that era. Vallehermoso was one of the few municipalities in the Canary Islands that actively resisted the fascist advance, remaining loyal to the Republic from July 18 to 24. Under republican authority, the village experienced no acts of revenge or violence, a testament to the community’s solidarity and discipline during this tumultuous period.

Key points

• Blanca Ascanio Moreno was born on November 4, 1908, in La Gomera, Canary Islands.
• She was sentenced to death by the Franco regime for her activism and commitment to social justice.
• Her father was a progressive figure involved in local politics and Freemasonry.
• Blanca was influential in organizing protests against local repression in the early 1930s.
• She emphasized the role of women in political change and the importance of education.
• Blanca and her community resisted the fascist advance in Vallehermoso during the Spanish Civil War.