Although Manuel Rojas was born in Venezuela, he grew up in Puerto Rico. He was a member of the revolutionary group Centro Bravo, founded in Lares. He was one of the main leaders of the Grito de Lares, an uprising against the Spanish colonial government in 1868 (see below). He was arrested that October and sentenced to death by a court-martial, but he received amnesty soon after.

Grito de Lares

Several hundred women and men revolted against Spain for Puerto Rican independence on September 23, 1868. The most important figures in the uprising were Manuel Rojas, Mathias Bruckman, Joaqu?n Parilla, and Francisco Ram?rez. The main leader was Ram?n Betances but he was not given permission to enter the island. The insurrection failed because the population was apathetic, the rebels lacked adequate training and equipment, and the fact that the Spanish authorities knew of the rebels' plans in advance. Lola Rodr?guez de Ti?, a Puerto Rican writer, wrote a poem that became the lyrics to La Borinque?a, a revolutionary song and the rebel anthem.