José Epaminondas Braga was born in Cajazeiras in 1920. Coming from a humble family, he started working at the age of 15 still in his hometown. In 1949, attracted by the commercial activities that Campina Grande developed thanks to the impulse that cotton, settled in the city, and became contaminated with the entrepreneurial spirit that Campina Grande had and finally in 1953, opened in society together with brother J. Epaminondas and Cia, company in the segment of bicycles and parts. Seven years later he undid the society, opening his own business – J. Epaminondas Braga, which became the largest bicycle trade in the northeast, distributing to all the States of the region and even to the north of Brazil. Active and focused on the work, it divided its time between the business and the services that served the society as a whole. He was president of the Lions Club, president of the Country Club – where both had a memorable performance. In 1964 he had the honor of being secretary of the industry and trade of the city, in the management of Mayor Newton Rique. José Epaminondas was also president of the Commercial Association of Campina Grande, and in 1982 he assumed the presidency of the CDL.

In front of the entity worked for the development of trade, raising support and with the municipal and state agencies for the shopkeeper class, being known to work for the growth of trade through the search for incentives of the public initiative, As credit lines, financing among others for traders.

He received honors and recognition for his admirable work. One of the most proud was the title of the Man of the year, which he received in 1985, thanks to the leadership he exercised nationally in the sale of two-wheeled vehicles, which was awarded in a unanimous vote by the National Union of the materials and equipment industry of Two-wheeled vehicles, a title he received at a great party in São Paulo, at the Teatro Itália.

Epaminondas continued his trajectory as an active man and participant of the commercial segment to the end. He died in 2013, at the age of 93, leaving an exemplary life story and unconditional love for the city. When he received the title of Citizen Campinense, a fact that made him very happy and proud, said: "I am the son of Cajazeiras by birth, and campinense of heart. I love Campina grande. "

Source: Roberto Braga.