Acknowledgment: CantoMundo 2010

Many thanks to all the folks over at CantoMundo for accepting me as a literary fellow for this year’s Master Workshops with Martín Espada and Demetria Martínez. I’m looking over the names of the other fellows (does that make me a “badge browser”?) and feel truly blessed to be included in this initial group of poets.

The fact that the workshops are going down in Albuquerque, home of the 2005 National Poetry Slam–one of the best poetic adventures of mah life, only makes things sweeter.

A’ight, CantoMundo, let’s make some beautiful poesia this summer!

Founding Philosophy

While CantoMundo envisions developing workshops specifically devoted to the craft of poetry, every aspect of the work, including discussions around aesthetic issues, will be firmly rooted in social concerns. This open acknowledgment of larger concerns honors the sociopolitical underpinnings of Latina/o poetry.

CantoMundo plans to build on the aesthetically, culturally, and linguistically diverse work of Latina/o poets, who have historically—and with limited economic resources—formed supportive literary spaces. This will be done by respecting Latina/o poetry’s stylistic and thematic diversity, while maintaining a vibrant, meaningful connection to a community-grounded readership.

CantoMundo 2010 Fellows

Gloria Amescua, Francisco Aragón, Diego Baez, Oscar Bermeo, Norma Cantu, Eduardo C. Corral, Cynthia Cruz, Barbara Brinson Curiel, Cristian Flores Garcia, Sheryl Luna, J. Michael Martínez, Pablo Miguel Martínez, Celeste Guzman Mendoza, Amalia Ortiz, Deborah Paredez, Emmy Perez, Luivette Resto, ire’ne silva, Carmen Tafolla, Liliana Valenzuela, and Lauro Vazquez.

More information about CantoMundo is here.

NaPoWriMo #25: Ode to Government Cheese


Government Cheese
Originally uploaded by OBermeo

If you lived through the 80s in the Bronx, then you know exactly what I’m talkin bout here.

You’ll also know that Word of Mouth’s KING KUT is the best soundtrack to go with the poem.

Word.

Ode to Government Cheese

[Poem was here, can now be found at The Rumpus.]

Hold the Light Fundraiser for Haiti, Chile and China

I’m honored to be reading with a group of incredible poets from the Bay Area to support those affected by the recent earthquakes around the world.

Pen Oakland: Hold The Light Fundraiser for Haiti, Chile and China

On Friday, April 30th from 6-9 PM at the Islamic Cultural Center, 1433 Madison Street in Oakland, Bay Area poets will gather in support of the men, women and children of Haiti and Chile.

For more information READ ON or contact Kim McMillon at (510) 681-5652.