Today we feature a guest post from our friend from the Latino Writers Collective, Xánath Caraza, reporting on Luis Rodriguez's recent visit. But before we get to that, I have to tell you about a series of archived short films featuring interviews with several Tejano writers, musicians, and artists. The films are part of an oral history project of the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. Rolando Hinojosa sent me the information about these films and now I pass on that same info to you.
The Los del Valle Oral History Project, begun in 1993, includes edited autobiographical sketches of people from the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas and accounts of historical and cultural events that document the rich heritage of the area. The twenty one volume series includes personal interviews, photographs, film clips and music that convey the uniqueness of the area not usually found in traditional sources.
Included in this series are: Américo Paredes, Rolando Hinojosa, conjunto legend Narciso Martínez, Chicana artist Carmen Lomas Garza, activist José Angel Gutierrez, and many others. These interviews have a wealth of information, history, and cultural struggle. For example, Dr. Paredes (With His Pistol In His Hand, George Washington Gómez) talks about the "ethnic cleansing" that was going on along the border when he was born in 1915 - the so-called "border troubles." Trouble along the border? And Carmen Lomas Garza tells a story about how her older brother was punished in first grade for speaking Spanish - this in an area of the United States where Ms. Garza can trace her family roots back to the original indigenous inhabitants. She explains how her brother did not understand that he was punished not for anything wrong that he had done but for political and racial reasons. Political and racial reasons -- the more things change, the more ...
The series is available at this link.
For Xicome T ochtli
It was no t a secret that the Latino Writers Collective (L WC) had been long awaiting the visit of
I got your site from another site and I am happy to get it as you have really well maintained blog here and I really liked your posts.
I was very impressed with Luis's presentation on the 29th. I really loved how he spent so much time addressing the questions of the crowd and not just saving all of the time to talk about his books. He talked about so many pertinent issues with today's youth. What he is doing for communities especially in California is very honorable. After listening to this lecture I can't wait to read one of his books!
Xánath's post about Luis's visit to KC right on targeting Luis's keen observations and recommendations for youth to connect with their passion and their art (whatever that art may be). We were all impressed by Luis's unassuming brilliance.
Thanks to all for the tremendous feature on Luis today! His organization deserves all and more...
'brazos Luis y todos,
Gloria Martinez Adams
Luis' talk was captivating. His use of imagery to capture the essence of the poem's subject is unrivaled.
The way Luiz openly shared his life's story was amazing. Despite all of the bad decisions he had made throughout his life, both dangerous and illegal, he has still managed to turn his life around. In his struggle to leave 'the vida loca' Luis was able to overcome addiction, poverty, violence and gang life. He is an inspiration to anyone going through a rough time in their life. It is never too late to make a change in your life.
Thank your for sharing the experience of Luis J Rodriguez for those of us who could not attend. Adelante, LWC! -- Juanita
Thank you all for you comments. It's a pleasure and an honor to publish these words in La Bloga.
Peace,
Xánath Caraza
My name is Romney Hartsfield. I was thoroughly impressed by Mr. Rodriguez's poems he shared. Being that english was not his primary languageand the fact that he was involved in a gang made me even more excited about reading his book. So I bought the book and read it over the weekend. The book was quite entertaining and informative. I look forward to future readings from him.