Jonathan Ware
reporter
NE Campus celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting Poesia de Latinoamerica Oct. 5.
When students walked in, they were welcomed with the smell of tortilla chips, chicken and rice as well as the sight of the colors that represent Hispanic heritage.
NE English co-chair Rebecca Balcarcel, who came up with the idea to host the event, said it is important for everyone to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
“For the Latinx in our audience, it’s a source of pride to see their heritage celebrated and the excellence of creative Latinx poets honored,” Balcarcel said. “For non-Latinx folks, celebrating HHM grants an opportunity to reflect on the long history of Latinx peoples in this region, the contributions of Latinx peoples and the value of Latinx people in our community.”
She also said it’s important to stage an event like this that celebrates the poetry of Latin America.
“Poetry is universal because its message speaks to the human spirit, but this event gives listeners a chance to see a part of the living poetry world — not in a book, but in life — and get a glimpse of the artistry and creativity being added to our world by Latinx poets,” Balcarcel said. “This event shows them something they might never get to see otherwise.”
Prior to the event, Balcarcel said she hoped the audience gained an appreciation of Latin American poetry and culture.
“I hope students connect to the power of words and realize that the Latinx community has a deep reservoir of wisdom and human insight to offer readings and listeners,” she said.
The celebration included poems read by artists Tammy Gomez, Sebastian Paramo, Michelle Lizet Flores and former student Melanie Contreras.
All three poets talked about their writing process, journey and what it means to share their poetry.
