AWP Countdown

Say what you will about this conference, it’s the one I look forward to every year. And I hope to see you there. I’m on two panels this time around, and I’ll spare you the details. I’d rather promote other happenings, like the annual Con Tinta Pachanga, one of the many off-site events made possible because the Chicano/Latino writers wanted to have a community space of their own during this reunion-at-large of writers. All are welcome.

Two years ago in Austin we celebrated Chicano writers Rolando Hinojosa-Smith and raúlrsalinas; last year in Atlanta we honored Puerto Rican writer Judith Ortiz Cofer; this year, we pay homage to New York luminaries Tato Laviera and Sandra María Esteves.

Tato Laviera, born in Puerto Rico but a New Yorker since 1960, has been called “a chronicler of life in El Barrio.” His three collections of poetry (including the classic AmeRican) and his numerous plays are certainly evidence of that since his works capture the linguistic, political, social and cultural tensions and shifts in Spanish Harlem. Known as a tireless mentor of emerging talent, he has nurtured many of the Nuyorican voices of the next generation and continues to be recognized for his ground-breaking use of Spanglish.

Sandra María Esteves is a “Puerto Rican-Dominican-Boriqueña-Quisqueyana-Taino-African-American,” born and raised in the Bronx. She’s one of the notable founders of the Nuyorican poetry movement, and has published six poetry collections, including the classic Bluestown Mockingbird Mambo. An important activist and feminist in the New York literary scene, she’s been a key organizer of numerous arts and education programs in spaces such as the Caribbean Cultural Center and El Museo del Barrio. Sandra María is also celebrated as a great champion of young talent rising from the spoken word and theater scene. Her energy, commitment and love for her community are legendary.
So come on by during dinner time (6-9 pm) on Thursday, January 31st at Mojito’s Bar and Grill, 227 East 116th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Best way to get there from The Hilton: cab it! Or walk over in the freezing cold to the subway on Lexington Avenue & 53rd, take the 6 Uptown to 116th Street. Head east once you exit.