Wendy Angulo Productions
¡¡¡Hola mi gente!!! Espero que se encuentren bien. It’s the beginning of the work week and we have to ease our way in. I know! So let me help you by bringing all of you the latest interview of the next poet who will be at Canvas of Words- Preserving Our Roots!!
His name is Rafael Landron, a Queens native, a poet, a writer, a cultural activist, a professor and just an all around awesome individual! ‘He has performed at different venues throughout the city including the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and local demonstrations for a variety of causes. His one man show “Rafi’s anti-war expressions” debuted at 2005 at the Clemente Soto Velez center. This show was made into a play which toured throughout the city it’s goal was to bring awareness about the war in Iraq among the Latino community. His published work includes, The Bruised Mango, a book of poetry and his children’s book, Beba, y la Isla nena, published by Editorial Campana 2011 which chronicles the social movement in Vieques P.R. through the eyes of a manatee named Beba. He has performed this story at different schools and libraries throughout N.Y.C. Most recently he was mentioned in the New York Times for participating in Puerto Rican Poets of the Diaspora organized by Manhattan Neighborhood Network where his work was showcased along with other great poets of the generation. Rafael is a also a Prof. of History at Boricua College where he finds inspiration and believes that culture and imagination can stop militarism and bring peace.’
With that being said, check out what he had to say… Enjoy!
Beauty, Brains, and Blogging: Please let us know about yourself, the work you do and your poetry?
Rafael Landron: I am a cultural activist and spoken word poet. I have supported many movements but mainly have worked with the Puerto Rican freedom movement. I am currently organizing a monthly expression for the release of Political prisoner Oscar Lopez Rivera.
I have published a chap book of poetry called The bruised mango and also published the first bilingual childrens book which chronicals the social movenment in Vieques P.R. Beba y la isla nena. I also debuted my one man show Rafi’s antiwar expressions in 2005 which showed the impact of war on the Latin community at the Clemente Soto Velez center in the Lower East Side. I currently teach history at Boricua College where we are Collaborating with Capicu to intiate the School Of Poetic Arts and am working to develop a cultural workers cooperative called the Latino Arts Movement.
BBB: Can you tell us a little bit about your connection with Wendy Angulo and what led you to be a part of this year’s Canvas of Words- Preserving Our Roots?
R.L.: I was fortunate enough to connect with Wendy at the open mic, which she organized in Queens! I was impressed by the caliber of poetry and the community feel of the event. Mostly, I was so happy to participate at an open mic in my home borough of Queens! I am very grateful to be apart of Canvas of words and share in the values of connecting to our roots.
BBB: The theme is Preserving Our Roots- can you share with us just a little bit of what you will be bringing to Canvas of Words, Oct. 11?
R.L.: I am that beautiful Boricua
Growing like a flamboyan through concrete
Breaking through
With my narly roots showing
Exposed to the terrifying and beautiful world in which it came.
Boricua breaking ground
Flowering in all my amapola glory scared and invinsible simultaneouly
I am love like rain
Falling in el Yunque
I am that tree that won’t stop growing till it reaches the sunlight beyond the darkness of the rainforest.
I am that concrete rupturing madness
Of love ………
Thank you Rafael Landron for sharing the positive work you do for your community. Landron is definitely broadening and opening the minds of those that may not know of our history. We need more people like him.
Rafael Landron is definitely going to add history and cultura to the mix at this year’s Canvas of Words- Preserving Our Roots!!
Please join us and get to know these amazing poets!
Get your tickets!
This has been Beauty, Brains, and Blogging approved!
