20th Anniversary Poetry Festival feat. Martín Espada

An Evening of Poetry: Readings by National Book Award winner Martin Espada, with opening poets Regan Good and Roger Wyze Smith. Martin Espada, a renowned poet and champion of social justice, has spent his career weaving powerful verses that resonate with the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities. Born on July 23, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York, Espada’s Puerto Rican heritage deeply influences his poetic vision. With an uncanny ability to illuminate the human experience through language, Espada’s work delves into themes of identity, history, labor, and the relentless pursuit of equality. His poems become a rallying cry for those whose voices have been silenced, shedding light on the injustices that permeate society.

Espada’s writing often takes inspiration from his personal experiences and the stories he encounters in his community. His collection of poetry, Imagine the Angels of Bread (1996), was a testament to his poetic prowess and earned him critical acclaim. Other notable works include Alabanza: New and Selected Poems (2003) and Vivas to Those Who Have Failed (2016). As an educator and activist, Espada has consistently used his platform to inspire and educate aspiring poets, making significant contributions as a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His poetry workshops have empowered countless individuals to find their own voices and express their truths through the written word.

Regan Good is the author of The Needle (Harry Tankoos Books, 2020) and The Atlantic House (Harry Tankoos Books, 2011). The recipient of multiple residencies at MacDowell, Yaddo, and The Fine Arts Work Center, among other organizations, she is a professor at the Pratt Institute School of Architecture.

Born in Brooklyn, New York of Bajan descent, Roger WyzeSmith struggled through his teens and twenties with considering himself as a poet. With thoughts of the cliché that poetry “doesn’t put food on the table”, he switched majors and directions continuously during his early years as an undergraduate, until finally declaring himself an English major at Molloy College. Married since 2002, with three daughters, Smith, a baptized member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, scribes with an intense personal voice and illustrates poetry that generates instant images to his readers, inspirational thoughts of love, yet still deals with the ugly truths of reality.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy one week of access with your live stream ticket.