The Latino Poetry Anthology: Reading & Discussion

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On a crisp Thursday evening, December 5th, the virtual stage was set for a literary gathering that promised to delve into the heart of Latino identity. The event, titled The Latino Poetry Anthology: Reading & Discussion, was more than a reading—it was an exploration of culture and connection. At 7 PM EST, hosts and attendees converged across time zones to celebrate a landmark collection of poetry that speaks to the essence of community and resilience.

Moderated by Dr. Rossy Evelin Lima—a scholar, translator, and activist—the dialogue unfolded with warmth and intellectual rigor. Joining her was acclaimed poet and educator Manuel Iris, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Cincinnati, Ohio (2018–2020). Together, they navigated the anthology’s multifaceted themes: language, identity, family, community, music, and the delicate interplay between these elements.

“This anthology is a mosaic,” Lima remarked in her opening. “Each poem is a piece, a reflection of our shared and individual stories.” With over 250 poems curated into the collection, the work is both expansive and deeply personal, offering a kaleidoscopic view of Latino life.

Iris, whose poetic voice is steeped in the rhythms of everyday life and the profound, added his insights on how poetry captures what prose often cannot. “These are not just words,” he said. “They are echoes of language and history, a testament to the resilience of our people.”

The anthology, published in September, has already garnered acclaim for its breadth and cultural significance. Its poems stretch across borders, both literal and figurative, threading themes of identity and belonging through lyrical narratives and intimate verse. Lima and Iris unpacked how the collection engages with these ideas, presenting not only a literary achievement but also a cultural milestone.

As the discussion moved deeper, the panelists reflected on how the anthology transcends traditional notions of poetry. “It’s about more than the written word,” Lima said. “It’s about music, rhythm, and the unspoken language of our families and communities.” The poems speak to the vibrancy of Latino culture while grappling with its complexities, creating a space where readers can see themselves mirrored.

Audience members were invited to engage with the text, downloading the anthology and participating in a lively chat that enriched the conversation. The dialogue underscored the anthology's role as a living archive, one that bridges generations and geographies.

Lima and Iris closed the evening with a reminder of poetry’s power to transform. “Our stories matter,” Iris said. “They shape not just who we are but who we can become.” The event left attendees with a sense of purpose, urging them to carry these stories forward, one verse at a time.

In a world often defined by division, The Latino Poetry Anthology: Reading & Discussion was a celebration of unity—proof that poetry, in its most profound form, is an act of connection.

This event was presented as part of Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home, a major public humanities initiative taking place across the nation in 2024 and 2025, directed by Library of America and funded with generous support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Emerson Collective. The program is further supported by a grant provided by Humanities Texas.