This program is 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.
For nearly five centuries, the rich tapestry of Latino poetry has been woven from a wealth of languages and cultures. With distinctive rhythms, lyricism, and candor, and nuanced understandings of place, history, and origin, Latino poets have brought dazzling insight to what it means to make a home in America.
Recognition of the beauty and power of this tradition has grown in recent years, with Latino poets receiving two national and twelve state Poet Laureateships, two Pulitzer Prizes, and three National Book Awards. At the same time, the perennial questions confronted by Latino poets—of exile and belonging, language and identity, struggle and solidarity, and labor and landscape—have become ever more urgent.
What does Latino poetry reveal about America? How might it help us imagine a more just, joyful, and capacious future? Places We Call Home seeks to foster nationwide conversation on this vital literature through a groundbreaking new anthology edited by Rigoberto González, events around the country, an online media archive, and a wealth of library resources meant to spur in-depth reflection and discussion on key figures and themes.
Funded with generous support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Emerson Collective, Places We Call Home is directed by Library of America and presented in partnership with the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures; the Academy of American Poets; Cave Canem; Poetry Society of America; and the National Book Foundation, among others.
Legna Rodriguez
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Legna Rodríguez Iglesias, a celebrated Cuban poet, playwright, and short story writer whose work captures the essence of contemporary life in Cuba and Miami. Known for her absurdist humor and cross-genre experimentation, Legna’s poetry offers playful yet profound observations that challenge and delight readers. With accolades including the Julio Cortázar Ibero-American Short Story Prize, Casa de las Américas Prize in Theater, and the prestigious Paz Prize for Poetry, Legna’s contributions to literature are both significant and inspiring.
Born in Camagüey, Cuba, in 1984, Legna currently resides in Miami, Florida. Her poetry, which has been translated into Portuguese, German, Italian, and English, is known for its unique and personal style. In 2019, the Poetry Translation Centre (PTC) published "A Little Body are Many Parts," the most comprehensive anthology of her poetry to date, in collaboration with Bloodaxe Books. This bilingual anthology features selections from all eight of Legna’s poetry collections, providing a thorough insight into her prolific work. Described as bursting onto the Cuban literary scene with the ferocity of a stampeding elephant, Legna’s unmistakably unique and personal poetry quickly garnered critical acclaim, earning her numerous prestigious awards.
Legna’s highly original voice and impactful storytelling continue to attract notice both at home and abroad. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the captivating poetry of Legna Rodríguez Iglesias, whose work offers playful yet profound observations that challenge and delight readers. Join us at Books & Books in Coral Gables for a special open mic night featuring this extraordinary poet and discover why her poetry is celebrated around the world.
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Latino Poetry Workshop Series Poet/Host: Omar Figueras Online Join poet Omar Figueras for a series of online workshops exploring Latino poetry. Learn techniques and get feedback on your own writing. |
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6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
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Latino Poetry Workshop Series Poet/Host: Omar Figueras Online Join poet Omar Figueras for a series of online workshops exploring Latino poetry. Learn techniques and get feedback on your own writing. |
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6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
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Latino Poetry Workshop Series Poet/Host: Omar Figueras Online Join poet Omar Figueras for a series of online workshops exploring Latino poetry. Learn techniques and get feedback on your own writing. |
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6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, October 02, 2024
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Digital Exhibition of Latino Poetry - Students visit Media Services to record poetry Room: 6143 - Miami Dade College Padron Campus Join us for a digital exhibition where students can record their poetry at Media Services. This is a great opportunity to showcase your work and contribute to our digital archive. |
| 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
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Latino Poetry Reader Discussion and Reading Poet: Legna Rodriguez Room: 201 - Miami Dade College Padron Campus Join poet Legna Rodriguez for a discussion and reading of Latino poetry. Gain insights into the themes and techniques used in contemporary Latino poetry. |
| 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM |
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Latino Poets Open Mic Night at Books & Books Coconut Grove Poet: Legna Rodriguez Location: Books & Books, Coral Gables Join us at Books & Books in Coral Gables for a special open mic night featuring Latino poets. This is an excellent chance to share your work and enjoy the vibrant poetry community in a unique setting. |
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6:30 PM - 7:30 PM |
Latino Poetry: Library of America Anthology
Latino Poetry: The Library of America Anthology is a comprehensive collection featuring over 180 poets, spanning four centuries of Latino poetry. This anthology celebrates the diversity and power of Latino voices in literature.
