January | 2023
January 01, 2023
Photo by Oliver "Syde-Sho" Arias
I’m thrilled to be RILA 2023 Poet-in-Residence. During my residency I will be working on Las Abuelas Cuentan, a bilingual, multigenerational, oral history project focusing on the personal narratives of our community elders. In the context of a global pandemic, it felt more necessary than ever to honor the wisdom of our grandparents. I wanted to reflect on what they consider essential, how they view legacy, and what experiences have shaped them into who they are.
For this project, I specifically wanted to work with Marta Martínez, because of her background as an oral historian and archivist of Latino histories. Marta has become a mentor and friend; I am excited to develop this work alongside her.
I will continue to host Café Recuerdos on the third Thursday of each month! Café Recuerdos is a space for storytelling with community members. We meet to tell stories under a specific theme and the rest is just fun, heartwarming conversation. I hope you will join us! (FREE: Register here)
Lastly, I will be hosting a series of writing workshops inspired by the stories from our elders. Newer generations will get to reflect on their thoughts and write poems in response. This will become a multigenerational “poemario/journal” for our community to enjoy. This particular series will be divided in two groups, group 1 (April-June) group 2 (Sept-Nov). We will meet once a month. In order to have your poem included in this journal you have to participate in at least 5 sessions. Sign up opens soon!
Thank you for reading,
Sussy Santana
I’m thrilled to be RILA 2023 Poet-in-Residence. During my residency I will be working on Las Abuelas Cuentan, a bilingual, multigenerational, oral history project focusing on the personal narratives of our community elders. In the context of a global pandemic, it felt more necessary than ever to honor the wisdom of our grandparents. I wanted to reflect on what they consider essential, how they view legacy, and what experiences have shaped them into who they are.
For this project, I specifically wanted to work with Marta Martínez, because of her background as an oral historian and archivist of Latino histories. Marta has become a mentor and friend; I am excited to develop this work alongside her.
I will continue to host Café Recuerdos on the third Thursday of each month! Café Recuerdos is a space for storytelling with community members. We meet to tell stories under a specific theme and the rest is just fun, heartwarming conversation. I hope you will join us! (FREE: Register here)
Lastly, I will be hosting a series of writing workshops inspired by the stories from our elders. Newer generations will get to reflect on their thoughts and write poems in response. This will become a multigenerational “poemario/journal” for our community to enjoy. This particular series will be divided in two groups, group 1 (April-June) group 2 (Sept-Nov). We will meet once a month. In order to have your poem included in this journal you have to participate in at least 5 sessions. Sign up opens soon!
Thank you for reading,
Estoy encantada de ser la Poeta-en-Residencia de RILA 2023. Durante mi residencia artística estaré trabajando en Las Abuelas Cuentan, un proyecto de historia oral, bilingüe y multigeneracional que se enfoca en las narrativas personales de las abuelas de nuestra comunidad. En el contexto de la pandemia, sentí más necesario que nunca honrar la sabiduría de nuestras abuelas. Invitándolas a reflexionar sobre lo que consideran esencial y cuales son las experiencias que las han convertido en quienes son.
Para este proyecto, quise trabajar específicamente con Marta Martínez, debido a su experiencia como historiadora oral y archivista de historias latinas. Marta se ha convertido en mi mentora y amiga; me ilusiona mucho desarrollar este trabajo junto a ella.
¡Seguiré presentando Café Recuerdos el tercer jueves de cada mes! Café Recuerdos es un espacio para contar historias y cuentos junto a miembros de nuestra comunidad. Por lo general, reflexionamos en un tema específico y eso da paso a una conversación divertida y profunda. ¡Espero que te unas a nosotros! (GRATIS: Regístrate aquí)
Por último, organizaré una serie de talleres de escritura inspirados en las historias de nuestros mayores. Las nuevas generaciones podrán reflexionar sobre sus pensamientos y escribir poemas en respuesta. Esto se convertirá en un “poemario/diario” multigeneracional para el disfrute de nuestra comunidad. Esta serie en particular se dividirá en dos grupos, grupo 1 (abril-junio) grupo 2 (septiembre-noviembre). Nos reuniremos una vez al mes. Para que tu poema sea incluido en este diario, debes participar en al menos 5 sesiones. ¡Regístrate ahora, es gratis!
Gracias por leer,