This photograph captures Dr. Ricardo Bogaert-Alvarez in a moment of true conviction. He is mid-reading the poem "Oh Americano," his hand raised emphasizing the urgency of his words. I took this photo during a Su Teatro's WordFest, which I attended as a CALMA intern. I witnessed how storytelling can serve as both a reflection and catalsyt for social change. During the event, I heard "Oh Americano" for the first time. This poem calls for courage, unity, and responsibility in th

I teach American Ethnic Studies, an academic discipline which gave rise to the current bugaboo, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. DEI unfortunately is grossly misunderstood. Those three letters are enough to scare lots of people. Because it's perceived as un-American and dangerous, the Trump administration has banned DEI. The ban has made Trump even more popular than he was before January 20. Trump, of course, can infallibly read the public mood. When DEI is proposed the rea

Introduction These three words, individually, are powerful nouns. When they are combined as a set, the meaning evokes an optimistic outlook and high expectations of how individuals should be welcomed into their respective and corporate role as a person within the institution or organization. Fostering an inclusive organization that values diversity and equity is an ongoing challenge. Unfortunately, in some instances, it has been interpreted as imposing quotas and simply fol

Americano There’s no room for tears today Believe in your heart Don’t have to be a soldier To fight against injustice Americano There’s no room for fear today Raise up your forehead You can make a difference In our troubled society Americano There’s no room for hate today In our troubled minds This is time to link our hands To strive hard for our future Americano There’s no room for doubt today These times need your voice These times need your clear vision These times n

Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept.15-Oct. 15, is upon us. Hispanic, Latino, Chicano, Mexican Heritage month is one of many ethnic months. Some people object to Hispanic Heritage Month because they fear Mexicans and other Latinos. That's what happens when there is a constant propaganda barrage about the "crisis at the border," when border guards push mothers and babies back into the water, balloon obstacles float in the water and chains and razor wire lace el Rio Grande, the Big R

I remember my mom telling me that when she was a child growing up in Walsenberg, Colorado, how her teachers would hit kids on their outstretched fingers if they were caught speaking Spanish, either in the classroom or anywhere else on school grounds. She told me how, because of the constant humiliation she experienced, she'd promised herself she wouldn't teach her kids Spanish. In her youth, she was affected by what I call, "internalization of inferior status." Her opinion of

Recently, I was asked how I decided what to write and how I approach the subject. I had never given this much thought but it appears I write about what is happening where I am. During the height of the Chicano Movement, I wrote and presented my poetry at rallies, meetings, and evening sessions with other poets. In the 1980s I worked on a Ph.D. and wrote three thirty-page term papers every three months to fulfill the requirements for my doctorate. Before I retired as a tenured

Even though I’m thousand of miles away from you I cry for you Kyiv Even though I was not born in your wonderful city I cry for you Kyiv Even though I can’t fire a rifle for you I cry for you Kyiv Even though I can’t stop the damn Russian tanks I cry for you Kyiv Even though they bombard you and may conquer you