Reconnecting with A Wonderful Compañera and Meeting New Chicana Authors

Yesterday, the student group, Undocumented Students and Allies (U.S.A.  Ha ha, get it?) and Local 1600 of which I am the chapter chair, hosted a panel, titled "Chicanas of 18th Street and Teatro Campesina:  Narratives of the Movement from Latin@s in Chicago."

I got to meet Magda Ramirez-Castañeda and Maria Gamboa.  They are amazing Chicanas, activists, and writers.  My friend, Laura Garcia, who I hadn't seen in months, was also invited to speak.  The panel was very empowering to students, especially undocumented students, but the Chicanas really reinforced the idea of making human connections through teatro and face-to-face discussions.  They urged students to engage in the struggle and fight for their futures.  It's a fight for all of us, really. 

In the slideshow below, I have inserted copies of their book covers as well as links to Amazon.  (No, I don't work for Amazon.)

I also found out that Laura is working on an anthology of her own, and she asked me for help.  I am not an expert, but like most writers, I am more than happy to share my knowledge.  I also invited her to enroll in my creative writing class that I am teaching next semester.  However, I think she is doing something experimental, that is not quite fiction, poetry, or drama.  I can't wait to read an excerpt from her manuscript!

Well, it's time to go to school.  I haven't had a chance to write these last few days besides the blog because Halloween and All Soul's Day kept us out late.  Today, promises to be busy with grading, but I hope to sneak in some writing when I am not holding office hours or teaching.  These moments exist throughout the day.

And on a joyful note, the Cachorros beat the Cleveland Indians 9 to 3 last night!  The Cubbies even hit a grand slam!  I was so sad I missed the game, but so happy for the victors! 

                                     Que Vivan Los Cachorros! 

Here's to successes and wins!  World Series, all the way!