COLUMBUS, Ind. – Joaquín Zihuatanejo, author, poet, spoken word artist, and award-winning teacher, will give a free spoken-word poetry performance, “Joaquin Speaks!” on Wednesday, August 28, from 2 to 3 p.m., in the Columbus Learning Center lecture hall.
Born and raised in the barrio of East Dallas, Zihuatanejo captures the duality of the Chicano culture and has captivated thousands with his honest depiction of barrio life. He’s authored several books, including the critically acclaimed Arsonist.
In addition to his spoken-word performance for the community, Zihuatanejo will conduct a poetry workshop earlier in the day for AirPark Campus students. “We breathe inspiration, like living poems, into our students,” he says.
Shelley Arroyo, IU Columbus Associate Director of Student Affairs, spearheaded the effort to bring Zihuatanejo to campus after hearing him speak at a conference. “It was such a moving, awe-inspiring experience, I wanted to share that with our students and the Columbus community. I urge everyone to attend.”
IU Columbus and Ivy Tech Community College are co-hosting the poetry performance.
Learn more about Zihuatanejo on his media site.
