Like Marcy Rae Henry's hometown of Pueblo, Colo. during its infancy—her life is an epicenter of activity. She is constantly growing, learning and traveling for many miles to find her slice of the American Dream. Henry is a professor of Humanities and Fine Arts at Harold Washington College. She is also the author of the book CTA Chronicles, and many other short stories featured in publications like The Garland Review and The Advocate.
She has traveled extensively, even spending two years living in the Himalayas of India, but her voyage into the world of literature started well before then. Her writing began with journaling for her English teacher and escalated to writing poetry in Science class and erasing the text in word bubbles in comics, replacing them with her own vulgar dialogue, during middle school.
She wrote on many topics — things like heartbreak and sensuality, all the while growing to hone her skills in the art of storytelling.
"My abuelita [grandmother] was the best storyteller I ever met. She would drag out a story for days, weeks, even years for a conclusion. She told me her stories and I became the receptacle." She shares this with readers in her upcoming book, "Cumbia Therapy". "I've got one more chapter to go. I feel like now is the right time to release her stories."
The stories are told from the perspective of the twenty-something narrator, Emily, as she deals with heartbreak over a woman. "It's an intergenerational, non-linear story that focuses on four generations of women, starting in Mexico during the Revolution," said Henry.
She shares this passion for writing on a more personal level with her students at Harold Washington College downtown where, she says, the students are the best part of the job. "I have an awful lot of respect and admiration for a lot of them who are non-traditional; who continue their intellectual journey despite tremendous hardship," she said.
It's not very often that a professor can show students how to live life to the fullest by example alone. After graduating from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor's degree in Political Science, Henry deferred her acceptance to Columbia Law to travel the world. After three years, she finally made the decision to forego a law degree to pursue a Master's in art, instead. It was this path that eventually led to teaching.
When she isn't playing music, seeing the latest Indie film or finding mischief with her very large and diverse group of friends, Marcy Henry writes. She tells the stories that, often, go untold. She provides valuable lessons about body positivity and activism, and does her part ito entertain and educate tomorrow's leaders.
"I love to encourage people to be authentic. Find an authentic voice and use that voice to bring positivity, progress and curiosity into the world. Look at the things that unite us and be supportive of each other," said Henry.
THE STATS
Age: 42
Relationship status: Dating
Neighborhood: Ravenswood Manor
Hobbies: Reading, writing, biking, playing music, traveling, cooking, making mischief
Favorite Films: Prospero's Books, Aimee and Jaguar, La Cienega.
Job Title: Associate Professor of Humanities and Fine Art
Text by Janean L. Watkins
