Dr. Luzma Umpierre Herrera, a foremost figure within contemporary Puerto Rican literature and culture, will be in Chicago for several events next week.
Her most recent work is I'm Still Standing: Treinta años de poesa / Thirty Years of Poetry. This volume serves as a lasting proof of Umpierre's dedication to her life's work in the areas of poetry, immigration studies, LGBT advocacy, Caribbean, Latin American, and Latino Studies
Dr. Luzma Umpierre-Herrera will be featured reading from her new book at the following venues and dates:
Friday, May 17 at De Paul University Student Union, Room 312, 2550 N. Sheffield 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, May 18 as part of the Butterfly Poetry Project at Calles y Suenos, 1900 S. Carpenter, 2-4 p.m.
Saturday, May 18, En Las Tablas Performing Arts Center, 4111 W. Armitage Ave., 1st Floor, 7-9 p.m.
All three events are free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Dr. Cheryl Keyes, Professor of Folklore & Ethnomusicology, UCLA, said of the book: "I'm Still Standing … is complex, interdisciplinary in scope, and a must read for students of Latin American Studies, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies, Puerto Rican Studies, and Women Studies, just to name a few, as well as for those who have an insatiable thirst for eloquent poetry. ... Once you start reading this poetic memoir, you will not be able to put it down. Umpierre's poetry is original, absolutely exquisite!"
These events are sponsored by the Center for Latino Research and the Women's Center, De Paul University, The Butterfly Poetry Project, Casa de Cultura Calles y Suenos, En Las Tablas Performing Arts Center, Voces Primeras and the LBTQ Giving Council of the Chicago Foundation for Women.
For more information: 773-998-8902.