In 1994 - 20 years ago - Ishmael Reed was my first poetry teacher at UC Berkeley - I was a nervous, shy Freshman Pinay just out of living in the Mohave Desert. Prof. Reed paid attention to my voice, pushing me, calling forth language, and even bringing his daughter Tennessee Reed to my first reading with the Filipino literary mag, Maganda Berkeley. I remember the little candles flickering in the Ballroom, my hands and voice quavering - seeing my mentor sitting there, with that steadiness of belief. 2 decades later, Im honored to be showcased in his SFJazz Poetry Festival. Talk about full circle! Thanks Ishmael Reed, and Genny Lim (whose work I have been following for at least a decade), for bringing me here. Come join us on April 4 to enjoy some poetry, jazz, and culture!
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 21:56:45 +0000
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