Miami Dade College Announces Collaboration with Latino Poetry Initiative

Miami, Oct. 18, 2024 – Miami Dade College (MDC) announced its participation in the Latino Poetry Initiative, aimed at enriching our connection with the predominantly Hispanic community of Little Havana, where MDC Padrón Campus is located.

MDC enrolls a significant number of Hispanic students, reflecting the area’s cultural diversity. MDC’s engagement in the Latino Poetry Initiative will celebrate and amplify the voices of Latino poets, providing them with a platform to share their unique perspectives and experiences. The Latino Poetry Initiative is generously funded by Library of America through Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home.

Planned Programs for the Latino Poetry Initiative include:

  1. Latino Poetry Reader Discussion and Reading: A reading and discussion session focused on works from the Latino Poetry Reader, moderated by Legna Rodriguez Iglesias, a local and well-renowned poet. This event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person attendance and live-streaming to reach a broader audience.
  2. Latino Poetry Workshop Series: A series of workshops leading to the production of original poetry by students and community members, conducted by published Latino poets and faculty members with expertise in Latino poetry. These sessions will be offered virtually to maximize participation.
  3. Latino Poets Open Mic Night: An open mic night to celebrate the culmination of the poetry workshops, providing a platform for students and local poets to share their work. This event will be in-person at Books & Books Coconut Grove.
  4. Digital Exhibition of Latino Poetry: In collaboration with MDC Digital Commons, a digital archive exhibition will display the poetry developed through these programs, serving as a lasting testament to the creativity and diversity of the Latino poetry community.

Inclusivity will be prioritized in all our programs, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities and non-English speakers by providing necessary accommodations such as interpretation services.

MDC seeks to bolster the Latino Poetry Initiative by collaborating with all eight MDC campuses and key community organizations such as the Miami Book Fair, O, Miami and the MDC Student Writers Conference.

For more information about the Latino Poetry Initiative and upcoming events, please visit https://libraryguides.mdc.edu/LatinoPoetryMDC.