Luis Rodriguez: Reading by Award-Winning Chicano Author Celebrates Latino Heritage Month

A reading by award-winning Chicano poet and author Luis Rodriguez took place on Sept. 20, as part of Latino Heritage Month at California State University, Dominguez Hills. The evening included a reception that was largely attended by members of the community and students, not only from CSUDH but also other universities, local high schools and community colleges. Chicana/o studies adjunct faculty member Marcos Loya provided the music.

Rafael Martínez, president of the Dominguez Hills chapter of Phi Iota Alpha, which was a key organizer of the events for Latino Heritage Month, says that appearances by Rodriguez and Sandra Cisneros were planned because of the cultural awareness that these authors would bring to the campus.

“These events are great,” the junior majoring in history and Chicana/o studies says, “not only for Latino students, but to bring cultural awareness to all students. Sandra Cisneros spoke last week about diversity and being tolerant of many cultures, the many ethnicities and traditions that we have. [This month] we celebrate the Latino perspective, but there are many others that we need to keep in mind.”

Rodriguez is best known for his 1993 memoir, Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A., about his life in an East Los Angeles gang. His candid portrayal of gang life won critical acclaim, including the Carl Sandburg Literary Award, a New York Times Notable Book designation, and a Chicago Sun-Times Book Award. Always Running has been censored by many public schools throughout the country and is considered among the 100 most censored books in the United States, according to the American Library Association.

Rodriguez continues to receive accolades for his poetry, as well as widespread recognition for his children’s literature and works of fiction. In 2006, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs awarded Rodriguez the City of Los Angeles Individual Artist Fellowship; he was one of only two writers to receive such a fellowship that year.

“We are fortunate to have Mr. Rodriguez come and speak to our campus community,” said Gayle Elliott, Dominguez Hills professor of literature and creative writing in interdisciplinary studies and humanities.

“Luis is not only a highly accomplished writer, but he is also respected and loved as a generous, inspiring community member,” says Elliott, who is Rodriguez’ colleague in the Macondo Workshop and one of the event organizers. “His
Tia Chucha bookstore, home of Tia Chucha Press, nurtures the creative aspirations of artists, writers, and musicians — a vital artistic center.”

Rodriguez’s appearance on campus was sponsored by the Departments of Chicana/Chicano Studies, Foreign Languages, Africana Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies, Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, the Multicultural Center, the Women’s Resource Center, Espirtu de Nuestro Futuro, Al Frente Graduate Studies Association, and the Latino Faculty and Staff Association.

Jonathan Gomez, a sociology major from UC Santa Cruz, came home to East L.A. for the summer to work and was excited to learn that Rodriguez was appearing at the Dominguez Hills campus.

“His work has provided a space for me to feel welcome in the halls of academia and literature by the way in which I’m able to relate to his writing,” he says. “It speaks to my position as a young Chicano growing up in a very marginalized community.”

For more information on Luis Rodriguez, visit www.luisjrodriguez.com.

- Amy Bentley-Smith and Joanie Harmon

Photos above: Students from thoroughout the Dominguez Hills community and beyond turned out for Rodriguez's appearance, which he mentions on his blog, www.luisjrodriguez.com.

Rodriguez is greeted by Vivian Price, assistant professor of interdisciplinary studies.

Rodriguez signed copies of his numerous award-winning books for scores of fans.

All photos by Roberto Vazquez