Santiago Baca Hosts Montoya Poetry Event
Internationally acclaimed New Mexico author and poet Jimmy Santiago Baca will host CNM’s Montoya Campus Speaker Series on Jan. 31 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the J-Building, Room 122. Santiago Baca and fellow New Mexico poet Jason Yurcic will read from their works.
Santiago Baca, a New Mexico native who was a runaway at age 13 and later spent five years in prison, turned his life around after discovering his passion for poetry, writing and helping others to overcome hardships. He is the winner of the Pushcart Prize, the American Book Award, the International Hispanic Heritage Award and he won the prestigious International Award for his acclaimed memoir “A Place to Stand.” His themes include American Southwest barrios, addiction, injustice, education, community, love and beyond. He has conducted hundreds of writing workshops in prisons, community centers, libraries and universities throughout the country.
Yurcic is the author of two books – “Voice of My Heart” and “Word Son.” He was the runner-up for the 2007 New Mexico Book Award and he has a new book scheduled for release in September. He also has a play in production at the Santa Fe Performing Arts Center scheduled to debut this year. Yurcic was born in Santa Fe and moved to Albuquerque at age 5.
