Juan Felipe Herrera
Juan Felipe Herrera
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Juan Felipe Herrera was born on August 18, 1948. He is commonly known by his full name.
Birth and Death Dates
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August 18, 1948 - (still living)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Herrera is an American poet, educator, and children's book author. He was appointed as the 21st Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2015 to 2017.
Early Life and Background
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Juan Felipe Herrera was born in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, Mexico. His family migrated to the United States when he was just a toddler. Growing up in Fresno, California, Herrera experienced poverty and racism firsthand. These experiences would later shape his writing and advocacy for social justice.
Major Accomplishments
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Herrera's poetry collections have garnered numerous awards and nominations. Some notable works include _Almazar_ (1982) and _Half the World with You_ (1993). His novel, _Signs Following Jonah_ (2007), received critical acclaim as well.
Notable Works or Actions
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Herrera's poetry is characterized by its vibrant use of language and exploration of themes such as identity, culture, and social justice. Some notable works include:
"Five Young Hispanic Writers in the United States": This collection highlights the work of emerging writers, including Herrera.
"California Dreaming": Poems 1995-2007: A collection showcasing his growth as a poet over the years.
Impact and Legacy
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As the first Latino to serve as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, Herrera has made significant contributions to promoting diversity and inclusion in literature. His work has inspired countless readers and writers, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Juan Felipe Herrera's poetry is widely quoted for its powerful exploration of the human experience. His commitment to social justice and advocacy for underrepresented voices has earned him a place as one of the most celebrated poets in America.
Quotes by Juan Felipe Herrera
Before you go further, let me tell you what a poem brings, first, you must know the secret, there is no poem to speak of, it is a way to attain a life without boundaries...
We can understand poetry from a billion - in a billion styles, experiment, tradition, combination, spice, meter, image. It's all there for the poet and for the listener and for all of us.
The goal for me is to be as expansive as possible, and the Library of Congress offers so many resources.
All voices are important, and yet it seems that people of color have a lot to say, particularly if you look through the poetry of young people - a lot of questions and a lot of concerns about immigration and security issues, you name it - big questions.
If I can only be known as one thing, then, well, I guess it would be poet and performer and teacher.
By middle school, I said to myself that it's time I begin to speak. I joined the choir, not because I wanted to. I forced myself.
In my writing, I want to address all communities, you know. I've spent many years talking about Chicano culture, Chicano history, and at the same time, I've also been in many communities and presented my work in many communities, in many classrooms, and that's where my vision is and my delight is and my heart is.
I know I'm representing the Library of Congress, all the people of the United States and, of course, the Latinos and Latinas as well.