Susana Fortes
Susana Fortes: A Life of Literature and Activism
Full Name and Common Aliases
Susana Fortes was a Cuban writer and activist who used her words to inspire change.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 13, 1902, in Havana, Cuba, Fortes passed away on January 5, 1993.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Fortes was a Cuban citizen by birth and profession. She worked as a writer, essayist, and journalist throughout her life.
Early Life and Background
Susana Fortes grew up in a family of modest means in Havana. Her early life was marked by a love for literature and learning. At the age of 16, she began writing poetry and short stories, which would become a defining characteristic of her career.
Fortes's family encouraged her passion for writing, but they also instilled in her a sense of social responsibility. This blend of literary ambition and activism shaped Fortes into a writer who used her words to challenge societal norms.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout her life, Fortes made significant contributions to Cuban literature and society. Some of her notable accomplishments include:
Founding member of the Organization of Women Writers (Organización de Mujeres Escritoras)
Editor-in-chief of Hoy, a prominent Cuban newspaper
Author of several collections of poetry and short stories, including _Mundo Antiguo_ and _Vida en Fuego_
Fortes's writing often explored themes of love, family, and social justice. Her work was characterized by its lyricism, humor, and piercing insight into the human condition.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Fortes's most notable works include:
Mundo Antiguo, a collection of poetry that explores the intersection of nature and humanity
Vida en Fuego, a collection of short stories that examine the complexities of Cuban life
Fortes was also an outspoken advocate for women's rights and education. She worked tirelessly to promote literacy programs and support women writers throughout her career.
Impact and Legacy
Susana Fortes left an indelible mark on Cuban literature and society. Her writing continues to inspire readers with its beauty, wisdom, and passion. Fortes's commitment to social justice and women's empowerment has made her a beloved figure in the literary world.
Fortes's legacy extends beyond her own work, as well. She paved the way for future generations of women writers and activists, inspiring them to use their voices to create positive change.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Susana Fortes is widely quoted and remembered for her:
Powerful writing style, which blended lyricism with social commentary
Commitment to social justice, particularly in the areas of women's rights and education
* Pioneering spirit, which helped pave the way for future generations of women writers and activists
Fortes's life and work continue to inspire readers around the world. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have when they use their words to create positive change.
In conclusion, Susana Fortes was a remarkable woman who left an enduring mark on Cuban literature and society. Her writing continues to be celebrated for its beauty, wisdom, and passion.
Quotes by Susana Fortes
To photograph people is to obligate them in some way to face things they weren’t expecting to.
We're born with a mapped-out route. This one, not that one. Who you dream with. Who you love. It's one or the other. You choose without choosing. That's how it is. Each of us travels on their own path. Besides, how do you love someone without truly knowing who they are? How do you travel that distance when there's all that you don't know about the other?
To photograph people is to obligate them in some way to face things they weren't expecting to.
To photograph people is to obligate them in some way to face things they weren't expecting to. You take them off their path, away from their plans, from their everyday routine. Sometimes it's also forcing them to die.
All that interior violence and complication to defend themselves from the very tenderness.
Sometimes, staying alive solely depends on keeping your head in place and your senses alert
Sometimes destiny switches the cards on you so that while you're busy escaping from the dog, you find yourself facing the wolf
People beleived that the most devastating part of a war are the corpses with their guts out in the open, the puddles of blood, and all that you can capture at first glance. But sometimes the horror is off to the side, in the lost look on the face of a woman who's just been raped, as she limps away alone within the ruins, trying to keep her head down. Gerda and Capa were not aware of this yet. They were too young. And that was their first conflict. They still believed war had its romantic side.
We always fall in love with a story, not a name or a body but what is inscribed in the man.