Well, more sad news…I’ve received several emails today about the passing of Trinidad Sánchez, Jr. In particular, Luis Valderas sent me this beautiful tribute that I wanted to share with the readers of La Bloga:We have lost a warrior. Trinidad Sánchez, Jr. passed away Sunday, July 30th at about 4:30 p.m. from complications due to a stroke that he suffered on July 18th. Trinidad was a legendary San Antonio poet (author of Why am I So Brown?), cultural organizer and community supporter. His local and national poetry readings inspired countless poets and writers throughout to go out and “do something.” He had moved back to San Antonio after living in Denver Colorado for a few years and was a mentor, friend and “camarada” to many both young and old. His voice and sharp barrio wit will be greatly missed. Friends and family are organizing a celebration to honor Trino's life and work. The celebration will take place this Sunday, August 6th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ruta Maya coffee shop on Soledad and Martin St. in downtown San Antonio.
Funeral services are to be announced…till then, to remember Trinidad click here.
About Trinidad:
Trinidad Sánchez, a native of Pontiac, Michigan, was ninth of ten children born to poet Trinidad V. Sánchez and Sofia Sánchez.
His poetry bestseller, Why Am I So Brown (March/Abrazo Press) is in its sixth printing. In 1995, Trinidad was the winner of the Albuquerque Poetry Slam Competition andwent on to the National Poetry Slam the same year. His anti-gun, anti-crime poem "Let Us Stop the Madness" was selected as one of the winning poems of the People's Choice Competition.
Trinidad has also been featured at the Austin International Poetry Festival, Austin, Texas; Houston Poetry Festival, Beyond Baroque Literary Center, Venice, Calif.; The First Nezahualcoyotl Poetry Festival at The Mexican Fine Arts Center, Chicago; The Detroit Institute of Arts Line Series, Detroit. and many other venues in the past decade.
He has also performed and lectured at various colleges including Wayne State University, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Cal Poly Tech and Bowling Green University. Trinidad has been recognized for his activism on behalf on prison inmates and his involvement in social issues with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Keep the Dream Alive" Award.
Trinidad was in the Artist in Education Program for the San Antonio School District, part of the ArtsReach Program of the San Antonio Department of Art and Culture and the Texas Literary Touring Program of the Austin Writer's League.
6 comments:
FAREWELL ARRANGEMENTS for Trinidad Sanchez Jr.
Wednesday, August 2, 2006 5p.m.
Rosary and Mass
Our Lady of Guadalupe
1321 El Paso
San Antonio, TX 7820
Celebration of Life Blessing and Wake
Following Rosary and Mass
Bihl Haus Arts
2803 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78201
In Lieu of Flowers, please send donations to:
Mrs. Trinidad Sánchez, Jr.
2803 Fredericksburg Rd. #1215
San Antonio, TX 78201
to help with medical expenses.
BENEFITS
Gemini Ink & Society 0f Latino & Hispanic Writers
513 S. Presa
Contact: 889-6274
Friday, August 4, Gemini Ink, in partnership with the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers, will host a First Friday Reading benefit for our Honorary Chairman, Trinidad Sanchez Jr. The First Friday event will be at Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event is open to the public, admission is free and free parking is available at Gemini Ink's designated parking lot. Light refreshments will be offered.
Donations will be accepted to help Trinidad and his family offset the medical bills.
Regina, Trinidad's wife, would like to ask your support in two ways:
1. Please consider volunteering to attend this event to read one of Trinidad's poems, or one of your own. Due to time constraints, we ask that the poem being read be limited to 3 minutes (maximum!) in length. If you would like to read a poem at this event, please email me by 5 p.m., Sunday, July 30. We only have room for around 8 readers since Gemini Ink will also be getting a group of readers together too. In your email, please let me know the name of the poem you will be reading so that we may avoid duplication.
2. If you do not want to read, PLEASE consider attending the event anyway as a show of support to Trinidad and his family. Even if you can't help out with a small monetary donation, just your presence, thoughts and prayers will go a long way in bringing comfort to his family.
He is a true giant in the San Antonio poetry scene--he has been an energetic proponent and performer of poetry in the schools for more than 20 years, and has appeared more than 1000 times in schools and poetry venues.
3. Books By Trinidad for Sale
********************************************************************
Come celebrate the life and words of Trinidad Sánchez Jr.,
poet, activist, teacher and author of the bestselling “Why Am I So Brown?”, at Ruta Maya Riverwalk Coffee House on
Sunday August 6, 2006 from 2-8 pm.
Suggested donation: $5.
Trino is also uninsured, adding to the worry his family
already feels, so please attend this celebration/fundraiser
and help support one of the great voices in Chicano literature.
There will be an opportunity to sign up and share our words,
read from his poems, tell stories and make music that celebrates Trino and the spirit he has imparted to us and so many others.
What: Trinidad Sánchez Jr. Celebration and Fundraiser
When: Sunday, August 6, 2006 2-8pm
Where: Ruta Maya Riverwalk Coffee House
107 East Martin, San Antonio, TX 78205
Contact: 210-223-6292
********************************************************************************
What: Trinidad Sánchez Jr. Celebration and Fundraiser
When: Sunday, August 20, 2006 2pm
Where: Bihl Haus Arts
2803 Fredericksburg, San Antonio, TX 78201
Contact: 210-732.3502
Details to Follow.
Very sad about Trini - Denver culture and arts were enriched because of the short time he spent in Denver - I remember him reading his poetry at the Mercury Cafe, wearing the beret, overwhelming the younger and louder poets with his imagery and heart. Ray Rojas has a nice tribute on Pluma Fronteriza: http://www.plumafront.blogspot.com/that includes Trini's Tom Tancredo poem. Rest in peace.
Dear La Bloga,
I was told you may be able to help me. I am researching heroes in the Hispanic fantasy genre. I have not been very successful. Are yuo aware of any fantasies that have been written?
Thanks,
Diane Reitmyer
have you tried "Hispanic science-fiction/fantasy and the thriller" / [editors, Janet Pérez, Genaro J. Pérez].
Try Monographicreview.org and check Volume III "Hispanic Science Fiction/Fantasy and Thriller"
Have you read "The Memoirs of John Conde"?
I just discovered Mr. Trinidad Sanchez, Jr. Wow! What a talent. I love his "Why Am I So Brown?" I'm gonna share it with others, including my African-American brothers and sisters, who would get a LOT from that poet. May Mr. Sanchez rest in peace.
Alicia
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