An Evening with celebrated Latinx writer Sandra Cisneros

On Wednesday, October 8, UC Riverside's College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences will host "Palabra y Poder: An Evening with Sandra Cisneros." The event will feature a reading by Cisneros, one of the foremost Latinx voices in contemporary literature, followed by a dialog between Cisneros and Alex Espinoza, the Tomás Rivera Endowed Chair and a professor of creative writing at UCR.

"Palabra y Poder" means "words and power," and the event will shine a spotlight on the transformative impact Cisnero has made through her groundbreaking literary works that open a window into the lives of the Latinx working class in America. Espinoza, who is co-organizing the event with Richard T. Rodríguez, UCR professor of English, said it's a rare and inspiring opportunity to experience a writer of Cisneros' caliber and influence who is still actively producing work.

Born in Chicago to Mexican immigrant parents, Cisneros has garnered numerous accolades over her career including various literary prizes and fellowships. In 2016, President Barack Obama presented Cisneros with the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. Multiple universities have also bestowed honorary degrees upon the author.

Published in 1984, Cisneros' debut novel "The House on Mango Street," is a coming-of-age story that follows a Chicana girl growing up in an impoverished Chicago neighborhood who yearns to escape and writes poetry to express herself. The award-winning book has sold over seven million copies, has been translated into over 25 languages, and is taught in schools and universities across the nation. The rich and nuanced writings of Cisneros also include poems and essays that draw upon her experiences as a Latina immersed in multiple cultures in America.

Both Espinoza and Rodríguez were deeply influenced by Cisneros' work. A U.S. citizen born in Tijuana, Espinoza recalls that as a student in Southern California, he mimicked the canonical writings of long-departed white Europeans that were being taught in school. It was a revelation for him to read The House on Mango Street, making him realize that his own stories and experiences as a person of color had credibility and value in literature.

Espinoza pursued a career in writing and became an acclaimed novelist and nonfiction writer himself, winning numerous awards and fellowships. His most recent novel, "The Sons of El Rey," was named a Best Book of 2024 by the New Yorker.

Rodríguez said he appreciates Cisneros' courage in speaking with authenticity. He notes that the author had a pivotal role in shifting the direction of Latinx literature, which had previously been male dominated, to include the voices of women.

"I've always loved teaching her work and admired her as a person too, because of the way she's unabashedly outspoken and is just herself in this glorious, fantastic way that shines through in her writing," Rodríguez said.

Highlighting the unique contributions and humanity of people of different ethnic groups is needed during a time of government policy that indiscriminately detains and deports immigrants who have lived here peacefully and productively, Espinoza said. He believes such events foster open discussions about immigration and the immigrant experience.

"I think it's a very important time right now to bring people together," Espinoza said.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for "Palabra y Poder," which will be held in the University Theater from 7-9 p.m. followed by a book signing. Espinoza and Rodríguez encourage people to come early since seating is limited.