Walking With Whitman featuring Martin Espada

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association (WWBA) is pleased to present on Saturday, June 2nd its latest installment in Walking with Whitman: Poetry in Performance 2012 poetry series. The reading will feature renowned poet Martin Espada, who is universally referred to as “the Latino poet of his generation” and “the Pablo Neruda of North American authors.”  Hosted by George Wallace, WWBA Writer in Residence, the performance will take place from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception beginning at 4:45 p.m.  Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door.

Poet, essayist, translator, editor, and attorney, Martín Espada has dedicated much of his career to the pursuit of social justice, including fighting for Latino rights and reclaiming the historical record. Espada’s critically acclaimed collections of poetry celebrate—and lament—the immigrant and working class experience.

“Martin Espada's a fearless poet who -- through a deft combination of unflinching attention and nuanced focus -- enables us all to speak to the critical issues of our day,” said George Wallace.  “He's a compelling reader of his own work and a well known mentor to countless aspiring writers. These are rare gifts he brings to the Walt Whitman Birthplace. On behalf of the region's community of poets and those who appreciate Walt Whitman's continuing influence on American culture, I'm delighted to welcome this exceptional American writer.”