ROSS EVANGELISTA Martin Espada addressed a Russel House audience with poetry and commentary on Wednesday.

Poet Espada Shares His Work By Lily Raff Contributing Writer On Wednesday evening approximately 60 students and community members gathered in the Russell House to welcome the often controversial renowned poet Martin Espada. For almost an hour and a half, Espada shared his beliefs and experiences through poetry, essays, and conversation with audience members. "Espada has been considered the Latino poet of his generation," said Kate Rushin, professor of African American Studies, as she introduced Espada. Espada is the author of five collections of poems, and the editor of a poetry anthology. Espada’s most recent publication, "Zapata’s Disciple," is his first collection of essays. His works have won the American Book Award, the PEN/Revson Fellowship and the Patterson Poetry Prize.

During 1996, Espada was Connecticut Circuit Poet. Currently, he is a professor of English at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Although born in Brooklyn, Espada’s Puerto Rican roots surface in his works. Racism, discrimination, and the implications of cultural identity were recurring themes during Espada’s readings.

"I was very impressed with some of the themes he presented," said Gabriel A. Aviles ’00.

Aviles, whose family is from Ecuador, appreciated Espada’s views on bi-culturalism.

"Espada encouraged me to look at [my background] as an advantage," Aviles said. "Basically, he reminded me that there is value in the fusion and in the melding of the two cultures and that I can still be a part of this country without having to compromise my Latin father."

Even people who couldn’t claim mixed heritage felt that Espada’s words were still applicable.

"His themes were easy to identify with," said Chester Weir ’99.

A firm advocate for the poor and powerless, Espada often uses his poetry to express his views on politics and social structure.

"I’ve had my identity threatened with a fist," Espada said, responding to a question from the audience. "But that doesn’t change who I am."

During his reading at the University, Espada brought up his hope that Puerto Rico will soon gain independence from the United States.

"The main reason I came here is because Martin Espada is one of the few Puerto Ricans to come forward with the independence movement," said Luis Delgado of Hartford, Connecticut.

Delgado, who is also Puerto Rican, said, "[US colonization of Puerto Rico] is an issue that needs to be brought out into the public. I’m impressed with his courage to speak out for the independence of our country."

Several of Espada’s readings, as well as many of his candid remarks, addressed different forms of discrimination. Espada spoke and read extensively about his father’s participation in the civil rights movement, as well as his own experiences growing up.

"Everywhere I go, I’m in the minority," said Espada. "I’ve learned not to worry about that."

Delgado said he was personally moved by such stories of discrimination.

"We face that type of prejudice and blatant racism everyday," said Delgado.

"I will definitely go home and think about [what Espada said] tonight," said Michael Levenson ’99. "He had a profound impact on me."