Capítulo 004: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Luis J. Rodriguez, LA-based poet, novelist, journalist, critic, and columnist who served as the 2014 Los Angeles Poet Laureate. Listen in as we have a soulful discussion on writing, gang life in early years, and his cultural contributions to the world.
Luis J. Rodriguez has been a champion for the arts since he escaped gang life and drug addiction in his teens by painting murals, social justice activism, and writing. He's co-founder with his wife Trini of Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore, a comprehensive arts and literacy education and presentation nonprofit, based in the Northeast San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles, now in its 20th year. He is founding editor of Tia Chucha Press, which publishes cross-cultural voices in poetry. He is also the author of 16 multi-genre books, including the best-selling memoir "Always Running, La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A." For 40 years, he's done creative writing workshops, readings, and lectures in prisons, juvenile lockups, jails, schools, colleges, universities, libraries, bookstores, and conferences around the U.S, Europe, Latin America, and Japan. From 2014 to 2016, he served as Los Angeles' official Poet Laureate.
Excerpt from “Words” By Luis J. Rodriguez
The thing is I wanted to be a writer
even before I knew what writing was about.
I wanted to carve out the words
that swim in the bloodstream,
to press a stunted pencil onto paper
so lines break free like birds in flight—
to fashion words with hair,
lengths and lengths of it,
washed with dawn’s rusting drizzle.
Follow Luis: @lrodrig555 on instagram, or www.luisjrodriguez.com & find Tia Chuchas at www.tiachucha.org
Ocu-Pasión Podcast is a heartfelt interview series showcasing the experiences of artists and visionaries within the Latin American/ Latinx community hosted by Delsy Sandoval. Join us as we celebrate culture & creativity through thoughtful dialogue where guests from all walks of life are able to authentically express who they are and connect in ways listeners have not heard before.
Delsy Sandoval is the executive producer of Ocu-Pasión. If you want to support the podcast, please rate and review the show here. You can also get in touch with Delsy at www.ocupasionpodcast.com
Follow Ocu-Pasión on Instagram: @ocupasionpodcast
Join the Ocu-Pasión Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/5160180850660613/
Visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com for more episodes.
Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!
