I have recently revisted my poetry years archives and was amazed to find so many original fliers, programs, newspaper clippings and announcements survived. My first reading was an invitation to open for Y Que Mas at Onyx/Echo in 1994. Over the next two and a half decades I appeared at various events and venues throughout Los Angeles. The following photos are a small representation of my involvement in the Los Angeles and Chicano/a/x poetry scene. Years active: 1994 - 2015
The Chicano community mourns the loss of its champions for our cause through life celebrations, tributes, memorials and Dia de los Muertos altars. Many notables and non public figures have passed on throughout the fifty plus years since the birth of the ELA Chicano movement and many more will soon follow. Activists, academics, professionals, artists, business owners and community members - young and old - have contributed to the vastness of our cultural collective. Each and every one deserving of recognition and appreciation for their involvement, passion and pride in their Chicano/a/x identity. This time we are gathering to celebrate the life and legacy of Eddie Ayala who passed away at the age of 63 the day after Dia de los Muertos, 2023. I met Eddie Ayala at the tail end of the 1970's East LA backyard party scene where local Chicano music icons rocked cover songs and our socks off for a mere $1 entrance fee. Although entertaining and audience drawing there was a need for...