By james art 
On November 2, 2024, Nevada Humanities invites the community to a cultural evening
celebration and poetry as part of the nationwide initiative Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home.
This free event, hosted at the Sierra Arts Foundation in Reno, will honor Día de los Muertos
(Day of the Dead) by sharing original poetry from local voices.
Moderated by Reno Poet Laureate Jesse James Ziegler, the program will feature Mojo Poets
Montelongo, Nohemi Velasco, Jenevi Machuca, and Gabriela Derrick. Who will present theirs
work in English, Spanish or Spanish. A combination of personal storytelling and culture
heritage, will explore themes of family, community and language.
Día de los Muertos, rooted in indigenous Mexican traditions, is a day to honor the deceased
and celebrating the continuity of life. For Ziegler, who has spent years promoting local poetry
spaces, this event has special significance.
“What I love most is being able to celebrate ancestry, heritage and community,” Ziegler
said. “This gathering of poets and audiences will create a shared space where we can reflect
loss while celebrating the living ties that bind us together.”
Dr. Daniel Enrique Perez, associate professor of Chicano and Latin American literature at the university
of Nevada, Reno, will provide opening remarks. He sees the event as a continuation of his
academic work, bridging the gap between the classroom and the community.
“Latin American stories must be told in our own voices. We are woven into the fabric of it
country long before it was called the United States, and this poetry anthology reminds us of our own
a rich and diverse contribution,” shared Perez.
Poets will share their own stories of identity, home and tradition, sparking conversation
which Perez hopes will resonate with audiences. “Wherever we go, we take home with us.
It’s about feeling safe, making space for ourselves and building community.”
The Latino community is about more than language and this event will highlight that
the written word. “That’s why you see academic writers writing in different genres like English,
Spanish, Spanish, Creative and Academic. It’s a way we honor who we are and who we are
the complexity of our identity,” expressed Perez.
In addition to the evening’s remarks, a question and answer session will follow, giving attendees the opportunity to do so
delve deeper into the creative process of poets to explore how poetry can be a vehicle for expression
and healing.
As Ziegler emphasized, “Poetry breaks down walls and builds bridges. Whether it’s through
shared grief, celebration or tribute, it brings people closer to their roots and to each other.”
This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged. Light refreshments will be available
provided. For more information and to book a place visit Celebrating Ancestry Poetry for the
Day of the Dead.