CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Inaugural Poet and recent recipient of a National Humanities Medal, Richard Blanco is coming to SUNY Orange in Middletown on October 4:

On January 21, 2013, Richard Blanco became a name and public voice in American history. As the Inaugural Poet, he stood at the lectern on the steps of the United States Capitol and read his poem “One Today” at the second inauguration of Barack Obama. He represented several communities, as such, being the first Latino and gay person to be an inaugural poet.

He is an immigrant as he came to the United States as an infant.

Since that chilly January day, he has been honored with many poetry and literary awards including a National Humanities Medal presented this past March by President Joe Biden. He was chosen by The Academy of American Poets as its first Education Ambassador. Besides his scholarly degrees in civil engineering and creative writing from Florida International University, he has been the recipient of honorary doctorates from Macalester College, the University of Rhode Island, the University of Southern Maine, and Colby College. He has authored more than a dozen books.

He believes “language matters” and chooses his words carefully and economically as a poet says in a few words what many people need paragraphs to state. As a poet, memoirist, and essayist, Blanco captivates audiences around the nation and the world with his dynamic storytelling and powerful readings. He advocates for LGBTQA rights, diversity, immigration, arts education, and cultural exchange.

In April 2014, he was a welcomed visitor to SUNY Orange.

On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, welcome him again. Come to Orange Hall Gallery for

An Evening Reading with Richard Blanco. Poet Blanco will read“One Today” as well as selections from his new book, Homeland of My Body. The program begins at 7pm and is free and open to the public. In addition, a book signing with a variety of his books, will cap off the evening.

Cultural Affairs is co-sponsoring this event with the support of the Evelyn and John Morrison Charitable Fund which is administered by the SUNY Orange Foundation.

Questions may be directed to Cultural Affairs at cultural@sunyorange.edu 

Orange Hall is located at the corner of Wawayanda and Grandview Avenues at GPS 24 Grandview Ave, Middletown, NY.

Photo by Sarah Beard Buckley