Testimonios + Witness Writing as Social Action Workshop with Jo Reyes-Boitel Takes Center Stage in Austin
On the 6th of April 2024, the people of Austin, Texas had the privilege to interact, learn, express and share their stories at the Testimonios + Witness Writing as Social Action Workshop. This intriguing and informative session featured jo reyes-boitel, a gifted poet, playwright, scholar and a queer, mixed-Latinx parent working within the community.
A Glimpse into the Workshop
With the participants hailing from diverse backgrounds, this workshop fostered an environment of growth, understanding, and mutual respect. It proved to be an enriching experience, enabling attendees to channel their experiences and stories through the gift of words. The funds collected from the workshop supported the promotion of Chicanx/@/Latinx/@/Native American literature and cultural exchange as facilitated by the Red Salmon Arts.
The essence of the workshop was the closing reading, a segment where the participants recited their pieces. Augmented by the rhythm of life, personal insights, experiences and hard-hitting realities, the readings left the audience stunned with an imaginative visual palette.
Jo Reyes-Boitel: Artist, Advocate, Activist
Attending a literary event hosted by jo reyes-boitel is akin to witnessing a flower in full bloom. Born in Minnesota, jo’s family has roots in Texas, Florida, Mexico, and Cuba. A round of applause is in order for their astonishing work expressing profound themes of identity, societal norms and personal liberation. Their first book, Michael + Josephine, sees St. Michael the Archangel reimagined as a queer woman embarking on a love relationship with Josephine, a disaster relief worker. Upcoming publication, the matchstick litanies, will explore the author’s formative years, offering keen insight into what forms the foundation of a writer’s thoughts and expressions.
Red Salmon Arts: Bringing Communities Together
A prominent force in the Austin literary scene, Red Salmon Arts has devoted thirty years to working with the indigenous neighborhoods of Austin. Their dedication to not just promoting literature but building connections, sharing heritage, and fostering artistic growth is truly commendable. The workshop was yet another initiative in this tireless pursuit.
Conclusion
To sum up, it was a riveting workshop with the inherent power to commence a profound dialogue on social issues and personal experiences. Judging by the enthusiastic response and widespread acclaim, we can say the 6th of April 2024 was a proud badge on the lapel of the Austin literary and artistic community. It was indeed an open chapter from which anyone willing could read, learn, and ultimately, grow.
