San Fernando (Zoom): Poetry: A method of Reflection, Reconsideration, and Revision of Your Thoughts, Beliefs, and Actions

On Saturday, April 1^st at 1:00 pm via Zoom, the San Fernando Valley Branch of the California Writers Club celebrates National Poetry Month by welcoming internationally-acclaimed, Ventura County Poet Laureate, Luzmaria Espinosa, ‘Luzma’, to read some of her poetry and share how her own life experiences, culture and community activism have shaped her work.

Luzma was born in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico. She and her family migrated in the 1950s to Santa Paula, California where her father, a former railroad worker, went to work in the agricultural fields. The third of eight children, Luzma found solace in books, imagining a world beyond the confines of her small hometown. Inspiration to develop her poetry came from friends, mentors and fellow activists.

Luzma’s lifelong commitment to peace and justice spans decades internationally as well as nationally. Her work includes participation and/or support in international struggles, Chicano Theatre, Danza Azteca, and Performance Poetry. She was at the forefront of introducing Danza Azteca throughout the Tri-Counties, and connecting established Chicano Artists with Ventura County Artists.

As well as teaching theatre and poetry to children and youth in schools, Luzma also inspires the community through non-profit community agencies and juvenile detention centers. As a coordinator for youth violence prevention/intervention programs, she was influential in developing strong leadership skills with youth who otherwise might have not gone to school. Whether in schools, in juvenile centers or in the community; Luzma motivates and encourages students to heal by expressing themselves though cultural performances and writing stories or poetry. Proudly she reveals that past students have received their doctorate and are teaching in various colleges and universities throughout the states.

Espinosa is a past recipient of CA Arts Council Artist in Residence, SP Latino Town Hall Award in Cultural Arts, and the Jalapeno Award from the Royal Chicano Air Force. She is a member of California Poets in the Schools, a member of the Royal Chicano Air Force, In Lak ‘Ech Cultural Arts Center, and LUCHA, Inc.

Of being inaugurated as Ventura County’s Poet Laureate for 2020-2022 and 2022-2024, she said:

“Poetry is the language of life, of hope, of love, of nature, of a higher spirit. And poetry, and arts in general, has always been for me a way to understand myself, humanity, life around me, an instrument through which I can say something about what I see, and what our responsibilities are to one another. That’s what I hope to communicate in my new role.”

You can see this impactful and inspirational poet perform some of her deeply thoughtful poetry on YouTube. Note: Luzma’s last name is sometimes spelled Espinoza.

All members of the CWC-SFV will receive a Zoom invitation to this presentation. Members of other CWC branches should contact Zoom host, Anat Wenick, by noon on March 31st at SFV.CWC@gmail.com for an invitation to register. Guests may purchase admission at www.cwc-sfv.org by noon on March 31. After purchasing admission, guests will receive a Zoom invitation.  We regret we cannot accommodate late requests.

Non-members who wish to attend, please click below to pay $10.00 and receive your Zoom link. To ensure a timely response, registration  must be made at least 24 hours prior to the event.

Guest Payment Via Zelle: sfv.cwc@gmail.com