Anzaldúa's words continue to inspire

Gloria Evangelina Anzaldúa opened her mouth and started a conversation.

She demanded that the conversation include people historically left out of academic discussions — people that were unwelcome to sit at the big people's table. Since Anzaldúa's work was first published in the 1980s, people from across the globe have joined in.

Anzaldúa passed away on May 15, 2004, but the "diálogo" (dialogue) she started has never ceased, especially in the halls of academia where her work was first and most fervently embraced and in the bookstores and coffee shops she frequented.

I was first introduced to Anzaldúa's readings in a course on "South Texas Writers" at the tail end of my education at the University of Texas-Pan American — the new name of the university from which she and I received our respective bachelor of arts in English degrees. It was Dr. Rob Johnson, who is not originally from the Rio Grande Valley, who introduced many of us to Anzaldúa's writings.

The conversations we had are likely echoed in discussions across the globe. Her poetry and prose moved us to various levels of agreement and disagreement, but everyone realized her words were unique. My hope is that this article piques the interest of readers enough that they would have their own literary séance before making up their minds about Anzaldúa.

Gloria's family and friends were quick and insightful in their responses to interview questions. Her scholarly admirers were equally willing to add their input. Although still grieving — and perhaps because of their grief — those who commented told their stories with grace and patience. Countless others worldwide are just as eager to join the discourse, but alas — this article is but a single molecule of water at the point of a fallen snowflake resting at the tip of a titanic iceberg.

It's been 16 months since Gloria's passing — but from what I can tell, the conversation just got started — and I don't hear Gloria's "espíritu" (spirit) telling us to hush.

Gloria Evangelina Anzaldúa

Critic, Poet, Writer

Born Sept. 26, 1942 — Died May 15, 2004

PUBLISHED WORKS

"This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color" (edited with Cherríe L. Moraga)

"El Paisano Is A Bird of Good Omen," from "Cuentos: Stories by Latinas"

"Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza"

"Making Face, Making Soul/Haciendo Caras: Creative and Critical Perspectives by Feminists-of-Color" (edited)

"Friends from the Other Side/Amigos del otro lado"

"Prietita and the Ghost Woman/ Prietita y la Llorona"

"Daughters of the Fifth Sun"

"Interviews/Entrevistas" (with AnaLouise Keating)

"This Bridge We Call Home: Radical Visions For Transformation" (with AnaLouise Keating)

Sources: The Latino/a History Project, Castilleja School

AWARDS