THIS WEEK ON LATINOPIA: RICARDO ROMO ON RENAMING TEXAS MILITARY BASES, ALEJANDRO MORALES ON ZAPOTE TREE, THELMA REYNA INTERVIEWS ALEJANDRO MORALES, ALEJANDRO MORALES READS FROM ZAPOTE TREE AND ANGELA ROA “TOCO DESAFINADO.”
We begin this week with Ricardo Romo’s Tejano Report. This week he looks at efforts to rename certain military bases in Texas, bases now named after Confederate heroes whom many consider to be traitors to the United States. The Naming Commission which reports to the U.S. Senate and House Armed Services Committees is considering alternate names for some existing military bases. Ongoing efforts are being spearheaded by Latino groups who point to the numerous Mexican American war heroes from World War II and Korea who merit recognition. Many of these are medal of honor awardees. Check out Ricardo’s take on all of this.
This week we showcase the poetry of acclaimed novelist and short story writer Alejandro Morales. He has just published a collection of poetry titled Zapote Tree. We begin with a Latinopia interview with Alejandro about the book. Then we also post a lengthier interview with Alejandro conducted by Altadena’s poet laureate Thelma Reyna. And then we hear Alejandro reading three selections from his new book.
Last but not least, we visit with Chilean folk singer Angela Roa as she performs her original song, “Toco Desafinado” (I play out of tune).
Enjoy your week on Latinopia!
Tia Tenopia