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Stunned—out of nearly 2,000 submissions from around the world, my poem, “Underground,” was selected by Julie Kane as the winner of the 2018 Atlanta Review International Poetry Prize. Speechless.

#BackToWork

For the 3rd time in the past 21 months, a video of me performing one of my poems has topped 1,000,000 views.

That number is beyond my comprehension, especially in the context of poetry: one million.

I never dreamed of that kind of exposure for my work when I sat down to write any of these three poems (“What Latino Looks Like,” “Where are you really from?,” & “What is Genocide?”).

What makes this staggering run of viral videos even more special is that all three performances were filmed live at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe – the legendary venue where I cut my teeth as a teenager and fell hard for that poetry made to burn up a stage.  The Nuyo, no matter what, will always be my poetic home.

Thank you to the folks at Upworthy for giving my work a platform of such magnitude.  And, of course, endless gratitude to each and every person who has shared and liked my “What is Genocide?” video.  I’m humbled and honored beyond belief by the outpouring of support.

There is so much work left to be done.

#ICYMI: https://www.facebook.com/Upworthy/videos/1830907430283440/

#WhatIsGenocide? #genocidepoem

Just got word that my poem “Pronounced” has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize! Heartfelt thank you to Jenifer Browne Lawrence and all of the editors at the Crab Creek Review for giving this poem a home and then choosing to honor it with this distinction. I’m floored.

These kids rocked it today at Centennial High School during our AXE #SeniorOrientation show with John Legend! So proud and inspired to see them share their thoughts on self-expression and inclusive masculinity in front of their entire school. #AXEPartner #FindYourMagic (Photo by @merrittography)

Thrilled to collaborate with John Legend & AXE to launch #SeniorOrientation and champion inclusive masculinity and self-expression among high school students. Next stop, Centennial High School in Columbus, OH this October.  #AXEPartner #FindYourMagic

Grateful for Access Hollywood, Rolling Stone, People magazine, Teen Vogue, BET, Cosmo, ELLE, Complex, Esquire, Forbes, Latin Times, VIBE, Mic.com, NBC News, Yahoo News, NY Mag, CBS News, Reuters TV, Mashable, and all the other media outlets who attended last night’s event at The Aula in New York City.

Here is the Press Release for the project: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axe-continues-the-find-your-magic-initiative-with-launch-of-senior-orientation-300509245.html