On June 1st, 2005, I left my job as a social worker in Harlem for the last time & headed to my wardrobe fitting for “Inside Man.” Since that day, for more than 14 years, I’ve been a full-time, self-employed artist.
Since that afternoon I hopped the train to Fort Greene—I’ve acted in film, TV, & theater, did a month-long run at the Edinburgh Fringe, voiced video games, published a memoir, delivered a keynote to a couple hundred Latinx C-suite execs, performed at the Obama White House, got my MFA, headlined nearly 950 college shows, performed in 25 countries across 5 continents (& int’l festivals in Indonesia, Australia, South Africa, Palestine, Spain, Canada, Sri Lanka, Germany, Cambodia, & Ireland), starred in & co-wrote a bilingual safer sex PSA that won an Emmy, had a few poems go viral, & collaborated with John Legend & Denzel & Savion & Spike & KYLE & Tamilla Woodard & Melody Guy & & & & & & …
More significant than any of the above: I’ve gotten rejected—hundreds of times for each tiny milestone & breakthrough. Literally, thousands at this point, across a multitude of artistic mediums. Just last year, my most prolific year of publishing my poems ever, I received 104 rejections. I’m aiming for triple digits again this year.
(& that’s a metaphor that can be scaled across all creative disciplines I dabble in.)
I have no idea what shape my career will take next, & I can’t wait to find out.
What a ride it has been.
I wake up each morning certain that none of this is promised nor guaranteed.
None of this is possible without countless champions & supporters of me & my work. Like the folks who came to my sold out farewell show at the Nuyorican. Or pre-order “Hijito.” Or share the FB video or whatever.
THANK YOU for joining me on this adventure & making this most unexpected gift of a life possible. I plan to keep pushing & digging & making art that honors the love, loyalty, & unyielding generosity so many of you have shown me for so long.
Always,
Carlitos
PS: I am overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who attended my Farewell to NYC show at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe on Saturday, May 4th.
The show was completely sold out and we were able to donate more than $1,000 to Urban Word NYC. Check out these brilliant photos of the event (shot by the incomparable Rebecca Emmanuelle)…
