Invited by Lancer Productions, slam poet from New York City, Carlos Andrés Gómez performed in Wygal Auditorium at 7:30 pm on Feb. 16. The poems recited focused on equality for everyone, no matter their beliefs on religion or politics, their skin color, where they come from or who they choose to spend their life with.
“I think my biggest hopes with my shows, that people will be critically engages in the world,” said Andrés Gómez. “And to know they are enough.”
Most of the poems recited were memorized by Andrés Gómez; there were a few he read off of his phone. Throughout the presentation, he encouraged participation with the audience, asking people for their stories and experiences with societal exclusion.
“I liked that he is bending so many boundaries,” said assistant professor of Spanish American Literature and Culture Dr. Renee Gutiérrez. “I enjoyed his conversation about gender, princesses and community.”
The poem about being a princess was inspired by his daughter when he went shopping for baby clothes for her and was stuck in an aisle of pink. It focused on the idea that his daughter wouldn’t be a princess because as a girl, she is more than just pretty.
Andrés Gómez’s poems sent messages about equality, being true to oneself and about treating others fairly. At one point, he asked people to share times when they shocked others by not fitting into stereotypes. A few of his messages stuck with different members in the crowd:
“(He’s) telling people now that they are perfect and important,” said photography senior Rachel Hirsh.
He used some of his experiences for poems like “What Latino Looks Like,” derived from a lady telling him he didn’t look like how she pictured Latinos.
“I was looking forward to what he would have to say,” said business junior Brenda Pereira. “I followed Carlos for a while, in Hispanic Latino Association.”
Each poem had a story about someone who had impacted his life in a positive or negative way, displaying the impact people can have and his reaction to it.
“I think the two biggest things are the overlooked moments and the things that elicit strong emotions,” said Andrés Gómez.
Throughout his show, he gave away free books, and each person who participated in the show was given a free book by him. After the show, Andrés Gómez chatted with audience members and signed books and posters for anyone who asked.
Poet Carlos Andres Gomez performed his poem, “What Does Hispanic Look Like?” and others.
Poet, Carlos Andres Gomez, performed his poem “What Does Hispanic Look Like?” and others.
