New Mexican poet Jimmy Santiago Baca lived in orphanages, on the streets and eventually in prison after being abandoned by his parents at the age of 2. During his six and a half years incarcerated, Baca learned how to read, write and eventually compose poetry.
Decades later, Baca has written multiple books, has had a documentary film made about him and teaches writing workshops to children and adults at many schools, universities, reservations, prisons and correctional facilities.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Durham Literacy Center will host an evening of poetry reading, speaking and discussion with Baca at the Levin Jewish Community Center.
The Durham Literacy Center is a community-based organization that focuses on giving free instruction and educational opportunities to adults and out-of-school youth.
Amy Bogie, the director of development at the Durham Literacy Center, said Baca is connected to the organization’s mission because his story drives how and why literacy is important.
Baca did not have a traditional schooling experience, Bogie said. When he ended up in prison for several years, he was given the opportunity to further his education by learning to read, write and compose poetry. Baca published several poems in Mother Jones magazine while he was incarcerated.
“Jimmy's work evokes so many strong characters,” Bogie said. “Whether he's speaking from his own experience or from the experience of other people, he does a fantastic job of putting you in the mindset of whatever that person is feeling in the situation that they're in.”
After being released from prison, Baca went to live in Bush Fork, N.C. with a poet he had been corresponding with. The sister of the poet worked with the husband of retiree Ann Evans, connecting the two with Baca.
Evans and her husband met and befriended Baca about 40 years ago. Baca and Evans, who has been coordinating his North Carolina trip, met in person this week in Durham for the first time since they became friends in 1978.
