On April 8, 2023, the City of Pomona honored famed author, poet, memoirist, journalist, mentor, teacher and all around living legend Luis J. Rodriguez. The recognition was given for Mr. Rodriguez’s contributions to "the advancement of the poetic arts." The certificate was presented to Mr. Rodriguez by Mayor Tim Sandoval and Councilmember Norma Garcia at the Pomona Civic Center at the steps of the library.
This public recognition was a result of collaborative efforts between Pomona’s newest Poet Laureate, Ceasar K. Avelar, and Pomona Library Manager, Anita Torres.
By Matt Sedillo
Courtesy of Matt Sedillo
Published 7:25 AM PST
Speaking on the impact of Luis Rodriguez, Mayor Tim Sandoval focused deeply on a personal history with the author. The Mayor spoke of Luis Rodriguez's commitment to the community at large and Pomona specifically mentioning several high schools Rodriguez had visited in recent years. Sandoval also touched upon formative study groups he had attended hosted by the late professor Trevor Campbell and the specific impact Luis Rodriguez had had on those meetings as they discussed the very nature of the economic system we live under, namely capitalism.
Poet Laureate of Pomona, Cesar Avelar also spoke. Caesar said of Rodriguez that, “Luis has this thing, but it’s our ancestor’s thing, it is in us.” Avelar spoke again not only to the grand artistic contributions of Luis Rodriguez but again touched upon his role as a mentor. Avelar met Rodriguez young in his writing career and as a new father. Avelar spoke not only to the advice Rodriguez had to offer in terms of writing but also of the example he provided in the life he has led.
Luis Rodriguez is the author of Always Running: Mi Vida Loca Gang Days in Los Angeles, the 2nd Poet Laureate of Los Angeles the cofounder of Tia Chucha’s Bookstore and Cultural Center, a teaching artist in the prisons, one of the few Los Angeles authors enshrined in Vroman’s Los Angeles author’s Walk of Fame. Rodriguez has received recognition the world over. Has spoken in prisons and campuses across the globe. Luis Rodriguez is by all accounts a great man, an iconic figure and an inspiration to the Chicano community.
Always Running is a seminal classic which in many ways founded and defined a field of writing. It has sold hundreds of thousands copies. It has inspired a generation of authors who would not have otherwise been authors. The impact of that book and what it means particularly to criminalized youth in the Chicano community is unparalleled to this day. Yet when asked about what he considers his greatest contribution Luis will often refer to his work at Tia Chucha’s and his work in the prisons.
Courtesy of Matt Sedillo
Courtesy of Matt Sedillo
During Rodriguez’s speech he invited the audience to come to Tia Chucha’s and of the role he has played as a workshop leader to the incarcerated. He spoke of the transformation he had seen in others through the written word, a transformation he knows himself all too well, a transformation he is a living testament too.
“Sometimes you don’t have a choice. You’re born into terrible circumstances”, Rodriguez describes during his enlightening speech. But I tell them at a certain point you have a choice: am I going to curse the world. Or am I going to bless it.” Luis Rodriguez has clearly chosen the latter and we are all the better for it.
Luis Rodriguez is a magnificent author and artist whose work will stand the test of time. He is a true pillar of the community who builds upon what was there and leaves the place fuller than found. Rodriguez is a great man, a great mentor, a great teacher, who has not only created his own legacy but has provided the tools and example for future generations to do the same.
On April 8th 2023, on the steps of the Library, there in the Civic Center, the City of Pomona honored the great Luis Rodriguez. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day.
Matt Sedillo has been described as the "best political poet in America" as well as "the poet laureate of the struggle" by academics, poets, and journalists alike. He has appeared on CSPAN and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, among other publications.
