Today’s Librotraficante events covered in the Star, Weekly

by David Safier

Kudos to Alexis Huicochea of the Star for today's story about the Librotraficante Caravan, Ethnic studies support rolls in. My favorite line is from author and caravan organizer Tony Diaz about why he plans to have a taco truck distribute books in Tucson.

"Tacos are delicious and it's great to have books in the taco truck," he said. "It's like food for thought – people can have their barbacoa tacos and their contraband books."

The Weekly's Mari Herreras also has a good post on The Range, The Wet Books Are Coming! The Wet Books Are Coming!  It links to an interview she did with Diaz a few weeks ago with lots of good background information.

Both reporters talk about the group Diaz helped found, Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say. The group's purpose is to promote interest in Latino literature and reading in general, featuring reading showcases and book giveaways. The group also does television broadcasts and a radio show. According to my interview yesterday with Lianna Lopez, the term "Librotraficante" was coined awhile ago when they were loading books into a van after and event and someone commented, "Hey, we're Librotraficantes!"

When I mentioned to Lopez what a fine piece of political theater this whole caravan is, filled with spot-on imagery and a flair for the dramatic — part of a long, proud tradition — she said the group is an active participant in the international conferences on Pedagogy & Theater of the Oppressed and will be presenting a workshop on the subject this afternoon during the Ultimate Lit Teach-In starting at 1pm (Flier of events below the fold).

Don't forget: If you want to hear some premier authors reading from their works, attend tonight's Literary Showcase, 7pm, UA Social Sciences Building, Rm. 100, 1145 E. South Campus.