Over 150 people joined the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (IPRAC) as it hosted the official unveiling of a new US stamp honoring renowned Puerto Rican poet, Julia de Burgos on Friday, September 24.
An award-winning writer, poet and journalist, Julia de Burgos takes her place among honorees in the Postal Service’s Literary Arts series along with several other distinguished Latina/o writers.
The Postal Service honors Julia de Burgos as a revolutionary writer, thinker, and activist who wrote more than 200 poems probing issues of love, feminism, as well as political and personal freedom. Julia de Burgos’ groundbreaking works urged women, minorities and the poor to defy social conventions and find their own true selves.
The event featured a film on the life of Julia de Burgos followed by wel
coming remarks by IPRAC’s Board of Director President Ray Vázquez. Dean of Students at Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School Judy Díaz and Program Director of Batey Urbano Jessie Fuentes recited two of Julia de Burgos’ most famous poems, “Ay, Ay de la Grifa Negra” and “A Julia de Burgos.” Chicago District Manager / Post Master USPS Gloria E. Tyson spoke about the importance of Julia De Burgos, the Latino employees at the USPS, as well as the overall important of Latina/os in the United States.
The guest speaker of the event was Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez who highlighted the pain, suffering and promise of Julia de Burgos, as well as the lessons that Latinos could draw from her life. The Congressman was given a rousing ovation upon finishing his powerful and inspiring remarks.
The unveiled stamp will now become a part of IPRAC’s permanent
collection.
Jonathan Rivera
To see more photos click:IPRAC co-sponsors Humboldt Park Premeire of Julia de Burgos Stamp with USPS
