Life and Literacy: Poetry and the Whole Person

Life and Literacy: Poetry and the Whole Person

ByRoger Frank

This past year, All Saints Literacy Center piloted a supplemental program called  “Whole Person Literacy” focused on spiritual and cultural literacy based on concepts of knowing, understanding, and self-development. We had monthly activities that were carried out in pairs or in groups. Learners and tutors participating in the program gained knowledge and created meaning individually and socially as they took part in the activities. The needs of the whole person were explored through an alternative lens of literacy.

Trenzas ~ “¡Yo soy!”

Trenzas ~ “¡Yo soy!”

ByJorge D. H. Prosperi

Trenzas ~ “¡Yo soy!” came to life during my youth watching my grandmother brushing and braiding my mother’s hair and my mother passing on the loving strokes to my aunts. Braiding was a time to ask and answer questions, for storytelling, sharing wisdom and always a time for caring and loving. There was an intimacy about it all that always finished with besos (kisses), lingering abrazos (hugs), and with a resounding emphatic ¡Cuídate! (Be careful! Remain cautious!) – The older “doñas” (elders) knew the reasons why caution needed to be ever present while “panzudos patrones” (fat cat land owners) roamed seeking their entitled desserts.

Every woman wore her trenzas with pride and dignity. There was a sameness and yet singularness as trenzas danced in the wind behind them with a story to tell. I remember how beautiful they were… especially my mother’s trenzas… how they made me feel safe and loved as they danced behind her.