Poetry has been\, since time immemorial\, an act of resistance against oppression. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn\, winner o f the Nobel Prize in Literature\, stated\, &ldquo\;One must resist oppress ion or lose one's dignity as a human being.&rdquo\; Poetry and art are dee ply tied to human dignity\, which is in turn connected to freedom. Therefo re\, to talk about poetry is also to talk about democracy\; writing is a r evolutionary act that reminds us that democracy must be defended and nurtu red every day.
\nIn this "Poetry and Resistance" workshop\, we will focus on poets who chose to resist oppression through their poetry. For in stance\, Latin American poets who\, despite the risk\, wrote courageously during the military dictatorships in South America in the 70s and 80s\, as well as LGBTQ+ and African American poets who have sought to reclaim thei r identities and cultures through poetry. And Latine poets who have reclai med space in the U.S. by writing their experiences into the American narra tive\, challenging erasure\, exploring hybrid identities (Spanglish\, Afro -Latina)\, and centering community. We will also dedicate a portion of our time to do some writing. Optional writing prompts will be offered. Those who wish will also have the opportunity to share their writings and receiv e respectful feedback from their peers.
\nAbout the Facilita tor: Carlota Roby [she/her]
\nCarlota Roby is a human right s attorney graduated from Harvard Law School and co-founder of the Vocales Verticales project. She is also a poet and a cat lover. Originally from V enezuela\, she resides in Washington D.C. She has published the poetry col lections Las Manos de los Muertos (2013)\; Suburban Tales (2019)\; and Lilith (2024). Her poems also appear in the anthol ogy Acaso esta atrocidad es el centro de todo (2015) and in the m agazines DAFY\, Á\;msterdam Sur\, 2025 Latino Book Review and Mid-Atlantic Review.
\nWhat to Expect
\nEach session includes a grounding welcome\, a gen erative free-write\, a deep dive into the theme\, writing prompts\, and ti me to share with each other in a supportive\, welcoming space. \;
\ nParticipants are encouraged to speak\, write\, and share in both Engli sh and Spanish\, and use the language(s) that feel most true to you.
\nNo experience required. Come as you are\, bring a notebook or laptop. E xtra notebooks and pens will be provided. \;
\nRSVP
\nLet us know you&rsquo\;re coming: RSVP Link \;
\nFeel free to invite friends and comm unity members who would love this space.
\nAbout Raí\; ces
\nRaí\;ces is a writing series hosted by Tintas D C exploring storytelling as resistance and healing. Each month centers a d ifferent theme: from origin stories\, to collective healing\, to land and displacement. The series culminates in a community showcase this spring.\n
About Tintas DC
\nTintas DC is a Latine writ ers group for storytellers in the DMV. Their mission is to share stories t hat build community. Follow and connect with them \;@tintas.dc
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