Poetry is practically impossible to describe. On a personal basis poetry is undeniable but it evades and eludes a singular definition. Poetry can astonish, inspire, educate, encourage, enlighten, frustrate and even infuriate. In fact, poetry is capable of touching every aspect of the human condition. In consideration of this, the only challenge that may be more difficult than defining what poetry is, is trying to define what poetry is not.
On Saturday, May 17, special tribute was given to the poet Louis Reyes Rivera. For over a half of a century, Louis composed and performed poetry. In another way, his life embodied poetry. For Louis, poetry was not simply the verse; it was life. For Louis jazz, beauty, social justice, community advocacy, education and family flowed together into bold rhapsodies and somber elegies.
Louis was also a fearless educator. In 1969 he began teaching and fought for his right to teach at the State Universities of New York. Winning the fight, he enjoyed an illustrious career as a professor of African American and Puerto Rican studies. In addition to teaching at a number of well-established educational institutions, he also offered literature and writing classes to his community on the weekends. Through this, Louis served as a mentor for countless emerging artists and advocated in the defense and enrichment of his community of New York City and the World.
Through the night, a number of people shared stories of their own personal interactions with Louis and praised his self-less support and encouragement. In addition to the artists, numerous community organizations were mentioned such as The Linyak Project that was inspired by Louis’ emphasis upon Arts, Culture and Education.
Among the exceptional artists who took part in the tribute, a one-act play by the award-winning playwright Bridgette A. Wimberly was performed. Yarisa Colón Torres from Puerto Rica recited poetry in Spanish and English. Jodi Powell from Jamaica performed her poetry with the jazz accompaniment of BeFo’ Quotet. Andrea Harrison from the Bronx recited her poetry with the accompaniment of the Ray Martinez Jazz Trio. And Bonnie Rose Marcus with Poets & Writers magazine was presented the Louis Reyes Rivera Excellence Awards for Educator Artists.
Through the night, the Teatro SEA was filled with a seamless blend of verse, jazz, excitement, compassion, commitment and gratitude that was indefinable but absolutely undeniable Poetry.
The Tribute to Louis Reyes Rivera was presented by the National Writers Union with the support of The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College. Teatro SEA has locations in New York City, Miami and Puerto Rico and is an institution devoted to innovative uses of the arts in education.
Garrett Buhl Robinson is a poet and novelist living in New York City. www.garrettrobinson.us
