Professor Launches Signature Poetry Project in San Diego
In his role as poet laureate of San Diego, Cal State San Marcos professor Jason Magabo Perez has launched a signature project that will explore poetry as a form of community empowerment.
The project, San Diego Poetry Futures 2024, invites San Diego communities, educators, artists and civic leaders to collaborate in poetry and performance. It was launched on March 27 at the San Diego Central Library.
“San Diego Poetry Futures 2024 will be a collaborative space for ongoing expansive poetic experimentation,” said Perez, an associate professor and program director of ethnic studies at CSUSM. “Exploring poetry as a form of intergenerational community empowerment, this initiative will include various programs and projects to bridge communities.”
Perez will host writing workshops, film screenings and poetry readings at schools, libraries, bookstores and other community spaces, and will experiment with poetry and performance through community gatherings such as chalk poetry, protest poetry and pop-up open mic events. Activities and events will be free and open to the public in neighborhoods across San Diego.
SDPF24 will culminate at the end of the year in an intergenerational, community-responsive poetry forum. In its commitment to social and transformative justice, SDPF24 will promote safe and inclusive spaces for families and communities.
“As poet laureate, Jason continues to tell stories of our great city,” said Jonathon Glus, executive director of Arts and Culture for San Diego. “With this signature poetry project, we look forward to inspiring San Diegans and enjoying their shared expressions of spoken work and performance art.”
Perez was named poet laureate by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria in January 2023. His two-year term concludes at the end of this year.
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