First Spanish read-in at USU
Works written by Hispanic authors were featured in the first Hispanic read-in Wednesday on the second floor of the Taggart Student Center.
Pat Gantt, associate head in the English department, said the read-in is one of the four they plan to have this year. She said they plan two read-ins this fall and two in the spring.
She said the read-in started as idea from last year and it was inspired from the African American and Native American read-ins. She said it was good concept and she “wanted a Spanish read-in.”
Gantt said it is to “honor the Spanish writer and the people.” The Spanish population is large, and they need acknowledgement, she said.
Gantt said they are not limited on reading in the Spanish language alone.
“We’ve heard readings in Spanish, English and Portuguese,” she said. “We’ve heard political documents and the three little pigs read in Spanish. We even had music.”
Ernesto Lopez, a senior majoring in Spanish and president of HSU, said their first read-in has had a lot of support from the community. He said professors, students and many other people helped with the participation of the read-in.
“The audience has been great, when we get done, we get complimented,” Lopez said.
People who participate chose what they want to read, Lopez said.
Lopez helped with the read-in by reading, singing and playing his guitar. He performed songs he wrote such as “Decir Adios,” “Beautiful,” and “Morena.” His songs ranged from a ballad to a tropical Latin rhythm song.
Skyler Jennings, a senior majoring in audiology, said he went to the event to receive extra credit for his class. He said because he’s not exposed to a lot of Spanish literature, the music made it interesting.
“I think bringing music will attract more of a crowd, maybe between each literature,” Jennings said.
He said he enjoyed the reading about a fiesta.
Chelsee Davis, a sophomore majoring in nursing, agreed.
“It was awesome when they talked about the fiestas,” she said. “When they have fiestas it includes anyone and everyone and they spend tons of money on them.”
Davis said she went to the read-in for a class but was glad she had the experience. It gave her an idea of the Spanish culture, she said, and agreed it could educate everyone.
Gantt said besides the Spanish read-in they plan to continue the Native American, African and Asian American read-ins as well. She said they hope the read-ins draw more people as they continue the activity.
The Native American read-in is planned for November 19, she said.
-srkrebs@cc.usu.edu