The Blah Poetry Spot presents Words and Sh*t, an intimate performance and conversation so that you can get to know the person behind the poetry! This week we are featuring Albuquerque's own Mercedes Holtry, and we talked about history, family, storytelling, the importance and power of Latinx and Xicana voices, and so much more!
Mercedez Holtry is a poet, writer, mentor, and Chicana feminist who focuses on bringing out her roots, experiences and lessons learned through her poetry in hopes that they embrace her people and other artists around her.
She has represented ABQ on multiple final and semi final stages for national poetry events. She is a Brave New Voices finalist (2013), a two time finalist at the Women of the World Poetry Slam (2015, 2018), A National Group Piece Champion (2016), the winner of Modesto’s “ILL List Slam” in California (2017), a featured poet in Mexico City’s “Diverso” an international poetry festival embracing Mexican voices through poetry (2017) and holds multiple Albuquerque Slam Championships.
She has worked with youth in poetry workshops in multiple cities around the country including Aspen Words’ “Poetry in the Schools” project since 2015.
Mercedez is not only a poet but an outreach coordinator for Warehouse 508, Albuquerque's Arts and Entertainment Center, in which she organizes workshops and poetry events for the youth to participate in. Since graduating from the University of New Mexico with her degrees in Chicano Studies and Journalism & Communications, she continues to cultivate the poetry slam community in Albuquerque, and co-founded and spearheaded "Burque Revolt", a intergenerational poetry slam organization that creates safe spaces for all ages to enjoy.
She is passionate about spoken word and aspires to continually learn all she can about her art through working, slamming and organizing for her community.
Hosted by Chibbi and Eddie V!
