Bloglander

Thirty years ago, Jimmy Santiago Baca was getting out of prison after serving six years for drug possession.

Abandoned by his parents at the age of 2, Baca spent much of his youth on the streets. With no education and no family, choices were few — so he ended up behind bars.

Instead of wallowing further in crime and debauchery, he chose to use his jail time to get an education. 

Today the acclaimed poet uses verse to describe his experiences. Those verses won him several awards, including the American Book Award and the International Hispanic Heritage Award.

In town tonight, Baca will share his story and even break out a poem or two.

Jimmy Santiago Baca will appear at Gonzaga’s Cataldo Hall at 7:30 pm. Free