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Pictured above is Rafael Jimenez, nephew of Julia de Burgos.
Buncombe County is excited to announce it is honoring Puerto Rican poet Julia de Burgos with a display at Pack Memorial Library. This is a great opportunity to learn more about this influential writer and her continued impact on Puerto Rico. Another exciting aspect of Julia de Burgos is her connection to Buncombe County. Her nephew, Rafael Jimenez works for our Sheriff’s Office and is excited about the opportunity for more people to learn about her legacy.
“This collaboration is very meaningful for my family. Julia is very important to Puerto Rican culture and continues to be celebrated as one of Puerto Rico’s greatest writers," explains Rafael. "We are truly honored to see this local exhibit showcasing her work. Homages are very meaningful as they allow me to continue to learn more about her even after her passing. I hope this is an opportunity for our community to learn more about her writing and poetry and also more about Puerto Rican and Hispanic culture. My hope is that you can take the time to continue the legacy of honoring and recognizing her wonderful work."
Stop by Pack Memorial Library through Oct. 15 to see books, poems, and additional resources about this important Hispanic poet.
Julia de Burgos biography
In 1953, a young woman of mixed Hispanic-African ancestry collapsed on a Harlem street. Without identification or a family to claim her, the woman was given a pauper’s burial. Weeks later, her friends traced her whereabouts and returned her remains to Puerto Rico, where Julia de Burgos was given a funeral befitting the national hero she was.
De Burgos (1914-53) lived life with passion. A poet, civil rights activist, and Puerto Rican nationalist, de Burgos defied convention before feminism was accepted in her culture. De Burgos was fiery and independent, yet the pain she suffered in three broken marriages is revealed in her verse.
Considered one of Latin America’s greatest poets, de Burgos’ works also reflect her love of Puerto Rico – and her mounting anguish as she battled depression and alcoholism. Among her most important works are Poema para mi Muerte (My Death Poem) and Yo Misma Fui Mi Ruta (I Was My Own Path). De Burgos published two books during her lifetime, which she promoted and distributed herself. A third volume of her work was published after her death.
Respected for her literary accomplishments, de Burgos is also greatly admired by Hispanics and Latin Americans, who have named many schools, women’s shelters, landmarks, and cultural centers in her honor.