Renown Author Michelle Tea reads an excerpt from her novel "The Chelsea Whistle"
Photo by Rebeka Rodriguez

Literary Series

The oldest independent reading series in California, Intersection's literary program is committed to expanding notions of literature, testing cultural and discipline based boundaries and traditions, cultivating written experimentation, encouraging discourse between schools of thought, and building audiences for live literary experiences.

Events

Intersection For The Arts & City Lights Booksellers present

A Thousand Manong Heartbeats Rappin in the Light :
A Literary Tribute to Al Robles
@
Intersection 5M
925 Mission Street, in the historic San Francisco Chronicle Building
San Francisco, California, 94103

donation requested $5.00 (sliding scale, no one turned away due to lack of funds)

Opening Statements by Kevin B. Chen  (Intersection for the Arts)

Hosted by D. Scott Miller (City Lights Booksellers)

with

Jessica Hagedorn with  Sean San Jose
Jack Hirschman
Janice Mirikatani
Alejandro Murguia
Ishmael Reed
Barbara Jane Reyes
Alyson Tintiangco Cubales
Paul Yamazaki

Intersection for the Arts and City Lights Booksellers are pleased to bring together members of the Bay Area literary community in a literary tribute casting light upon the life and work of an extraordinary figure. Poets, writers, editors, and booksellers, all offer a unique view, via poetry, prose, conversation, and recollection, in an evening of storytelling in honor of a great storyteller.

Poet, educator, community activist, and advocate for the poor and senior citizens, Al Robles walked in many worlds. Born a Filipino American in the Fillmore district of San Francisco, his life was informed and nourished by the rich cultural fabric all around him. He lived at the intersection of African American, Japanese, and Pilipino cultures. Jazz was a much a part of his upbringing as zen. His forays into edges of North Beach, via Manilatown, brought him into contact with the poetry and personality of the Beats as well. His empathy with the marginalized peoples around him brought him into the frontline of the struggle to preserve the civil rights and the heritage of Manilatown culture. He was a tireless fighter against the demolition of the I-Hotel on Kearny Street. He worked closely with the Pilipino elders to preserve their stories and heritage. He worked with Pilipino youth to engender within them a deep connection to their culture. Al Robles' art and poetry were inextricably linked to his activism and his concern for people. He lived his life as a gentle warrior, always in the service of the community.

Past Events »