"Chicano writers from El Paso are the most progressive, open-minded, far-reaching, and inclusive writers of them all."

Octavio Romano

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Arise Chicano! Angela de Hoyos passes

Angela de Hoyos, grande dame of Chicano poetry, dies in S.A.



Chicana poet Angela de Hoyos, considered the "grande dame of Chicano poetry," died Thursday in San Antonio. In the 1970s, her poet fueled the Chicano Movement and her work continued to inspire generations of poets.

"Angela and her partner Moses Sandoval were always there as the Chicano Movement grew," says fellow poet and artist Ramon Vasquez y Sanchez. Her poem, "Arise Chicano," is credited with giving the movement its push, he said. "She was the 'Frida' of the Chicano cause."

She's credited with mentoring poets such as San Antonio's Carmen Tafolla. During a visit to San Antonio, Rudolfo Anaya, author of the Chicano classic, "Bless Me, Ultima," praised de Hoyos contributions to the canon.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Look for an obituary in the Sunday Express-News.

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