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Marcela Salome Hernández (they/them) is a queer Chicane poet, writer, activist, and involved community member from San Antonio, Texas. Currently enrolled at UTSA, Marcela is a Mexican-American Studies major, fighting for social justice through their education and creative writing. Marcela is a facilitator of free community and youth workshops at San Anto Cultural Arts Center as well as Tree of Life Arts Education—using poetry and creative writing as a way to ensure all Chicanes have a safe space where their voices are elevated. Their poetry plays a vital role in preserving the culture and heritage of San Antonio. As the Grand Slam Champion for Fresh Ink Youth Poetry Slam, Marcela inspires other young people to express their creativity through writing. Marcela will continue to show up for their community and guide them in strengthening their own cultural pride through creative writing.
Resume (PDF)
Work Samples (PDF)
Artist Statement of Work
Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):
Understanding the importance of my identity as a queer Chicane⸺living in these occupied lands of the United States⸺has made me the community centered poet I am. Acting as a cultural bearer through my poetry, I use this method of writing to connect community struggles to the hope of perseverance and cultural pride. Being a spoken word artist allows me to keep the beauty of San Antonio at the center of our minds, using practices to teach the full history of our city. My passion lies within teaching our youth the value of their voice and how important it is for them to take up space as people of color. I call myself a Chicane because I am a Mexican-American who fights for social justice, priding myself on the fact that I will ensure the actions I take through my art will benefit my community. As a storyteller, I write with the understanding that I am not only portraying a single voice, but the voices of my ancestors.
