Matt Sedillo: Fight the Power. Tell the Truth.

Matt Sedillo, two-time national slam poet and Grand Slam Champion presented, Poetry of the Movement to over 100 students, faculty and staff in attendance on Thursday, October 10 in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month; cosponsored by Chicana and Chicano Studies, Latina/o Education Association, the President’s Arts and Lecture Series and MEChA.

“Poetry is a bridge, and my art is also a hammer,” said Sedillo, reflecting on the importance of telling the truth and understanding the conditions that have led to the intensification and rise in anti-Mexican sentiment and hate-crimes across the country.




“The Mexican American war never ended,” said Sedillo. “All these instances of anti-Mexican segregation, from the Texas Rangers violent attacks, the Greaser Act of California that criminalized Mexican people to the segregation and unequal education. People don’t know this history, and we all need to know this history. Mexican American history is American history. ”

Sedillo stressed the importance of understanding Chicano/a history. “It’s not just for people of Mexican descent or Chicanx people. It’s for everyone to understand the current political climate, how we got here, and dispel confusion. ”

“Some people want to stay in vogue with whatever trend is running, but we have to tell the truth and acknowledge the full history of the United States, no matter how difficult it is.” Sedillo introduced his “3 Acts” process of creating poetry and public speaking while collectively creating one with the audience.

Look out for Matt’s collaboration with independent journalist Greg Palast and Dr. Paul Ortiz. Check out Mattsedillo.com for more information.

About Matt Sedillo

Matt Sedillo is a renowned poet and author of For What I Might do Tomorrow, published by Casa de Poesia in 2010. Sedillo writes from the vantage point of a second-generation Chicano born in an era of diminishing opportunities and a crumbling economy. His writing is a fearless, challenging, and at times a confrontational blend of humor, history, and political theory.