Juan Felipe Herrera
- Born:
- December 27, 1948, Fowler, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Writer, Performer, Activist, Educator
Early Life and Education
- Born to migrant farmworkers in California's Central Valley.
- Experienced a nomadic childhood, moving frequently with his family.
- Earned a B.A. in Social Anthropology from UCLA.
- Received an M.A. in Social Anthropology from Stanford University.
- Obtained an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop.
Career and Major Achievements
- Professor Emeritus of Creative Writing at the University of California, Riverside.
- California Poet Laureate from 2012 to 2014.
- United States Poet Laureate from 2015 to 2017, the first Latino to hold the position.
- Taught at numerous universities, including California State University, Fresno.
- Known for his interdisciplinary and multilingual approach to poetry and performance.
Notable Works
- A Simple Plan (1995)
- Border-Crosser with a Lamborghini Dream (1999)
- Half the World in Light (2008), recipient of the International Latino Book Award
- 187 Reasons Mexicanos Can't Cross the Border: Undocuments 1971-2007 (2007)
- Notes on the Assemblage (2015)
- Numerous children's books, including Calling the Doves.
Legacy and Impact
Juan Felipe Herrera's work explores themes of identity, immigration, social justice, and the Chicano experience. He is celebrated for his innovative and accessible style, which blends poetry, performance, and activism. His tenure as U.S. Poet Laureate broadened the audience for poetry and highlighted the importance of diverse voices in American literature. Reading a Juan Felipe Herrera biography reveals the depth and breadth of his impact on American letters.