Primera Página Reading Series (2006-07)
The Latino Writers Collective's Primera Página Reading Series originated as a way to showcase the work of Latino writers and provide role models for local youth.
The series was co-sponsored by Alta Vista School, BkMk Press, Central Middle School (Kansas City, Kansas), Hispanic Development Fund, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Hispanic News, Raytown High School, UMKC College of Arts & Sciences, The Writers Place and other community organizations.
The first event featured local Latino writers reading their work, following a reception at the Writers Place to open an exhibit by local Latino artist Adolfo Martinez. Readers included Andrés Rodríguez, Gloria Martinez and Gabriela N. Lemmons.
The next event, also at the Writers Place, presented three more local writers and members of the Latino Writers Collective: Angela Cervantes, José Faus and Maria Vasquez Boyd.
The final event, at the Kansas City Public Library's Plaza Branch, featured nationally known poet Tomás Riley. In addition to his reading, he spoke to local public school classes. Riley has appeared at colleges and public events around the country, been featured on several national public television programs, and is a veteran of the Chicano spoken-word collective, The Taco Shop Poets.