AN INVITATION TO POETRY: SPEAK UP PRESENTS A READING & CONVERSATION WITH RUDY FRANCISCO

Caitlin Villacrusis (she/they) is an aspiring Filipina American poet, a passionate photojournalist, and a self-confessed pessimist. A communication arts major and junior at a South Florida arts school, she is a Miami Book Fair Speak Up Student Ambassador and 2022 poetry mentee, and has participated in the Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop, the Ellipsis Writing Online Workshops, and the BreakBread Literacy Project Literary Apprenticeship. She is an avid fan of New York School poets, 1980s movies and music, Greek myths, and Marvel movies. You can find her on Instagram at @catrose2022.

RUDY FRANCISCO – born, raised, and residing in San Diego, California – is one of the most recognizable names in spoken-word poetry. As an artist, he is an amalgamation of social critique, introspection, honesty, and humor. Using personal narratives to discuss the politics of race, class, gender, and religion, he simultaneously pinpoints and reinforces the interconnected nature of human existence. Seeking to create work that promotes healthy dialogue, discourse, and social change, he has made conscious efforts to cultivate young poets and expose them to the spoke-word genre via coaching, workshops, and performances at schools and community centers. He has additionally conducted guest lectures and performances at countless colleges and universities across the nation. Francisco has shared stages with prominent artists that include Gladys Knight, Jordin Sparks, Musiq Soul Child, and Jill Scott, and he is also the co-host of the largest poetry venue in San Diego. He competes in domestic and international poetry slam competitions, had the honor of being nominated for an NAACP Image Award, and appeared on TV One’s “Verses and Flow." He is the 2009 National Underground Poetry Slam Champion and 2010 Individual World Poetry Slam Champion.