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2021-2022 Events

Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton sitting in a vintage chair reading a book in front of an oak treePoetry Performance by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton
October 20, 2021
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Milam and Travis Room in the Welcome Center

Experience an evening of powerful poetry with Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, an award-winning poet and former Houston Poet Laureate. Known for her dynamic performances and evocative writing, Mouton’s work speaks to identity, resilience, and the human condition. This performance will showcase her signature blend of raw emotion and social commentary, drawing from her extensive body of work that challenges and inspires.

Through her lyrical voice, Mouton brings to life the struggles and triumphs of communities often left in the margins. Don’t miss this chance to witness a celebrated poet engage with the audience in a dynamic, intimate setting—a night that promises to resonate long after the performance ends

Sponsored by the Cultural Enrichment Center


10th Annual UHD Halloween Film Screening

October 28, 2021 at SUNDOWN (~7pm)
Distanced and Outside on UHD’s North Deck

Join UHD’s 9th Annual Outdoor Halloween Film Screening for a night of suspense and thrills. Enjoy spooky cinema under the stars with fellow film lovers. Bring : Blankets . Chairs . Friends . Costumes . Picnic

Contact: Prof. Chuck Jackson, jacksonchar@uhd.edu


Lyric in Translation
October 29, 2021
2:00 p.m.

Join us for a unique bilingual reading and Q&A session with poet Sergio Perez Torres and his translator, Stalina Villarreal. This event offers a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of poetry in two languages, as Torres’s vivid words are brought to life in both Spanish and English, offering audiences a deeper understanding of his work’s emotional depth and cultural resonance.

Moderated by Marisa Russon, director and cofounder of Nueva York Poetry Press, this session will explore the art of translation and the challenges of capturing the nuance and lyricism of one language into another. The event will also feature interpretation by UHD alum, Chris Flakus, ensuring accessibility and broad participation.

Cosponsored by the Cultural Enrichment Center and the Department of English, this reading celebrates the intersection of language, literature, and cultural exchange, making it an essential event for lovers of poetry, translation, and cross-cultural understanding.


Literature, Culture, Careers Speaker Series
The Archivist: A Creative Career
November 4, 2021 
2:30 p.m.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Mikaela Selley, an Independent Archivist and former Hispanic Collections Archivist at the Houston Metropolitan Research Center of the Houston Public Library. In this session, Mikaela will share her unique journey in the field of archiving, the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and how her creative approach to archiving has shaped her career.

As an expert in Hispanic collections, Mikaela will discuss the evolving role of archivists in modern society, how archives can serve as cultural bridges, and how creativity can be applied to a field that is both historically rooted and forward-thinking. Whether you’re interested in a career in history, culture, or information management, this conversation will provide valuable insights into the path of a creative professional in the archives world.


Spring 2022

Ross GayMulti-Genre Creative Writing Workshop with Ross Gay (Online)
Feb. 22, 2022
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Register to Attend

Join celebrated poet and essayist Ross Gay for an exciting online workshop where you can explore the art of multi-genre creative writing. With his dynamic style and thought-provoking approach, Gay will guide participants through the process of writing across genres, helping to unlock your creative potential and encouraging experimentation with poetry, essays, and other forms of nonfiction. This workshop will focus on generating ideas, finding your voice, and shaping your writing in new and unexpected ways.

As a winner of multiple awards, including the National Book Award finalist for Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, Gay brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the table. Whether you’re just beginning or an experienced writer, this session promises to inspire and challenge you to take your writing to new heights.

Reading and Q & A with Ross Gay

Feb. 22, 2022
2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
40,00 Windows Cafe
 in the W.I. Dykes Library
One Main Building, South 5th floor

Don’t miss the chance to hear Ross Gay read from his award-winning works and engage in a Q&A session. As a renowned poet and essayist, Gay’s work focuses on themes of joy, community, and the beauty of everyday life. In this intimate setting, Gay will share insights into his creative process, the themes that inform his work, and how he brings personal experience and social consciousness into his poetry.

This interactive session allows attendees to ask questions, gain a deeper understanding of Gay’s work, and explore the intersection of writing and social impact. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with one of today’s leading voices in contemporary literature.

Sponsored by
UHD Cultural Enrichment Center
Center for Social Inquiry & Transformation
UHD Department of English