Jasminne Mendez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jasminne Mendez
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Mendez at the 2022 Texas Book Festival.
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| Occupation | Poet, short story writer, author |
| Language | English, Spanish |
| Alma mater | University of Houston |
| Notable works | Night Blooming Jasmin(n)e: Personal Essays and Poems (2019), Island of Dreams (2013) |
| Notable awards | Best Young Adult Latino Focused Book |
Jasminne Mendez is an amazing Afro-Latino American writer, poet, and performer. She also teaches and helps other writers. Jasminne helped start a group called Tintero Projects, where she is the program director. She also co-hosts a podcast about poetry and writing called InkWell. Jasminne has received special honors from groups like CantoMundo and The Kenyon Review.
Contents
Early Life and School
Jasminne's parents moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1980. They were looking for a better life. Her father joined the United States Army and served for 22 years. Because her parents were immigrants, Jasminne grew up speaking both Spanish and English.
High School and College
Jasminne finished high school in San Antonio, Texas. Then, she moved to Houston to attend the University of Houston. She went to college from 2002 to 2007 on a special scholarship. She earned degrees in English Literature and Education.
While at the University of Houston, Jasminne wrote and performed her poetry. She also acted in many plays. Later, she earned another degree in Creative Writing from Pacific Lutheran University.
Jasminne's Career and Writing
Jasminne Mendez writes and performs to share the experiences of Afro-Latinos in the United States. She has written many short stories, poems, and books. Her writing has won several awards.
Books by Jasminne Mendez
Jasminne's first book is called Island of Dreams. It was published in 2013. This book is a mix of poetry and stories from her own teenage years. It talks about the challenges of growing up as an Afro-Latina in the United States. Island of Dreams is taught in schools across the country. In 2015, it won the Best Young Adult Latino Focused Book award.
Her second book, Night-Blooming Jasmin(n)e: Personal Essays & Poems, came out in 2019. This book is a memoir that explores her experiences with long-term health conditions. Jasminne was diagnosed with scleroderma and lupus when she was in her twenties. Night-Blooming Jasmin(n)e discusses how race, background, gender, and health conditions connect.
Plays and Performances
In 2019, Jasminne's play, City Without Altar, was read at a festival in Houston, Texas. This festival, called Sin Muros Latinx Theatre Festival, celebrates plays by Latino writers.
Jasminne has performed her poetry in many places. She has shared her work at universities like the University of Houston and University of Houston–Clear Lake. She has also performed at important places in Houston, including the Holocaust Museum Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Helping Other Writers
Jasminne is very active in the Houston art community. In 2016, she and her husband, Lupe Mendez, started Tintero Projects. This group helps new Latina/o poets and writers in Houston. In 2018, Jasminne also created a blog called Plátano Poetry Café. This blog helps share the work and experiences of Afro-Latina/o poets.
Awards and Honors
- Island of Dreams - Best Young Adult Latino Focused Book by the International Latino Book Awards (2015)
- COG Zine Best Poetry Prize (2017)
- City Without Altar - Helen C. Smith Memorial Award for Best Book of Poetry (2023)
Personal Life
Jasminne Mendez lives in the Houston area with her husband, Lupe Mendez, and their child.
See also
In Spanish: Jasminne Mendez para niños
