Rane Arroyo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rane Arroyo
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| Born | November 15, 1954 Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Died | May 7, 2010 Toledo, Ohio. United States |
| Occupation | poet, performer, playwright, professor |
| Nationality | American |
| Notable works | Pale Ramón |
| Notable awards | Carl Sandburg Poetry Prize |
Ramón Arroyo (born November 15, 1954 – died May 7, 2010) was an American writer, poet, and teacher. He was of Puerto Rican background and wrote many books, winning several literary awards. He taught English and creative writing at the University of Toledo in Ohio. Ramón Arroyo often wrote about important topics like moving to a new country (immigration), Latino culture, and his own life experiences. He was open about his identity and often wrote stories and poems that shared his personal journey. He was the long-term partner of the American poet Glenn Sheldon.
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About Ramón Arroyo
Ramón Arroyo was born in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were from Puerto Rico. He started his career in the 1980s by performing his art in galleries in Chicago. Later, he became very well known for his poetry.
He earned his Ph.D. (a high-level degree) in English from the University of Pittsburgh. For his Ph.D., he studied how Latino writers were creating new and important literature in Chicago. He also helped lead the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP), which supports writers and writing programs.
Ramón Arroyo gave his last public poetry reading on March 31, 2010. His final words to the audience were: "Live. Then Write." These words were very important to him, and he encouraged his students to live by them too.
He passed away on May 7, 2010, due to a sudden illness.
Ramón Arroyo's Books
Ramón Arroyo wrote many different kinds of books, including poetry, short stories, and plays.
Poetry Books
- Columbus's Orphan (1993)
- The Singing Shark (1996)
- Pale Ramón (1998)
- Home Movies of Narcissus (2002)
- The Portable Famine (2005)
- The Roswell Poems (2008)
- Same-Sex Séances (2008)
- The Buried Sea: New & Selected Poems (2008)
- The Sky's Weight (2009)
- White as Silver: Poems (2010)
Short Story Book
- How to Name a Hurricane (2005)
Plays
Ramón Arroyo wrote and had many plays performed, including The Amateur Virgin, Buddha and the Señorita, and Tiara Tango. Some of his plays were also published in books, such as:
- Dancing at Funerals: Selected Plays (2010)
Awards and Honors
Ramón Arroyo received many awards for his writing throughout his career. Some of his notable awards include:
- 1985: Jane Chambers Playwriting Award for Other Couples: Three One-Act Plays
- 1991: 1st Prize, Hart Crane Memorial Award for his poem "Le Mal de Siam"
- 1993: George Houston Bass Drama Award for his play The Amateur Virgin
- 1997: Carl Sandburg Poetry Award for The Singing Shark
- 1997: Pushcart Prize for his poem "Breathing Lessons"
- 2004: Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Prize/1st Place for Winter Wear (The Immigrants)
- 2004–05: John Ciardi Poetry Prize for his poetry collection, The Portable Famine
- 2009: Inducted into the Ohio Center of the Book
- 2009: The International Latino Literary Prize: Honorable Mention in Poetry for The Buried Sea: New and Selected Poems
His Legacy
After Ramón Arroyo passed away, his work continued to inspire others.
- In 2012, Seven Kitchens Press created the Rane Arroyo Chapbook Prize. This award is given to new, unpublished poetry collections.
- In 2015, Ramón Arroyo was honored by being added to the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame.
See also
- List of Puerto Rican writers
- List of Latin American writers
- List of Puerto Ricans
- Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States
- American poetry
- LGBT literature
- Puerto Rican literature
