This is the Truth Riders Podcast. We are Maria Osorio and Barbara Victoria, a mentee and mentor from South America that met through Girls Write Now. Truth Riders is about arts & social justice.
Latinx Art & Writing
Strange Combination
Although this piece is not tied to the theme “Taking Our Place in History,” it does take place in my own history of living in a world where someone of my shade of color grows up Hispanic.
A Planted Scar
I dedicate this poem to my mom, Ana Vazquez. She sacrificed so much to help me become the woman I am. Even when we aren’t together, I know she’s giving me strength.
Siempre Boricua
This poem focuses on my experience growing up in Brooklyn, New York. It addresses the challenges and stereotypes that Puerto Ricans face in the neighborhood.
Las Manos de mi Mama
My whole life I have been fascinated with my mother’s hands and how they are changing over time. I decided to dedicate a poem to them.
Pozole
A heartwarming moment between a mother and daughter. Cooking pozole, a Mexican meal, and learning about their roots.
Translating
I have experienced translation as a fundamental phenomenon in my communication. I feel colonization living in my words.
La Niña y La Del Barrio
The privilege to read someone’s story is great, but what counts the most is the experience you leave with after you reach the last page.
you have been here before
An introspective piece about returning home and seeing the past through different eyes.
Serein: En Vida y En Muerte
This piece was inspired by a story my grandfather told me when I was younger about shape-shifting beasts in my home country of the Dominican Republic. I introduce you to both his world and a retelling of Mulan as we reach for a way to make our ancestors proud.
A Life Long Taxi Ride
Growing up I was raised in a very cultured and loving community. However, when I began to interact with the world outside my community, I became aware of the many issues people like me face daily.
Abuelo, Apples & Me
This piece looks at the way an unexpected Thanksgiving tradition was able to bring me and my grandfather closer.
bloom in
“bloom in” is a very serious piece, which is different from how I usually write and act. But it represents me. I took the piece and thought about all the videos and photos I had of myself, my family and my friends, and it was like two sides of me. The me that is figuring out who I am and questioning it all, and the me that shows my face every day.