‘Spic’ Controversy Puts Emanuel Xavier in the Spotlight

Emanuel Xavier is a super fierce pier queen and poet who effortlessly turns his experience into literary emissions of pride and passion.

And now, he writes me:

“I’ve been plagued by controversy over the use of the word ‘spic’ to promote a poetry event sponsored by El Museo del Barrio, even though I’ve only ever used it in a single poem within the context of empowerment and wasn’t even responsible for the title of the series [Spic Up/Speak Out].

“Scandals aside, a just released spoken word/music compilation, Legendary, will hopefully remind people why I’ve been known to flip some wigs and provoke as an activist and artist.”

By the way, the series has been carefully retitled Speak Up!/Speak Out!. Discuss, chicas.