In this episode Karen speaks with Richard Blanco, the fifth presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history. They discuss the role of poetry in society, the importance of cultural identity, and the impact of censorship on public education. Blanco shares insights from his experiences as a poet and educator, emphasizing the need for community empowerment and activism in the face of current challenges. The conversation concludes with reflections on hope and the resilience of democracy.

Conversation Highlights:

• Poetry can galvanize people together and provoke thought.
• Art, including poetry, bears witness to real stories and experiences.
• In times of crisis, poetry can offer hope and beauty.
• Education should provide historical context to empower students.
• Censorship in education disempowers future generations.
• Community engagement is crucial for activism and empowerment.
• Every generation faces its own challenges and must step up.
• Literature can help students understand their identity and history.
• Public humanities are essential for making art accessible to all.
• Optimism can stem from personal and collective histories of resilience.

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