Acclaimed Poet, Author & Translator; National Book Award Winner for Poetry; Professor of English at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Franklin County, MA, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Martín Espada Biography

Martín Espada is recognized for his contributions as a socially engaged poet, author, editor, essayist, and translator. Espada has published more than 20 books, building a body of work noted for its political engagement and humanistic perspective. A former tenant lawyer in the Greater Boston area's Latino community, Espada brings advocacy and moral urgency to his poetry, reflecting his commitment to social justice and Latino literature.

Espada's first poetry collection, "The Immigrant Iceboy's Bolero," featured photographs by his father. His subsequent books, including "Trumpets from the Island of Their Eviction," "Rebellion Is the Circle of a Lover's Hands," and "City of Coughing and Dead Radiators," have received critical attention. "Rebellion Is the Circle of a Lover's Hands" won the PEN/Revson Award and the Paterson Poetry Prize, while "Imagine the Angels of Bread" received an American Book Award and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.

His published works also include "A Mayan Astronomer in Hell's Kitchen," "Alabanza: New and Selected Poems, 1982–2002," "The Republic of Poetry," "The Trouble Ball," "Vivas to Those Who Have Failed," and "Floaters," which won the National Book Award for Poetry. The collection "Alabanza" earned the Paterson Award for Sustained Literary Achievement and was named an American Library Association Notable Book of the Year; its title poem, addressing the events of 9/11, has been widely anthologized and performed. "The Republic of Poetry" was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Espada's collection "Jailbreak of Sparrows" was published by Alfred A. Knopf. He has also edited anthologies such as "El Coro: A Chorus of Latino and Latina Poetry," "Poetry Like Bread: Poets of the Political Imagination," and "His Hands Were Gentle: Selected Lyrics of Víctor Jara." His essay collection, "Zapata's Disciple," was banned in Tucson as part of the Mexican-American Studies Program.

Espada received the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize from the Poetry Foundation, becoming the first Latino recipient of the honor. His additional recognitions include a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Gustavus Myers Outstanding Book Award, an Independent Publisher Book Award, two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships, the Shelley Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of America, and the Academy of American Poets Fellowship. Espada also appeared in "The People Speak," a documentary based on Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States."

Espada's poetry often addresses issues affecting socially, economically, and racially marginalized individuals, using narrative to highlight themes of social justice, Latino identity, and political activism. He has spoken widely about poetry as a persuasive force that stirs emotions, awakens the senses, and conveys transformative ideas. Espada is a professor of English at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he continues to influence the fields of poetry, literature, and social advocacy. His work demonstrates the enduring power of verse to bear witness, challenge injustice, and give voice to marginalized communities.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 06/04/2026.

Martín Espada Videos

Martin Espada-Alabanza - YouTube

Martin Espada-Alabanza - YouTube

Connections Literary Series College of Southern Maryland, Martin Espada, The Republic of Poetry, November 2, 2007

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  • What topics does Martín Espada speak about?

    Martín Espada is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Anti-Racism, Author, DEI, Hispanic Heritage, Non-Fiction Authors, Poetry, Professors, Social Activism, Storytelling
  • Where does Martín Espada travel from?

    Martín Espada generally travels from Franklin County, MA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Martín Espada is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Martín Espada for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Martín Espada generally travels from Franklin County, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Rigoberto González, Joe McClain Jr., Eduardo Bonilla Silva, Mercedez Holtry and Melania Luisa Marte. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Martín Espada for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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