Luna Inmigrante Book Launch & Poetry Reading

Poet and Fairfax alumna, Virginia Bulacio, worked with the Greenway Arts Alliance team to create a book launch and poetry reading event at MTP centered around the experience of people who immigrated to Los Angeles from Latin America.  This event is so special to us because Virginia and her brother Ezequiel Leanza are Fairfax High School Alumni, AND her parents and extended family have sold at the Melrose Trading Post for over two decades.  Virginia grew up here, and we’re so proud to present her latest work.

Virginia brought together poets Jesenia Chavez, Jona Velasquez and Viviana Escobar to read their poetry on stage in celebration of the launch of her poetry book, “Luna Inmigrante.”  Each poet presented a poem of their experience as an immigrant in Los Angeles on the Greenway Amphitheater Stage at the Melrose Trading Post, in front of the vibrant crowd.

The crowd included a very special guest, Miss Ritvo, the stylish  ESL teacher who made a big positive impact on Virginia’s life at Fairfax High School.  She is the proud teacher wearing the fabulous red hat in the photos who introduced Virginia to works like Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street (a Greenway favorite).

Virginia’s booth was beautifully decorated, matching the cover of her book.  Virginia’s father, Juan Leanza of @handmadetables in B130 created a custom shelf and wooden book holders for the occasion.  She shared the booth with poet and author Jesenia Chavez who was showcasing her latest book, “This Poem Might Save You (Me).”  Learn more about Jesenia’s book here.

About the Poets

🌙 @virginiabulacio   🌙 @chabemucho   🌙 @jonazeuqsalev   🌙 @manabreathwork 🌙

Poetry Reading on the Greenway Amphitheater

Luna Inmigrante Book Launch Photos