I've never been arrested, and I think
that would change my life if I had.
And I've never been on trial, and I
think that would even be more significant.
And if I were on trial, I've never faced a $1.25 million
fine, and 25 years in prison.
And I'm very proud to announce and introduce you
to Demetria Martinez who has, in fact, had that experience.
And if you think of what that would do to you as a writer,
as a person-- to reflect on life and its importance,
the importance of individuals around us--
I think you can understand what makes her so good.
Demetria, thank you for joining us today,
and we truly appreciate your time.
Writers have a responsibility to speak for those
who do not have a voice.
It's evident to me that we can expand
on these words of Demetria Martinez.
For she not only lives up to that responsibility,
she elevates speaking for those who
do not have a voice to the level of a personal privilege
and passion.
Asking her the question, what is your philosophy of writing,
would be putting the cart before the horse.
The proper question would be, what
is your philosophy of liberation?
For her writing is just the how.
Her reporting is just the how.
The what is promoting social justice for the individual,
but also through the connections that we all
have with one another.
In word and action, Demetria gives voice
to people for whom many have no ears to hear.
She's most known for her novel Mother Tongue, her collection
of essays entitled Confession of a Berlitz-Tape Chicana,
and two books of poetry, Breathing Between the Lines
and The Devil's Workshop.
With Enlace Comunitario, serving victims of domestic violence,
she's also involved in many other personal pursuits.
Demetria, thank you for your work.