Xánath Caraza gathered the African roots of Mexico when she created and recited the enthralling poem, entitled "Yanga," named after the leader of the slave rebellion in Mexico during the early stages of the Spanish colonial rule. "Yanga" includes Caraza's new short story collection, "Lo Que Trae La Marea/What the Tide Brings," a piece of work that beckons remembrance and is inspired by the rhythms of Caraza's home state of Veracruz, Mexico, and African history.

Caraza is an educator, a poet, a traveler, and a creator of short stories; and she's shared her works across the globe, imparting her talent on Brazil, China, Mexico, Spain and the States. The reading that took place on Nov. 8 at Indigo Bridge Bookstore in Lincoln, Nebraska, was observed by the public -including doting students from a Chicana and Chicano literature class, and the class' teacher, Amelia M.L. Montes, who later had the opportunity to talk with the talent about her works, her awards and her history.

Caraza spoke about her indigenous roots, her interest in linguistic expression, education, race, women's rights and origin. Non-fluent in Nahuatl, but acquainted with the language, she often tries to use what of the language she does know in her creative writing, so that she can celebrate her roots. She also discussed the legend of Macuilxochitzin, who is "the only female, Aztec poet historically recognized;" also the writer Louis Reyes Rivera, who she once saw read in Kansas City.

"He was a professor, an excellent performer, a Latino, Puerto Rican, and not just Latino, African Latino.  The combination of everything that makes up who he is was key for me.  In a manner, he summarized in life, right in front of my eyes, what I was looking for.  As I have mentioned before, I have an indigenous background and Spanish, too. As well, I know I have an African background, both from northern Africa and because of the fact that I am from Veracruz and through the Port of Veracruz the people who were enslaved were brought to Mexico.  I likely have African blood for that reason, too. When I heard Louis Reyes Rivera read his work, I was completely moved," Caraza said of Louis Reyes Rivera.

Her meeting with Rivera encouraged self-reflection and the development of her latest book release. Caraza also credits translators Stephen Holland-Wempe and Sandra Kingery, who helped to translate some of her work and her editor at Mouthfeel Press, Maria Mirada Maloney, who inspired to her to utilize her female voice during the process.

The writer touches on the topics of history, the sea, language, the tropics, social issues, and femininity in "What the Tide Brings In." She browses the depths of creative influence, ethnicity, diversity and the spoken word.

The importance of being aware of writers such as Caraza and understanding the importance of ethnic studies resonates with the fact that though the two appear to be separate acts, they are one in the same. By reading stories and poetry by creative figures, Latinos can gain a sense of ethnic 'knowing' that they can't earn when reading tradition history books. To closely examine dynamic poetry is to see ones history reflected back at oneself.