MIDDLETOWN, NY — On January 21, 2013, Richard Blanco became a name and public voice in American history. As the Inaugural Poet, he stood at the lectern on the steps of the United States Capitol and read his poem “One Today” at the second inauguration of Barack Obama. He represented several communities as the first Latino and openly gay person to be an inaugural poet. 

He is an immigrant who came to the United States as an infant. Since that chilly January day, he has been honored with many poetry and literary awards, including a National Humanities Medal presented this past March by President Joe Biden. He was chosen by the Academy of American Poets as its first education ambassador. Besides his degrees in civil engineering and creative writing from Florida International University, he has been the recipient of honorary doctorates from Macalester College, the University of Rhode Island, the University of Southern Maine and Colby College. He has written more than a dozen books.

He believes language matters and chooses his words carefully and economically—as a poet says in a few words what many people need paragraphs to state. His theme remains unity and appreciation of our differences as spoken through his now-famous poem “One Today.” He advocates for LGBTQA rights, diversity, immigration, arts education, and cultural exchange.

In April 2014, he was a welcomed visitor to SUNY Orange. 

On Wednesday, October 4, in the Orange Hall Gallery, he will read during An Evening Reading with Richard Blanco.

Blanco will read “One Today” as well as selections from his new book, "Homeland of My Body." The program begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. It will be followed by a book signing with a variety of his books.

Cultural Affairs is co-sponsoring this event with the support of the Evelyn and John Morrison Charitable Fund, which is administered by the SUNY Orange Foundation. 

For questions, email Cultural Affairs at cultural@sunyorange.edu.  Visit sunyorange.edu/culturalaffairs.

Orange Hall is located at the corner of Wawayanda and Grandview Avenues, 24 Grandview Ave.