### Celebrated Mexican Poet Manuel Iris to Be Honored as “Distinguished Hispanic Writer of Ohio”
Mexican poet and essayist Manuel Iris is set to receive the “Distinguished Hispanic Writer of Ohio” recognition at the Ohio Latino Awards. This accolade celebrates his significant contributions to Hispanic culture and the community in Ohio.
The Ohio Latino Awards, organized by the Hispanic Cultural Center of Ohio in collaboration with a local magazine, have been highlighting and promoting Hispanic cultural richness in the United States for the past decade. The awards honor individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Hispanic culture and the community across various categories, including business, religion, community leadership, public figures, politics, visual arts, music, writing, and academia.
This year, four writers were recognized, all residing in different cities within Ohio: Venezuelan journalist and cultural promoter Lorena Mora-Mowry, Dominican poet Daniel Montoly, Costa Rican poet Mauricio Espinoza, and Mexican poet Manuel Iris.
Manuel Iris, born in Campeche, Mexico, in 1983, is a member of Mexico’s National System of Art Creators and was named Poet Laureate Emeritus of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he currently resides. Among his accolades are the National Poetry Prize “Mérida” in 2009 for his book “Cuaderno de los sueños” and the Regional Poetry Prize Rodulfo Figueroa for “Los disfraces del fuego” in 2014. Additionally, Iris was a finalist for the international poetry prize Ciudad de la Lira in Ecuador.
Iris has also been honored with the Reader’s Choice Award at the Ohioana Book Festival and received acknowledgments at the International Latino Book Awards in both 2018 and 2023. In March 2023, the Autonomous University of Chiapas released “Traductor del silencio,” a compilation of essays, reviews, and interviews by 23 authors analyzing Iris’s work.
The award ceremony will take place on Friday, September 27, in Columbus, Ohio.
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### Additional News: Recent Developments in Ohio’s Hispanic Literary Community
#### Ohio Latino Awards 2024: A Celebration of Hispanic Excellence
The Ohio Latino Awards have once again highlighted the immense contributions of Hispanic individuals to various sectors. This year, the event shone a spotlight on several outstanding figures, including Venezuelan journalist Lorena Mora-Mowry and poets Daniel Montoly from the Dominican Republic and Mauricio Espinoza from Costa Rica. Their works have significantly enriched Ohio’s cultural landscape, offering diverse perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of Hispanic heritage.
#### Manuel Iris: Achievements Beyond Borders
Manuel Iris continues to garner international acclaim, further cementing his status as a leading voice in contemporary poetry. Beyond his awards and recognitions within the United States, Iris’s work has made waves globally, with translations and publications expanding his influence and readership. His commitment to literary excellence and cultural advocacy positions him as a key figure in the broader dialogue around Hispanic arts and letters.
#### Future Prospects for Hispanic Writers in Ohio
The recognition of Hispanic writers in Ohio, like Iris and his contemporaries, underscores a growing appreciation for multicultural narratives within the American literary landscape. Initiatives such as the Ohio Latino Awards play a crucial role in providing platforms for these voices, ensuring their stories and contributions are celebrated and preserved for future generations.
For more updates and in-depth coverage of Hispanic contributions in Ohio, stay tuned to TJGringo.com.