Carlos Andréas Gómez, Columbian-American author, speaker and poet returns to Indiana University Kokomo on Oct. 2.
The Multicultural Center hosted him as part of their social justice speaker series. 
Goméz held the attention of the room as he articulated his poems. Each was an expression of hardships he faces and how he processes what is out of his control: race, gender, ethnicity, religion, learning challenges, etc… This started a conversation about inclusiveness in the workplace and stressing the importance of empathy.
“He is a very relatable person, and even if you are not hispanic you can find his poems and experience helpful when dealing with everyday life” says Juliana Estrada, president of the Latinos Unidos club.
Goméz explained that embracing your own differences includes embracing the differences of others as well. According to him, it is important to pay attention to how people pronounce and spell their names. This simple effort ensures that people do not have to give up a part of themselves to “fit in”, an important lesson in inclusivity.
Goméz didn’t do all the talking, he opened the floor for students to share their experiences. Though he had some helpful advice to give, he was mainly concerned with listening and connecting with the students’ stories.
“A message IUK should take is that we all must be proud of where we came from and who we are. To be ourselves with no shame of who we are,” says Estrada.
To learn more about Goméz visit his website. To listen to his poetry visit his YouTube Channel.
